“Cool.” It’s like I’m watching myself get replaced.
Graham woofs at me.
“I’ve had a long day. I might head home soon.”
“You could stay,” Rosie says. “It’s nearly Tabi’s bedtime.”
“Can I read her a bedtime story? Do you like stories, Tabi?” Scott asks.
“I love stories. And I love princesses. My favourite is Belle.”
Scott beams. “Shall I read youBeauty and the Beast? I bet I can do a great Beast voice.”
“Niki and I need to chat. Take Scott to the slide,” Rosie says to Tabi. She’s barely finished her sentence before Tabi grabs Scott and drags him away.
My chest hurts at the way she grips his hand. He doesn’t need sanitiser to hold his kid’s hand. Realising I’ll always be a burden to Tabi, I say, “Rosie, we need some time apart.”
Her face drops so briefly, I question what I saw. She stills her features. “Because of Vessa.”
“No, because…” I stutter. “Why did you say because of Vessa?”
“Because you need to follow your dreams,” she replies matter-of-factly.
“My dreams include you.” I’m supposed to break up with her for her benefit. Her cool tones and relaxed stance suggest she seems fine with letting me go. “But don’t turn this around and say it’s about my dreams. We both know I can’t be the man you and Tabi need.”
“What? When have I ever said that?”
“You don’t need to. One hour with Scott and you’re like a family.”
Her eyes burn, and her limbs shake. “No, Niki. Don’t make out I’ve done something wrong when you’re using this as an excuse to return to your old life. You love racing. It’s your dream and passion. It also means you focus less on other things. They matter less to you. This is about the thing you love.”
My heart stumbles. “I love you. I’ll always love you. I’m setting you free.”
“I don’t need to be set free. I need commitment for me and Tabi. I need you to show up.”
“Exactly. And I can’t be that guy.”
I reach out to grab her, but she pulls away. “I need sanitiser. I dealt with gross stuff earlier.”
“This is my point. I can’t be the guy who?—”
“Rosie,” Scott shouts, “Tabi’s throwing up.”
“That would be all the ice cream and the swing,” I mumble, which earns me a glare from Rosie.
Rosie and I rush to where Tabi vomits. “Oh no. There’s a stomach bug going around Tabi’s preschool. I thought it had missed her. It’s a contagious little bugger,” Rosie whispers. “You should go.”
I freeze. “I want to help. I’ve got PPE in the car. Or maybe it’s at home.” I pant. It’s like germs are crawling across my clammy skin.
I keep my distance as Rosie picks up a sobbing Tabi and holds her close.
“No, Niki. I can’t have you getting ill before Hungary. Missing that race will impact your future career and damage Coulter’s position in the construction championship.”
“You’re always caring about everyone else.” I sigh.
“It’s my job, the same job I’ll have even though we’re not dating because you said you need space.”
Before I can tell her I’m a prick who doesn’t know what he wants, she carries Tabi to what I presume is Scott’s car.
