“No, never again, although I’m sorry. I didn’t realise you spoke with Senna about dressing casually. I’ve arranged for something. If it’s overstepping, you’re within your rights not to speak to me for the rest of the week.”
At a knock on the door, she glances over her shoulder, her dark hair sweeping with her.
The entire marketing department stands outside my office, their arms full of Coulter F1 Racing–branded sportswear. “Just leave it in the corner.”
They drop off hoodies, T-shirts, caps, jogging bottoms, and more.
“Thank you.”
Rosie’s mouth drops as she looks between me and the clothes in the corner of the room.
“Obviously, you can wear anything you want from now on. I hate dressing smart, but often I try to match Senna.”And impress you.“Fuck that. Joggers for me, unless I have an important meeting. I’m sorry I didn’t offer you branded items sooner. You don’t have to wear any of it, but if you want to, it’s all yours.”
She rocks on her heels. “Are you sure?”
“Of course. I want you to be happy.” She stares at the clothes as I stutter, “Because a happy assistant is the best kind of assistant. Help yourself to the clothes.”
She rushes to the piles with a spring in her step and rummages like she’s at a jumble sale. Occasionally, she holds up something before tucking it under her arm. She giggles at the branded pyjamas and tucks them under her arm, too. The tightness in my shoulders eases. Senna suggested she’d be okay with it.
Rosie eyeballs me as she holds up a small T-shirt. “I’m not a size six.”
I shrug. “I got all the sizes we had. I don’t know your size.” Because I spend every day trying not to stare at the bottom I held as we kissed. “But if something will fit Tabi or your housemate, take it. Everything in that pile is yours. I asked them to bring our branded children’s clothes, too, as I thought you said Tabi was four.” She grabs a couple of bits, including some of our retro stock.
“Thank you. I love it all. I’ll take a few things for her. She has too many growth spurts.”
“I’m glad you’ve managed toddlers before,” I say with a wink. I like that she sees me as a toddler. Maybe she’s helping me be who I was before.
She rolls her eyes, but she can’t stop her beaming smile. “Sorry again for overreacting.”
I hold my hands up. “Totally on me. I’m learning, and although I’m trying my best, I’m going to fuck up. We’re in this together for better or worse, if you’re happy with that.”
She grins, and the corners of my mouth pull up.
CHAPTER 23
Rosie
“Thank you for dinner, Dad.” I help move the dirty plates to the kitchen and then pass them to him as he fills the dishwasher.
“It was my pleasure. It’s lovely to have you and Tabi visit.”
“Can we play hide and seek?” Tabi asks.
“No. I’m chatting with your mum.” I raise my eyebrows at him as he whispers, “She must have cheated last time. She found me too easily.”
“There’s a colouring-in book in my bag, Tabi. It’s a princess one. Why don’t you colour while I chat with Grandad?”
“Grumpy, grumpy Grandad,” Tabi sings, earning me a glare.
“Sasha started it.”
He rolls his eyes. “A likely story. How are you?”
“She’s tired,” Mum grumbles. My shoulders tighten, but I smile. I don’t want an argument. I’m already wired because Niki’s in Japan, preparing for his first professional drive since the accident. The messages he’s sent as he travelled are littered with his anxiety.
I check my phone. He’ll leave for the track in three hours. I’m available for him all night if necessary. His counsellor is, too. But we can’t change anything if he’s not ready.
Tabi’s crayons scatter across the floor, drawing me out of my Niki daze.
