He gives a knowing nod. “It’s true.” He shrugs, his arms resting on the bar as he locks his eyes on the yachts.
“Yeah, I am thinking you might be right,” I say, rolling my lips, “but I’ve told Nora to tell her to stay away.”
“Oh.”
I scrub my face, annoyance biting at my skin. “Yeah, I can’t go back now… can I?”
Kai turns to look at me, hand on his hip as he tilts his head slightly. “Course you can. I am sure she would love to come and being honest, she is probably butt hurt that you told her you didn’t want her there.” His words ring true.
“I asked her to meet me after her signing.”
He raises a brow. “Yeah, I did hear, I mean, not that I was eavesdropping or anything.”
“She shot me down.” I snort a laugh.
“I don’t think she shot you down.” Kai rolls his eyes.
“Well, she didn’t say yes.”
“Probably because she is with her friends.” He nudges his shoulder into me, tilting his head back for me to follow.
“Hungry?” I ask as we begin walking back to the apartments.
“Always, my man, shall we get food?”
“Yeah, I need to kill some time.” I curl my hand around the back of my neck and give it a squeeze. “I’ve got Athena on the mind.”
I like how I can speak to him about it. I feel comfortable enough to open up to him. We get on so much better since he left Saint Onyx and we’re not team mates anymore. We had our moments when we raced together, but nothing like Cowan and me. I can’t stand him.
We sit inQuai des Artistesand we’re tucked at the back. I don’t really feel like conversing with anyone other than Kai. I’m not massive in the F1 world, but my popularity has definitely grown more in the last year or so. I used to be able to walk down a street and have the odd person notice me, I remember feeling down about it, but now, I think I would kind of like my privacy back. Don’t get me wrong, I still don’t feel like we’re in the spotlight as much as other sports, but we do get captured.
“What are you having?” Kai asks, nose buried in the menu.
“Not sure,” I sigh, nothing is really appealing to me.
The waiter hovers and Kai orders sparkling water for the table. He orders a steak, I copy. I’m hungry but I’ve also kind of lost my appetite.
We fall into easy conversation and talk about our upcoming race. Monaco is one of the most prestigious races on thecalendar. The mighty rich seem to come out more to this one than others. A tight street circuit with very little room to overtake, this race is all about where you qualify. If we can qualify in the top three, we have a good chance but fuck, I will need luck in my side this weekend to get a top three start.
And that’s why I needed Athena at the race.
My lucky charm.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Athena
I should have stoppedafter the third bottle of wine. I didn’t need to drink as much as I did, but here we are. We’ve all linked arms, bumping off each other and giggling.
I didn’t know how much I needed this night until I was in it. My intimate signing was epically good. Edel took a tonne of photos and Anaïs said she was going to update my socials. As days go, this one was pretty perfect.
My fingers are still tightly gripping the giftbag Royce gave me. I haven’t opened it yet. I felt like I should wait until I am sober and I can appreciate it. I would probably cry. I am feeling ever so fragile.
Anaïs spots Alexandre hovering by the door, his eyes widening as he sees the four of us swaying towards him.
“Alex!” Anaïs calls out, letting go of Nora as she runs towards him.
“Mademoiselle!” His voice is loud.
