I couldn’t fuck up. I needed to make sure me and this car got on. There was no room for mistakes. Not for this season.
“I’m ready,” I mutter as the speakers kick in and the seat vibrates. “Let’s go.”
Chapter Twelve
Athena
I feellike my feet haven’t touched the ground since Monday morning. I have followed Royce around like a puppy dog and it wasn’t even the race weekend yet. Collapsing onto my bed, I let out a heavy sigh. I feel wrecked. Tapping my phone, I call Edel and she answers almost instantly.
“I am so sorry,” I mutter as I roll onto my front.
“Why?” I hear the concern in her voice.
“I’ve been a crap friend,” I admit, chest heavy.
“You’re working, I don’t expect to hear from you every minute of every day.”
“I know,” I whisper, “it’s just been non-stop, and I haven’t even told you what Royce and I have agreed to do.”
The sound of an incoming video call rings in my ear and I pull the phone away and answer.
“What have you done?” Her brows are raised, her eyes wide as she stares at me through the screen.
“It’s not a big deal.” I wince.
“That means it’s a big deal,” she rambles, lowering herself down on the sofa.
“We’ve agreed to fake date,” I rush out. There is no point even trying to sugar coat it. Better to just tell her straight.
“You what?” Her voice is barely audible, and I put it down to shock.
“Yeah.”
“Athena!” she whisper shouts. “What are you doing?”
“Just to help him out. We had a heart-to-heart and things kind of got a little deep and yeah, next thing I know I am signing NDAs and contracts.” Hearing myself say it out loud, I can see the red flags being waved.
“You’re an idiot.”
“I know.” I nod before face planting the duvet.
“Actually, you’re a knob.” She throws in for good measure.
“Mmhmm.” The sound is lost in the bed.
“What is in this for you?”
Lifting my face, I rest my cheek on my hand. “A good book, hopefully.”
“Fuck my life.” She puffs her cheeks out. “The sooner I get out there, the better.”
My ears prick. “You’re coming to Australia?” Excitement laces my voice.
“No, I didn’t mean Australia, just meant with you, in general. Next thing I know you’ll be married in Vegas.”
I ponder the thought…
“Don’t you dare!” She laughs.
