Subject:RE: Unique Indy 500 Sponsorship Opportunity! [May 16, 3:31 p.m.]
Dear Ms. Williams,
Thank you for contacting River Run Grocery Stores about sponsorship opportunities. Unfortunately, we are already committed to our yearly marketing budget and have no room to accommodate your request.
We wish you the best of luck in your endeavors.
Sincerely,
Seth Popolous
Director of Marketing
River Run Grocery Stores
Full of Food, Fun, & Family Values™
Davenport, Iowa
Chapter 26
8 days until the Indianapolis 500
Mack held her elbows, arms crossed defensively as she and Leo walked past the Pagoda. Leo hardly said a word to her, other than to inform her that Janet wanted them both at the team trailer. She’d said goodbye to her family, ignoring Kelley, and followed Leo toward the makeshift JJR office. She stayed equally quiet, not wanting the conversation to come, the one that would likely ruin their friendship and certainly kill any attraction he had for her. But instead of turning left toward the rows and rows of haulers, Leo turned right.
“Aren’t we supposed to—”
“Let’s go somewhere quieter first,” Leo said. He pointed toward the infield museum, and while Mack didn’t see how the wide-open area would provide any privacy, she followed him anyway. She had a feeling she’d follow him too far for her own good, if she gave in and let herself.
“Leo, I’m sorry.”
His dark brows drew down in a quizzical look. “Why are you apologizing?”
Mack blinked. “Because ... I didn’t tell you I have a daughter.”
He was quiet a moment. “I figured you’d tell me when you were ready.” He cleared his throat and the tips of his ears turned boyishly red. The sun glinted on his black hair, a handful of copper threads highlighted by the bright sky. For a stupid moment, Mack wondered whatmight have happened if they’d met when they were younger, before he’d earned those lines by his mouth. “I read it. On social media.”
“It’s on social media that I have a kid?”
Leo’s face turned a shade of scarlet she’d never seen on him. “You were right. People are crazy online.”
Fucking social media. She could only imagine what else people had said about her. She wanted Leo to see her how he had that first day, brave and bold and as a driver he respected. Now, she could only imagine what he thought about her.
“I don’t know why I didn’t tell you about her. I didn’t try to hide her from you.” Mack stared down at her own feet as they walked. “I wanted to be ... just me.”
Even as she said the words, she knew they weren’t accurate. They weren’t complete. Because motherhood was inextricably part of who Mack was now.Shaw—getting to love her and be loved by her, to watch her grow and live and blossom—was an essential piece of Mack.
“I’m glad I got to meet her,” Leo said, leading them around to the grounds in front of the museum. “Apparently I’m her favorite driver.”
“Don’t get cocky,” Mack warned. “She’s ten. She likes the star pattern on your car.” Leo pointed to the giant fountain bordering the museum, and they sat on the concrete lip containing the pool of water. The sound of the bubbling water drowned out the din of the paddock. “Shaw’s a great kid. Sweet and laid back and funny. It sounds lazy, but she’s an easy kid.”
“She told me that she wasn’t sure if she wanted to be a horse rancher or run a butterfly garden.”
“Last month it was an astronaut. She’s so curious. She likes school and loves to read. She’s smart like my sister.” It felt good to talk about Shaw, to share this piece of herself. She gave herself a moment to enjoy telling Leo about her daughter, to enjoy his smile as he learned about Shaw. But it was qualification day, and soon enough it would be race day, and then they would move on from each other. She glanced at Leo,not wanting to say what she knew she had to say. “She’s the other reason why we can’t ...” She flicked a finger back and forth between them.
Leo frowned. “I like kids. My godsons would have you know that I’m the greatest Uncle Leo they’ve ever had. I told you, I don’t scare easily.”
“Leo,” she pleaded.
