“No,” said Isaac. “About me. You’re jealous that Anna spends so much time with me.” How could his brother think that Anna could replace the bond they had with each other? His love for Anna was different. Not a replacement.
“What the hell are you talking about?” Vince’s eyes skated to the side again, looking past Isaac to the door. “You got your apology. Let’s call it a day.” He stepped toward the exit.
Isaac grabbed Vince’s rock-solid arm, rigid with tension. This wasn’t easy for either of them, but they weren’t done. Not when everything between them was still unsettled. He needed to make him understand. “Our whole lives, I’ve gone along with whatever you wanted. I trained when you trained, and I rode when you rode. I race because that’s what you wanted me to do. My life is all about you and what you want.” He took a deep breath, waiting to see if his brother answered.
Vince remained silent, his face closed and unfathomable.
Isaac continued. “We’re in our thirties and still live together like college roommates. Not adults. I don’t even have a home now that I moved out. Just some place I’m staying. That’s not right. I need to figure out my own life and stop living yours.” He’d said bits of this before but had never said it all. He wanted Vince to understand. “You might not need more than racing, but I do. It’s not enough.”
Vince turned around and washed his hands. He looked up as he turned off the water and met Isaac’s gaze in the mirror. “Training without you is kinda lonely.”
Isaac nodded, some of his anger deflating. “I’d still rather train together most of the time, too. I miss having you as a friend and training partner. But you have to accept Anna. It’s non-negotiable.”
Vince faced him and raised his eyebrows.
“She’s the one, Vince. We need more time, and she’s got stuff to work out with her ex, but she’s a big part of my future. We’re in love.”
Vince tugged on his ear again and looked at the floor. “I’ll apologize. Tonight.”
Isaac hugged his brother, as always surprised to discover that though he was the younger brother, he was so much taller. Vince had always seemed larger than life, someone with authority and to look up to, but he was just his brother. And like anyone, he was fallible and only human.
“I’m sorry things have been tough the last few weeks. I’ve missed you too.” Vince squeezed back, tighter than Isaac remembered him doing before.
The two of them returned to the table together, causing Anna to shoot Isaac a questioning look, but he smiled to let her know everything was fine. She’d known about his plan to talk. They both sat down. “Vince has something that he’d like to say.” Isaac watched his brother, hoping he’d follow through with a proper apology.
Catarina pursed her lips and rose to her feet. “Want me to go?”
Anna shook her head, and Catarina returned to her seat. She looked thoughtful. Vince seldom said sorry. She must not have heard the rumors either, or she would have reported Spencer.
“Anna,” said Vince, “I’m sorry. I was jealous of the time you spend with my brother, and I said crude and unwarranted things. I was out of line.” His dark eyes held contrition. “I don’tdeserve it, but I’m hoping you can forgive me and give me a second chance. I should have trusted Isaac’s judgment.”
“I accept your apology” Anna’s voice tightened, and her eyes glistened.
Isaac could tell she was emotional about Vince’s change of heart. She picked up her ice water, the ice cubes clinking, and drank. It was time to change the topic, though he would have to tell her about Spencer’s accusations. She liked Catarina, but Anna wouldn’t like anyone to be there when he told her. Besides, this was too personal to talk about in public. She might get upset. It might even set off another meltdown.
How could he tell Anna that Spencer was spreading rumors about her? Isaac didn’t want to cause her pain. She’d done nothing to deserve this malicious gossip. Maybe he could take care of it without her having to know. He would confront Spencer after the race tomorrow, before the summer break. Isaac would let him know any further harassment wouldn’t be tolerated. That way, there could be a fresh start when they returned in August. Anna didn’t need to be involved in something so unpleasant. She didn’t need to be hurt any more by awful people.
The next day, during the race day warm-up session, Isaac couldn’t look at Spencer. He wanted to punch the smug asshole in the face. Of course, he wouldn’t. He didn’t believe in resorting to violence, but he needed to speak to Spencer privately. It took all his willpower not to confront him. He wanted this dealt with, but it wouldn’t be appropriate to talk to the Aussie on the grid. He’d aim for the hotel, after the race. The sooner he warned the man to leave Anna alone, the better.
...
Sunday, with an hour left before the race, making sure the camera crews were around, Isaac walked out the front of his box and into Vince’s. They’d planned this last night. His brother was dressed in his leathers and watching the tail end of the Moto2 race on the screen. With Isaac’s arrival, Vince jumped to his feet and strode across the garage. They stood around for a couple of minutes, making small talk about the race as they watched the last lap together on a different screen. Veterans, rather than up-and-comers, dominated the Moto2 championship, so they knew the contenders well. At the end of the race, the brothers shook hands. At least one camera was aimed in their direction.
“See you on the track,” said Isaac with a wink.
“May the best man win,” said Vince with a toothy camera smile.
“Maybe that will be me today,” said Isaac. “I can’t let you steal all the headlines.”
Vince shoved his shoulder playfully.
Their banter felt so civilized after the angst of the last month.
A smile tugged at Isaac’s face as he left. A weight had lifted from his shoulders since last night’s conversation with Vince. He would deal with the Spencer issue after the race and, hopefully, leave this problem behind.
For now, it was time to get into his pre-race routine and shut everything else from his mind. He’d never found himself in this position before. As he put in his headphones, he grinned. He was second in the championship before the summer break. He’d made up with his brother, and when he shot a look at Anna across the crowded garage, his heart leaped at her answering smile. She was happy for him. How had he gotten so lucky?
Pre-race proceeded as planned. The hum of activity washed over him, and he tuned it all out. Today he and Vince were both starting from the front row. The weather was sunny and warm, though not as hot as the previous two races in Barcelona and Germany. He’d be glad for the break and time at the beach—he just needed to focus for one more race. Then he was free for a month. Maybe time alone would be what Anna needed to open up about her past. He still had no idea what had happened to her parents. Had they died?
