I look up to her. Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s the ability to recognize it and deal with it in the appropriate way. Thanks to my princess, I’m fearless.
Chapter 29
Forever
CHANCE
Suzuka, Japan
One year later
“Ok, I’m ready to go out. Sorry for the wait.” I run a hand through my hair. “My tux jacket had gotten all creased in my luggage.”
Lev chuckles from the plush chair he’s sprawled on in our hotel suite. “You’re such a pretty boy sometimes. It’s surprising how much you care about getting all dolled up.”
I flip him off, but he knows it’s all in good humor. “Whatever. When I get all the best endorsements in LA, you’ll see why it pays off to always look your best.”
“That’s two years away.” Lev reminds me. “We may have been drafted, but you know the deal. Our parents will support our NHL dreams as long as we graduate college first.”
“Yeah, yeah.” I sigh. “I get why your parents feel that way, since they’re hotshot lawyers, but I don’t get why my dad is so adamant. He should understand.”
Ares comes out of the bathroom freshly shaved, but his bow tie is still undone. “Dad finished his degree too before his rookieseason. He wants you to have something to fall back onto, if you get injured. He’s making me continue my degree online even as I race. It’s tough, but I agree with him; racing, like hockey, isn’t forever.”
I adore my older brother, but sometimes he’s such a stick in the mud. “Yeah, I’ve heard that a million times. I made the Dean’s honor list, so Dad can’t complain.”
He slaps me on the back. “We’re all proud of you. Now help me with this stupid bow tie. I should have gotten one that was already made.”
I stand in front of him, and I have his bow tie done in a couple of practiced moves. “By the way, I didn’t get to say congratulations on your podium in today’s race. Second place is nothing to sneeze at.”
“Especially when my girlfriend took first place. Zara is the only one I don’t mind coming second to.”
“Ladies should always come first.” I laugh at my own silly innuendo, causing Ares and Lev to roll their eyes.
Today has been an intense day on the racetrack.
“Is Zara ok?” I ask. “How did she take the news that was blasted on every sports network?”
I point to the TV that’s on without audio. A local channel in English is reporting about today’s breaking news.
The subtitles are on and I read them out loud: “Calvin Fox, a racer best known for his participation in the 250 cc category of MotoGP, was dropped by his team following a series of allegations by several women who accused him of sexual misconduct. An investigation is underway in California and several other states.”
Ares shakes his head. “It doesn’t surprise me one bit. Zara wasn’t surprised either. After all, this is how we met her, remember? Because that motherfucker didn’t get the meaning of the word ‘no.’”
“Turns out the fucker didn’t need Dad to blackball him to ruin his career. He can do an excellent job all by himself.” I snort.
Lev agrees. “Yup. I hope they lock him up and throw away the fucking key. Not a huge loss for the racing community, anyway. He was a mediocre driver at best.”
“Right. We’re all ready to go out, the ring is in my pocket, you booked a table at that restaurant Zara wanted to try, right Lev?”
“Yup.” He confirms. “Operation Proposal is ready to be rolled out.”
I turn to look at Ares. “Did you ask the concierge to book us a limo?”
My brother reassures me. “It should be downstairs any minute now.”
“Ok. We’re all ready, but… where’s Zara?” I ask.
We look at each other.
