His fans weren’t the only ones who wanted to watch his final show. Riley, Knight, Tammy, and Dev also accompanied us, Dev taking on the role as team doctor to monitor Reese. The news about Reese’s condition hasn’t been made public yet, but he plans to announce it in the upcoming months. He said he’s ready for everyone to know, and I think getting the burden off his chest will help alleviate a lot of the stress. Keeping a secret of that magnitude doesn’t do anything but weigh on a person. And he’s been carrying it around for so long, he probably won’t know what to do with his newfound peace of mind.
I wait in the lobby of the hotel for Reese. He’s spent all day testing and tweaking his bike with his team, obsessing over every setting so the machine is perfectly tuned for tomorrow’s race. He sent me a cryptic message requesting I be ready and waiting for him at five-thirty. So here I am, ready and waiting, twenty minutes early because I can’t sit still for five fucking minutes. As the race draws closer and closer, my worries rise and rise. I try to talk myself off the ledge, ignoring the fact that two racers and one spectator have already died.
There’s a ruckus in the hotel bar—excuse me—pub, as a bunch of rowdy drunks cheer on a race. For a split second, I wish I could drink an entire Mason jar of moonshine just to take the edge off. As I stare at the doorway, I hear Riley’s cackle seconds before he, Knight, Tammy, and Dev pour out of the adjoining room. Riley, Knight, and Tammy have been living it up while they’re abroad. And who can blame them? The atmosphere is nothing but one big party. Dev, not so much. I know the situation is difficult for him. We’ve barely spoken, but he’s been glued to Reese the entire two weeks, monitoring his every move. Whatever bygones we have, I’m thankful it isn’t coming between the two of them.
I watch as the foursome walks to the elevator, Dev the only one picking up on my presence. Neither of us will ever admit it, but there’s still a connection. I guess there always will be. You profess your undying love to someone, there are bound to be feelings left twisting in the wind.
Dev diverts from the group, maneuvering through the crowded lobby in my direction. I sit up in the brown leather chair, uncertain of his intentions. I don’t want to fight, and I don’t want to cry.
“Hey.” He crouches beside me. “You feeling okay? You look a little pale.” He touches my forehead.
“I’m fine, I think. Just first trimester challenges,” I lie. My pregnancy has been a breeze. Not even one bout of morning sickness.
“Have you been sleeping?” he asks like the professional he is.
“Not really.”
“Stress?”
“Yes, some.” This time I’m honest.
“Understandable. You’re going through a lot.”
“I’ve gone through a lot,” I correct. “I just keep concentrating on the light at the end of the tunnel.”
“It will be here before you know it.” He caresses my hand.
“I’m terrified,” I blurt out, unsure where the confession came from.
“I know.” Dev unexpectedly laces our fingers. The small gesture grounds me, surprisingly. “It’s written all over your face. Reese knows it, too.”
“Is he okay? Physically, I mean?”
“All his tests look good. The medication is stabilizing his heartbeat and blood flow. But this is definitely it. No more racing. It has to end.”
“Agreed.”
“Kayla, I’m here if you need me. For anything, okay?”
Need him? He has no idea how much I need him. But I’ve been terrified to ask. I see the way he looks at Reese and me when we’re together. I don’t want him to hurt any more than he already is.
“Will you sit with me during the race tomorrow?” I throw my reservations out the window. Riley and Knight planned to park on some grassy knoll so they can see more of the action, but I’ll be waiting at the finish line, with an oxygen mask and a bottle of Xanax.
“I already planned on it.” He squeezes my hand.
I smile gratefully. “Thank you.”
“Anything for you, butterfly.” The use of my nickname burdens me with bittersweet memories.
Dev stands just as Reese appears. He’s still wearing leathers and has his black backpack slung over his shoulder.
Jesus, my husband is the sexiest badass ever.
“Hey.” He bumps fists with Dev. “Headed out?”
“Headed up. Going to call it an early night. You should, too.”
“Plan on it. Just want to take my wife for a quick ride.”
