I need to tell him, no matter what it looks like, I know in my heart it couldn’t have been him in the car that wrecked us. Even if the damage to our relationship has already been done.
I was just reacting to his car triggering my memory for the first time. I could clearly see it all. But the only thing I haven’t remembered is how I ended up in the shirt London was wearing, and until I have the whole picture, I’m afraid to show my hand to my stalker or the world. Not having everything leaves me vulnerable to more manipulation.
So, I’ve been pretending for the world to be London. Just like my stalker wanted. He’s hinted to knowing I remember, but I’m trying to play his game for now. Which is all the kiss between Hendrix and I was…playing a part. It’s not exactly fair to Hendrix either, because he has some type of misplaced feelings for me, but now, it may have been the final push which will cost me the man I love.
That’s what he wants…what my stalker wants. He wants everything in my life destroyed so he’s all I have left. But I’ll beat him at his game. There is no other acceptable option.
Hendrix tried to apologize after Dash walked away, but it’s not his fault. Maybe I’m approaching this all wrong after all. Maybe it’s time to show the world who I am…Lennon Tyler. It’s certainly time to show my stalker I’m a Valkyrie, ready for battle and ready to choose who is worthy of the real me. And if it’s a battle he wants, it’s what he’ll get.
I’m tired of hiding. I’m tired of letting him think he’s won. Losing isn’t something I do. It’s time to dry my tears and do whatever it takes to get my life back. I’ll issue him a challenge he won’t be able to back down from. A race, because my heart tells me this guy is from my world and not just as a fan.
The only other thing I don’t know besides how I ended up in London’s shirt is who…who this person is and how close they actually are to me. I fear they’re closer than I could imagine. But we’re about to find out. My heart has yet to lead me in the wrong direction. And it’s saying this is it. Ready. Set. Race.
After I leftHendrix at the coffee shop, I find myself standing over the grave which was supposed to be mine. I place white roses in the vase attached to the cold granite to symbolize theinnocence of my lost twin sister…for the silence that now echoes through my soul due to her absence. They’re for the unity of our hearts even if our souls are now separated on different sides of heaven and earth.
I stare at my name etched in stone and realize they also stand for a new beginning—albeit one I’m unsure how to navigate—which I refuse to be lost on me.
My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I can’t help the upward quirk of my lips.
Unknown number: Don’t try to beat the dealer at the game, princess.
Me: I’m not sure what game you’re referring to.
Unknown number: I see the determination in your stance and the lift of your chin. You think you’ve won, but you can’t win if you don’t know the rules.
Me: It sounds like you don’t even know the rules to your own game.
Unknown number: Mmm. Maybe I make the rules up as I go. Obtaining the object of your obsession requires a certain finesse.
Me: Nice to know you can admit you’re obsessed. What does that say about you?
Unknown number: I know who you really are. Do you?
Me: Why would I dignify that question with an answer? You claim you know all there is to know about me.
Unknown number: I think you do, but I suppose we’ll see if I’m right.
Me: And just how do you plan to find out?
I stare at my screen for a few minutes before realizing he’s done talking for now.
I kiss my fingertips and place them against the stone before walking back toward my GTO.
My next stopis Dash’s house. I shouldn’t be here, I know. But I need to explain myself. I need him to know it was for show. I need to apologize for accusing him of something so unthinkable.
I cut off the engine and walk up to his front door. I raise my hand to knock but I’m stopped by the door swinging open. I’m met with none other than the angry eyes of Dash’s sister, Audrey.
I open my mouth to speak, but before I can make a sound, her slim fingers grip my arm and tug me inside.
She crosses her arms and stares me down.
“Audrey?” I ask just to confirm my memory hasn’t failed me again.
“Good. You remember me. Do you also remember what I told you about breaking my brother’s heart?” she asks hastily.
“Uh, maybe you should remind me,” I say, although I’m sure it went something along the lines of making sure I’d never raceagain. She’s one of Dash’s managers and has big, important connections in the racing world. I don’t doubt for a minute she’d ruin me and never even lift a finger to touch me.
She puts her hands on her hips like she’s ready to scold me. “I’m a girl’s girl, Lennon. I want to see you on that track as much as you want to be driving on it. But don’t think I can’t go toe-to-toe with your dad even if he is one of the biggest names in racing,” she says.
