The compliment landed strangely — polite, distant, like something you’d say to an old colleague. She felt the awkwardness coil tighter in her chest.
“Thanks. You too. Season’s been rough, but you’re still driving like you always do.”
He gave a short, humourless laugh. “Trying to.”
More silence. She set the cable down on the table, just to have something to do with her hands. He watched the movement, then looked away again.
Finally he asked, quieter: “How’s the new gig?”
“Different,” she said. “Smaller team. Bigger responsibilities. More… mine. I like it. We’re still building — no races yet, just prep for next year. But it feels right.”
He nodded slowly. “Amberley, home. Did you get what you needed?”
She met his eyes then — really met them — and saw the question wasn’t casual. It was careful, almost afraid.
“I did,” she said. “Space. Time. Clarity. My parents… they were great. We talked. Really talked. I told them everything about Oxford.”
His expression cracked — just a flicker of relief, something softer underneath. “I’m so glad, Mia.”
“I should have done it years ago.”
Silence again, but different this time — taut, electric. Then, at the exact same moment:
“I’m sorry.”
They stared. A small, fractured laugh escaped her.
“What do you have to be sorry for?” she whispered. “I was the one who left. I was the one who gave up.”
He shook his head. “Yeah, but I should have fought harder. I should have been patient. I should have followed you. I should have—”
“I went all the way to New Zealand,” she cut in quietly. “I couldn’t have sent a clearer message. I needed space.”
“And did that work?” His voice cracked on the last word.
She exhaled, shaky. “I have things a lot clearer in my head now.”
He swallowed. “I’m so glad to hear that.”
Another beat. She forced it out:
“I met with Emma.”
His brows lifted. “You did?”
“Yeah. We’re never going to be friends again. But sheapologised — in her own way. It helped. More than I expected.”
His eyes softened, pride and pain tangled. “I’m so proud of you, Mia.”
“Thanks.” She looked down at her hands, then back up. “I never meant to hurt you, Lucas.”
“I know,” he said, rough. “I know.”
The silence that followed was heavy with everything left unsaid.
She lifted her chin. “Congratulations on the engagement. Sienna’s one lucky girl.”
He gave a small, startled laugh that didn’t reach his eyes. “Yeah. Thanks. I know it’s… a surprise.”
