“Fine.”Henri’s face remained studied, solemn, giving absolutely nothing away.
“We were just saying how Montreal has a way of surprising you.Fantastic food, great company.”His eyes cut to me as he picked up his wine, toasting it in the air.
Henri gave the faintest nod, his eyes on Ollie’s drink.“Enjoy your wine.”With that, he adjusted the bag on his shoulder and continued on, disappearing into the crowd without a backward glance.
“Now, Henri is someone I cannot figure out.You know we used to race together in F3 and F2.Brilliant driver, but a mystery of a person.He was always so… closed off.”Ollie chuckled as he shook his head.“That was a rough free practice he had on Friday… and an even rougher press conference.”Ollie leaned in, eyes glinting.“If you ask me, he’s circling the drain.”
“Ollie!”I gave him a small rebuff.“He’s just stressed because he finally has a chance to win this season.He spent so many years coming in second to his sister.”Even though Henri had been a thorn in my side all season, hearing how others talked about him still irked me.
Maybe because I knew what it felt like to be talked about that way.Or because he used to be my friend, and there was a small part of me that still felt some loyalty to the friendship we once had.
“Well, that’s very kind,” Ollie said, studying me with those blue eyes, “considering he tried to ruin your free practice.”
“That wasn’t intentional,” I sighed, surprising myself by defending him.“Henri’s a lot of things, but he wouldn’t deliberately block someone during a flying lap.”
Ollie’s eyebrows lifted, clearly amused.“Defending your rival now?Oh, sweet Lily.Will I ever be able to get you to say a mean thing about anyone?”
I half-laughed.“I’m not defending anyone.”I took another sip of wine, feeling the warmth spread through my chest.“Just stating facts.”
“Right.”He dragged out the word, and I knew he was studying me.You can take the journalist out of the media pen, but never the insatiable curiosity out of the journalist.
The bill arrived, and Ollie slipped his card inside without hesitation, handing it back to the server without even looking at it.
“My treat,” he said, waving me off before I could even find my wallet.
“Thank you.Dinner was lovely.”
“And the company even better.”He winked before sliding out of the table and pulling back my chair.He flagged down the waiter with an easy smile.“Would you mind taking a quick photo for us?”
The waiter obliged, taking Ollie’s phone.
“Need at least one photo from tonight.Can’t have dinner with the future World Driver’s Championship winner and not document it.”
The camera clicked.
“Cheers,” Ollie said to the waiter, then he glanced at the photo.“Oh, that’s a good one.We look properly fancy, don’t we?”He pocketed his phone as we headed toward the door.
As we walked toward my hotel, Ollie offered his arm, but I shrugged him off, suddenly aware of how visible we were on the Montreal streets.When we reached the lobby of my hotel, I mumbled something about needing sleep before tomorrow’s race.Ollie caught my hand briefly, his thumb brushing across my knuckles in a way that sent warmth spreading up my arm, before he leaned in for a kiss on each cheek.
“I had such a lovely time tonight, Lil,” he said, genuine warmth in his voice.“Can’t wait to see you on the podium tomorrow.”
By the time I’d swiped my keycard and stepped into my room, exhaustion had hit all at once.The city noise outside faded to a muffled hum, and I let my blazer slide off, tossing it onto the chair with a contented sigh.
“Rough night?”
I jumped but couldn’t suppress the smile that immediately spread across my face.
“Jesus, Andy.Don’t sneak up on a woman.”
My physio was sprawled in the armchair, legs crossed casually, studying me with knowing eyes.
“Team gave me an extra key.Someone’s got to keep you alive.”He looked me up and down, taking in my obvious good mood.“You look very nice for just a casual chat with Georgia.Where were you really?”
I kicked off my shoes and fell back onto the maroon sofa, unable to hide my grin.“None of your business.”
“Darling, everything you do is my business.”Perhaps a tad dramatic, although over the past three years, Andy had become more than my physio.He was coach, advisor, babysitter, and friend.
I held his stare before letting out a hesitated sigh.“Fine.With Ollie Johnson.”
