“Because I never liked him. And I was right.” A beat. “Do you think Jamie will be understanding of your time off? The lawyer in me wants to warn you that you are under a very big contract.”
“I–I think so. I mean, she accepted Ilias’ two-year break. TerraVive is all about mental health and taking care of their athletes and creators. I don’t think she could be too pissed. I mean, when she told me to go to Australia I did, and I was willing to go to Brazil, but if Papà is about to…I can’t leave him.”
“Let’s hope they are as human and understanding as they picture themselves.” By the sound of her sister’s voice, she wasn’t sure about it. But she couldn’t worry about Jamie either. She needed to warn Ilias, and then book a flight for Genova, and then maybe she could think about warning her.
“Are the twins asleep?”
“Snoring like two piglets.”
“Why isn’t Roberto coming with you?”
“I didn’t want him to.”
Gabriellaalwayswanted Roberto around. He was practically her shadow—a lawyer from Turin, a couple of years older than her. Sofia didn’t have an opinion on him. He was nice, and that was all. But now, something was weird.
“Why?”
“I’ll tell you when you’re here. The twins could be listening.”
“Where are you now?”
“Almost at the twisty bit before the coast.”
“I hate that part,” Sofia muttered. “Always made me throw up.”
“And your niece, Francesca, is just like you. I’m praying she sleeps through it.”
“It wouldn’t be a first if she didn’t,” Sofia teased. “Mamá always said I did it in my sleep too.”
“Disgusting child,” Gabriella shot back.
Sofia smiled. It felt good to smile, even if it barely held together the crumbling dam behind her ribs.
“I’ll call Ilias. I’ll book the flight tonight.”
“I’ll tell Mamá and Papà you’re coming down because you had a break from work.”
“Alright. See you tomorrow.”
They hung up.
Creuza de märestarted on her playlist. Before she could call Ilias, before she could even think about packing, she collapsed into the bed, curled into herself, hugged to a pillow, and sobbed until her throat ached. It hadn’t happened in months. But this time, it wasn’t just about stress or pressure or heartbreak. It was grief already blooming in her chest. She was losing her father, the man who had given her the ocean, who passed down his awe for the creatures below the surface, who had pushed her to be the scientist, the woman, she had become. And all she could do now was go home, and say goodbye. Which still didn’t feel enough.
44
ILIAS
Fix You – Coldplay
Everybody was packing up.They had a couple of days in California free of any competition before heading down to Brazil.
Trestles had gone amazing. He’d finished second, which nudged up his chances of making the Final Five, even after the suspension. He was making a comeback, and everyone, the entire TerraVive board included, seemed genuinely happy and impressed about it. New sponsorship offers had come in since he returned. Mostly, after him and Sofia’s announcement of being a couple, but he wanted to wait until the end of the season to see which were truly worth it. Gretchen was handling the negotiations, while he focused on what mattered most now. Surfing. And Sofia, obviously.
They were going to reunite in two days in Saquarema, and he couldn’t wait to hold her in his arms, to tuck her against his chest, to kiss her, and to breathe her in. God, he wassuch a loser for how much he needed that woman beside him. But apparently, after a man-to-man chat with Coach, when you know, you know. And he fucking knew from the very first moment that Sofia was the one.
His phone buzzed, and her name lit up the screen.
“Hello, habiba,” he answered, bright.
