“I think we can find a way for you to learn.” I laugh.
River is the best kid I could’ve asked for, he’s kind and loving. And I hope he never changes. When I chose his donor, I chose one that said he came from a big, close-knit family. He also said he was six foot three, with green eyes and black hair. The place I used even had his baby pictures and a picture of him as an adult. I have to admit, part of the reason I chose him was because of how handsome I thought he was. He was also an educated man, he listed that he has a master’s degree in finance.
River has some of his features, but he mostly looks like me. I love my son so much, and I promised him when he was born that he would never wonder about how much I loved him. I would show him every day. So from the day he was born, I’ve hugged him and kissed him and told him I love him. River’s started to ask why he doesn’t have a daddy. Even at three years old, he sees on the TV that kids have daddies. I told him that maybe one day he’ll have one. But until then, we’re a team.
Part of me is sad that my family doesn’t care what’s going on with me. But the other part is saying fuck them. It’s not like I’m missing out, I really can’t miss what I never had.
CHAPTER TWO
Emerson
Tomorrow we have our first test of the season in Italy. But tonight I get to meet the new members of my team. We always have dinner together before the start of our season. It’s a great way to catch up with everyone. And this time the new members will have the opportunity to get to know everyone else.
We have two homes we split our time in when it’s race season. One is in Ireland, the other in Italy. Our home in Ireland is a castle that my da bought our mama eight years ago. It’s my mama’s dream home and it took my da years to find it. Our home in Italy is one my brothers and I bought together. It was our first big purchase and it has enough room for our family to come and stay too.
It’s always exciting when I’m getting ready for a new season. But after spending the winter with my family, I miss them so much. I spend the day relaxing at the pool and texting with my cousins. The shit they get into makes me laugh.
Emerson: So tell me again why you’re grounded, Ares
Ares: I’m not grounded
Sakura: Yes you are. Your polar bear tried to bite me
I snort when I read their texts. When I found out that the Athanasiou and Nikolaidis families were shifters, I thought I was in an alternate dimension. But after seeing them shift in front of me? Holy shit. I wish I could shift into an animal. The only downside I can see is that they’re huge in their human form. I’m not a small guy, I stand six foot two and I’m one of the tallest riders on the grid. But they all make me look like a little kid. It’s insane. So, as much as I want to be a shifter, I’ll keep my racing form.
Adonis: I was a witness. Ares took a chunk of fur out of Sakura’s tail. I don’t think he can call her ‘Poof’ anymore
Ares: Shut it, Pudge. She’ll always be my Poof and I didn’t bite her
Seraphina: We could call it a nibble
Apollo: No nibbling
Emerson: (I send a pic of my view with the pool)
Sebastiano: I think we need to take a trip to Italy
Emerson: I have three weeks off after Qatar if you guys want to come over here
Domenico: Let me look at my schedule, I wanna go too. But it’s getting to the end of our season and the playoffs
Giovanna: Yeah, you better win this year…
Domenico: … Maybe talk to your husband? I mean he’s the one who needs to score. Not me
Declan: Hey why are you throwing me under the bus? You need to block better
Apollo:
Emerson: I’m hoping to come back and see at least one of your playoff games
Domenico: Well if Declan, Cillian and Milo don’t start scoring, it might be over before it starts
Declan: …
Cillian: …
Giovanna: Leave my husband alone
