Page 28 of Out of Control

“It’s the first race since Nonna . . .”

I nod and stare out the window of my hotel room at the city coming to life beyond. “Yeah.” I clear my throat. “I’m fine.”

“Oliver?”

“Nonna’s gone. Isn’t that how this world works? You live. You die. Others move on?”

My words are coated in bitterness.

He should be here. Him. My mamma. They should both be here.

Yet work calls.

It always fucking calls.

“You’re going to have a good race. I can feel it.”

“That’s the plan.”

“Oliver . . . we’ll try to make it to the next one. You know we’re so very proud of you.”

“Hmm. Yeah.” My mind disconnects as per usual. “I’ve got a meeting. I have to go.”

“Okay. Call after the race when you can.”

“Got it.”

But when I end the call, I have nowhere to be. Just the confines of my empty hotel room. Just the silence that comes with it.

I’m Oliver fucking Rossi.

Good enough to race in F1. Great enough to beat all the other bastards out there who want to be in my shoes.

But not good enough to look up and have his dad in the stands with the pride he says he has brimming in his eyes.

Yep. I’m that fucking awesome.

I sigh.

The loud pumping music of the local clubs calls to me. The lights. The women. The attention from fans.

My usual reprieve.

And yet, my feet stay rooted in place.

It doesn’t feel the same anymore. It doesn’t make up for what I lack.

And I’m beginning to realize it hasn’t for some time.

CHAPTER TEN

Sofia

“Please tell me you didn’t invite Mamá.”

It’s enough of a nightmare keeping him on a leash from exerting his nonstop pressure on Cruz. the last thing I need is to deal with my drunk of a mother.

“No. I know better than that,” my papá says evenly.