“If there is anything in there—a desire on his part to meet Jett—”
“He knows he’s not allowed to, but yes, if there’s anything, I’ll let you know immediately.”
“Thank you.”
“Does Kit still live with you?”
“Yes.”
“And do you have a good security system on your house?”
“We have a standard alarm.”
“Maybe it’s time to upgrade.”
“You’re not making me feel better about this, Russell.” I let out a humorless laugh.
“Sorry. Even though I believe you’ll be fine, I’m just trying to offer ways to make you feel safer about this.”
“I know, and I appreciate it.” I blow out a breath, running my fingers through my hair.
I hear the roar of the engines, and it brings my thoughts to Leandro. Who he is. Where I am.
“I’m seeing someone,” I tell Russell. “It’s new, but he’s in the public eye.”
“Does being with him put you and Jett in the public eye?”
“It will. We’ve been photographed together already. Not Jett, but I’m sure it won’t be long before they get my name and Jett’s. Do you think that could be a problem?”
There’s a pause while he thinks. His silence unnerves me.
“If Paul has truly changed, then no, it shouldn’t be a problem. But it will tell him exactly where you are and how you’re living your life. The media will give him unfettered access to you and Jett. My advice is to stay out of the press as much as possible upon Paul’s release. And we’ll see how things go from there.”
“Thanks, Russell, for everything. And thank you for letting me know.”
“No problem. I’ll keep you updated as I know things…and I really am sorry, India.”
“Yeah, me, too.”
I hang up with Russell and lean back against the wall, pressing my head against the bricks. I can’t believe he’s getting out now. I always knew this day would come, but I thought I had a few more years, that Jett would be a bit older.
How the hell am I going to tell Jett that his father is free?
I cover my face with my hand. Sliding it up into my hair, I tug on it with frustration.
“There you are!” Jett’s voice hits me.
I look up to see him standing in the doorway to the garage.
His happy expression drops, and he takes a step toward me, letting the door close behind him. “Mum, are you okay?”
I clear my face of all emotions and paste on a bright smile. “I’m fine.”
“Who was that on the phone?” He nods at the phone, which my fingers are tightly gripped around.
“Just a patient.” I slide my phone back into my pocket, trying to relax the tense muscles in my body.
I can see the skeptical look on his face. I can’t tell him now. Not here. I need time to think this through. Figure it out.
“How’s Leandro doing?” I nod toward the garage, going for a subject change.
A big smile spreads over his face. “He’s starting first tomorrow.”
A genuine smile briefly pushes up through my fake one. “That’s great news.”
“He’s gonna win tomorrow, no doubt.”
“He sure is.”
“You coming back in? He’ll be back in the garage soon.”
“I’m coming now.” I push off the wall, trying to shake off the fear weighing heavily on my shoulders.
INDIA HAS BEEN DISTRACTED FOR DAYS. She was fine before qualifying, but since then, there has been a distance with her. She seems preoccupied.
Even when we make love, it’s like a part of her isn’t even there with me, and I don’t like it. I really don’t like it.
I was supposed to be heading straight to Italy with the team after leaving Budapest, but I changed my plans and flew back to London with India. I wasn’t going to leave her while she was like this. I have only got a few days before I have to fly out to Italy, and I intend on finding out what the hell is going on with her before then.
We got home yesterday, and she went into work today. Didn’t meet me for lunch. She made up some bullshit excuse about being too busy.
This is the first time I’m seeing her since we returned, and we are at her place right now. Jett is upstairs, Kit’s out on a date, and India and I are watching a movie together, but once again, I might as well be sitting here alone.
Well, I have her here with me now, and I am going nowhere until she tells me what is going on with her.
“Are you going to tell me anytime soon? Or do I just have to start fucking guessing?” My words come out a little harsher than intended.
She slides her eyes to mine. There’s a flare of anger in them. “Tell you what?”