I take a deep breath and maintain it in for the depend of three earlier than exhaling. I don’t even know tips on how to reply, and something I sort proper now received’t be good. I name my mother to get the main points and hopefully cool off. As quickly as she solutions, I ask, “How are you guys doing?”

“We’re good. You’ve got different issues you need to be targeted on.” I knew she’d downplay any disruption. The factor is, I don’t need her life extra disrupted than it’s by my schedule.

“I heard from Terpidy.”

“Cullen’s in good fingers, Money. You actually don’t want to fret.”

I angle away from the opposite guys within the SUV and decrease my voice. “I’m nervous. What do you want? What can I do?”

“There’s nothing you are able to do from Brazil aside from rating factors. That’s your job and your solely focus this week. I’ve every kind of crafts and puzzles for us right here. We’ll even be watching your race.”

Watch my race. It’s one thing he’s by no means finished in individual, and now it turns into my sole mission. “I can fly you down right here.”

“Oh, I don’t know. Going to a different nation is so much, from coping with the airports and a five-year-old to passports and exchanging cash.”

“I’ll fly you personal. You don’t must do something or mess with the busy airports in New York. You possibly can fly personal and are available down Thursday or Friday to do some sightseeing or hang around on the monitor.” I don’t understand how good a gross sales job I’m doing, however I actually hope it’s working. “You haven’t seen me race this season. Please come.”

There’s a pause once I can hear a present within the background and guffawing. Cullen. I smile, lacking him a lot already.

Lastly, she says, “If I can get his passport from Terpidy’s, we’ll come to Brazil.”

I sit up, too anxious to relaxation again. “I’ve entry to it. That was a part of our settlement. The important thing to his protected deposit field is within the prime drawer of my desk within the again room. I’ll ship you the main points of the place to get it and the paperwork so Cullen can journey with you. Within the meantime—”

“He’s in good fingers.”

“Yep.” I’m in full settlement and so fortunate to have her. “The most effective. I do know from private expertise.”

After we dangle up, I’m left with an enormous grin embedded on my face. After years of wanting this greater than something, my son will lastly see me race in individual. One objective completed.

The second?

Marina.

25

Marina

“You left me to fend for myself, Lauren.”

“I can have safety in place by tonight, however you could take some duty. You went rogue by having Money Ryatt crash the pink carpet like he did.”

“I didn’t do something however arrive like I used to be instructed. He confirmed up as a result of he cared. He knew that I’d be strolling the carpet alone following Corbin’s engagement announcement.” Even her heavy breath sounds argumentative and rubs me fallacious. “I used to be thrown to the wolves final evening, however I’m not going to combat with you. We’re clearly at a crossroads.” Sitting in my trailer alone, I transfer the steamed zucchini round on my plate, however then cease and set the fork down.

I can’t do that. I don’t wish to be right here.

“We’re not. I’m staff Marina. You realize I like a plan in place and for it to go easily. I apologize for not being there or having employees obtainable for you. I will probably be there with you subsequent time.”

I’m not cold-hearted, however I’m upset. I don’t know the place we go from right here. I simply know I would like off this set. “I would like your assist.”

“With what?”

“Get me out of working this weekend. I’m going to Brazil to assist Money on the race.” My chest feels freer voicing my ideas, however to see Money this weekend would be the cherry on prime.

“I’ll maintain it.” She pauses after which switches gears, her tone even going a bit greater when she says, “Prepared for the excellent news?”

“So prepared.”

* * *

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