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A smile tugs at his lips when he pulls back. “Well, damn,” he shakes his head, “I never thought I’d see this day, but maybe it’s a blessing in disguise.”
“You’ll like her, you know. Rosie’s smart and funny, and she’s all about family. She’s kind too.”
“Then don’t fuck it up for anything,” he chuckles, moving to ruffle my hair like he used to when I was a kid. However, now I’m big enough to bat his hand away before he gets the chance. “I want to meet her.”
“Oh God, you sound like you’re going to interview her for a job.”
“It’s what I do, Son.” He’s not lying either. When I was growing up in the circuit, he’d assess every other guy I became friends with. If they weren’t competitive or driven enough, he’d weed them out. It all comes from a good place. After everything with Mom, he’s done everything to protect me.
“I know you mean well, but please don’t.”
“Look at that, at thirty-seven my son finally chooses to be embarrassed of his father.”
“Fuck my life.” He’s an asshole, and he knows it as he slaps my shoulder with a deep guffaw before we continue to the artisan water sponsor that’s just renewed their tie to the team.
Last year they sent me so many crates that I ended up donating the bottles to a few shelters. This year, I’ve asked them to donate them straight to a Syrian orphan camp the team visited a couple years ago when we raced in Turkey. Seeing that level of devastation put a lot about my childhood into perspective. Despite everything, I was never hungry or thirsty and I had an education. Good or bad, I had a mother and father. I wasn’t alone and constantly scared that the next second might be my last.
“You should visit,” I tell Simon, the founder of the brand. “It’s eye-opening.”
“Maybe we could arrange for a mutual trip? Offer more supplies than just the water,” he shakes my hand as we end our conversation.
“Have your people talk to our people and we’ll see what we can fit in around the season.” Dad is quick to open the lines of communication.
“Sounds good to me.”
“Great to see you again,” I tell him and the rest of his entourage.
“We’ll be back in Texas. Make it a good one,” Simon calls after me as I head for the elevator.
After checking my watch nonstop, I’m now late. Pulling my phone from the pocket of my jeans, I send a text to Rosie.
Brody: Heading back to hotel now. Call you in 30. x
The doors are closing when a manicured hand pushes between them. Oh fuck, Connor’s girlfriend steps inside and stands opposite me. Thankfully, she stays quiet, and pressing the door close button, I go back to my phone.
Rosie: Maybe I’m busy…x
Brody: Still calling.
Rosie: Might not answer.
Brody: You will.
Rosie: What if I don’t?
Brody: You will.
Rosie: But what if I actually don’t?
Brody: I’ll keep calling until you do.
Rosie: Asshole.
Brody: Should you really be bringing it up now?
Rosie: It’s safe.
Brody: For now.
