“Wait, what did I do?” Michael calls anxiously.
It didn’t take long to set up a press conference for later in the afternoon. Everyone wants a comment and to be the first to report it. The outside of the garage has been set up by the Starfire team with chairs, tables, and reporters with their cameras bustle around. I linger at the back with Skylar, ignoring the flashes and whispers as they look at me. I waited until they’d all been seated to come out, knowing I would have been mobbed.
My arms are crossed, and my face is closed down, but I’m nervous about what Noah will say. I don’t give a shit what the world thinks, but I don’t want him to ruin his life or reputation for me.
They all spin, focusing on Noah when he approaches his seat on the stage. His legal team is on either side of him, but his eyes find mine for a brief moment, and I know he’s making sure I’m okay. I incline my head, and he sits facing the crowd.
He clears his throat, and the noise dies down. “Hi, I’m Noah Fletcher, CEO of Starfire Racing. I called this conference to answer some questions about our upcoming races, as well as to address the rumors circulating online.”
“Who’s that?” Skylar murmurs, and I follow his nudging to see a man in a full suit.
I eye Noah’s father, who observes from the back, but Noah’s voice quickly makes me focus on him, ignoring Skylar’s question. I have noidea what he’s doing here, but it can’t be anything good, and it annoys me. Can’t we catch a break today?
“As I’m sure you’re aware, there was a news article posted recently, based on senseless rumors, saying I am having inappropriate relations with my racer, Mackie Draper.” He pauses and looks around as everyone waits with bated breath. “I categorically deny these rumors. Mackie is an integral part of our team, and I am very close to him as his manager and trainer, but that is all.” His eyes meet mine. “None of the rumors are true. Mackie is an employee of Starfire Racing, a valued one, and that is all.”
I know what that means—he loves me. It’s a message just for me.
People like us aren’t free to love who we want, but neither of us care.
I feel eyes on me, and I don’t react as I watch.
“These baseless rumors could be damaging not only to Starfire, but also Mackie’s career, and we are asking for them to be pulled offline and for apologies to be written. Starfire is focused on winning the championship. Racing is our priority, and we look forward to your support and encouragement while we aim for that title.” He stands. “Thank you.” He turns and walks away, leaving the reporters calling out questions.
“Straight to the point, as always,” Sky scoffs at my side. “Are you okay with this?”
Before I can answer, Noah’s father appears, making me straighten stiffly.
“Mackie, are you busy?” Noah’s father asks as Noah mingles with the crowd. I spare him a look, and his father follows my gaze. “We won’t be long, I promise.”
“Mackie?” Sky asks, looking between us nervously.
“It’s fine.” I purse my lips and nod, and his father gestures for me to follow him. I do as I’m told, sparing Noah another glance. He will search for me, but he’s busy right now, so I don’t bother calling out. This won’t take long, and whatever he has to say won’t change anything.
I’m led to an idling town car, and once inside, I turn to his father. “Is there a problem?”
“Let’s talk over food. I’m starving. Do you like sushi?”
I narrow my eyes, but I can’t really deny him. “Yes.”
“Good, I know an amazing place.” He taps the partition, and we set off, leaving Noah and Starfire behind. My stomach sinks as a bad feeling builds within me.
Noah is going to be pissed.
The place he chose is the most exclusive spot in town, and he booked a private room. We don’t speak as our orders are taken, and I sit opposite him, refusing to be the first to back down or break.
He smirks as he places his napkin on his lap, his diamond watch catching the light. He’s very put together, but it doesn’t matter to me. “I see why my son likes you. You don’t intimidate easily.”
“No, I don’t,” I respond as I sip my water. “You wanted to speak. Go ahead, I have to get back to work.”
He smiles as he sits back. “You don’t like me.”
“No, not at all,” I respond without hesitation. “Anyone who puts business before their son is not someone I can respect.”
“You care for my son a lot,” he murmurs.
“I love him,” I correct.
He nods. “Then it must have hurt watching that press conference today. What he said?—”
