“I told him to,” I interrupt. That’s probably a first for him, but men like him rely on power. “I will not let him jeopardize everything he has worked for. We know what we are to each other, and nothing else matters.”
His eyes widen. “Most people would not like to be denied like that.”
“I am not most people.” I shrug. “I love your son, and he loves me. What everyone else thinks isn’t my issue. I don’t feel like he needs to scream it from the rooftops if it will hurt him and his business.”
“Even so, there will be some who can’t accept this in the future,” he replies, but we fall silent as the door opens and our first dishes are served. I wait for them to leave before I answer.
“Then let them. That’s their issue, not ours, but I’m guessing you didn’t pull me here just to talk about this,” I state.
“Smart.” He chuckles as he takes a bite. “Please eat. This is the best sushi in town.”
I start, and he watches me as I do, looking unsure. “My son, whether he wants it or not, has a name and a family to live up to. That means he will always be in the spotlight, not to mention his own business and achievements. His life will never be easy for his future partner.”
“Are you warning me or telling me?” I retort as I wipe my mouth.
“Explaining,” he offers. “You say you love my son, but will that be enough if the whole world comes down on you for simply being with him?”
“I have been in love with Noah since before he even knew my name,” I reply. “Nothing will ever change that. I’ve spent my life under scrutiny for my parents’ deaths, coming out as gay, then being the first young openly gay racer. I live in the public eye. I know how to handle it. I drive race cars at unimaginable speeds, risking my life every time. Nothing scares me except losing him. You can throw money or press at us, but I will never leave your son for as long as he wants me.”
“You’re very honest,” he says as he sits forward. “I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing, but I can tell you are serious. I’ve done a lot of thinking since you left my house.” He plays with his glass, a telltale nervous action I didn’t expect from him. “I realized you were right. I don’t know much about my son. I have always wanted the best for him, and that meant trying to control his future so he could have a better life, but I’m starting to realize by doing that, I’ve pushed him away.” He looks at me. “I know you don’t think so, but I love my son very much.”
“Then find a way to tell him this, not me,” I scoff.
“He’s not . . . easy to talk to,” he admits, and that makes me laugh since I know it’s true.
“He isn’t, but he listens very well, and no matter what you think, he loves you too. He didn’t tell me, but he was hurt when you asked us to leave. No matter how old or distant he is, you’re still his father. He still respects and looks up to you. He doesn’t need a future, money, or name from you. He needs unconditional love and understanding. He needs you to be in his corner, even when no one else is. If you can’t do that, then stay out of his life.”
“You know, nobody speaks to me like this,” he remarks, and when I just stare at him, he smiles. “You’re fearless. Good, and you’re right. I have tried to be the best father I can be, but clearly I can improve, and I will. I want my son in my life. I don’t want him to feel like he has to lie or hide things from me. I will try talking to him.”
Nodding, I continue to eat.
“Your parents would be proud of the person you are,” he comments. “I would be proud to have someone like you as a son.”
“Thank you. I hope they would. They were incredible people,” I admit. “I miss them every day. I know what that void feels like, so don’t make your child feel like an orphan when you aren’t even gone.”
“You really don’t hold your punches.” He chuckles. “I like it. We should have meals together more often.”
My eyebrows rise, but I shrug. When the waiter comes to see if I want more, I agree since I’m not paying. I’ll drain his father dry in retaliation for his treatment of his son, but at least he’s trying.
By the time we are done, it’s late and he takes me back to the garage. Noah has been blowing up my phone. I told him I was fine, but I need to see him in person. Once we’re outside, his father looks at me. “I would ask you not to tell Noah what we spoke about, but that would be foolish. I just hope you understand I had to be sure, and I will take your advice to heart. Someone my son loves so much must know better than me after all.” He holds out his hand. “Thank you, Mackie. I enjoyed our meal. It was refreshing.”
“No problem, and thank you for the sushi. It really was great.” I shake his hand and go to get out of the car when he stops me.
“Oh, this is for both of you.” He hands over a bag. “It was Noah’s favorite growing up when he was sick or sad. I had the chef make it. I figured after today, you would need it.”
I take the bag carefully. “Thank you.”
“Goodnight, Mackie. Tell my son I’ll call him.”
Nodding, I shut the door and wave as he drives off.
What an odd meal.
Shrugging, I head back inside the garage. It’s dark at this time, but I have no doubt that Noah will be here. The light in his office is still on, so I push the door open, only to freeze.
Amanda’s back is to me. I would know her extensions anywhere. She’s perched on Noah’s desk and leaning into him. From here, it looks like they are kissing, but when she turns around and smiles at me, I see her lipstick is intact, and Noah is leaned far back in his chair as if to escape her.
My heart dropped for a moment, but as I look at Noah, I don’t let those useless concerns take root. I know him better, and I trust him more.
