“This isn’t about Luca, Ric. It’s about the girl sitting beside you in this picture and the way you’re staring at her with hearts in your eyes. On a media stage for the whole world to witness.”
I wipe away my defenses and offer Leslie nothing. Unfortunately, that just makes her push harder.
“I almost didn’t say anything.” She looks around the café, then lets her gaze fall back on me and shakes her head. “But two hours ago, you waltzed in here and placed a to-go order for a large coffee and a chocolate croissant.”
My heart stutters, my stomach dropping like a lead weight hitting the floor.
Shit.
Leslie has known me for years. She knows I don’t like chocolate and that I only allow myself the pleasure of caffeinated coffee on Sundays.
“What are you doing, Ric?” she implores, the question equal parts shocked and haunted.
I open my mouth to reply, but no words come.
“She’s half your age,” she whispers, angling forward.
Not quite. Though I want to correct her, it won’t help my case, so I keep that comment to myself.
When I cross my arms over my chest, she pushes harder.
“She’s Luca’s ex-girlfriend.”
I grind my molars and breathe in through my nose. “While technically true, he never cared about her and was an abysmal partner.”
Eyes widening, she smacks the table. “She’s your employee. Not even your employee; she’s an entry-levelnew hire.”
None of her accusations are wrong, but the implications and oversimplification don’t do justice to what’s blossomed between Evangeline and me.
Before I can explain, Leslie presses on. “You are team principal ofGranata Racing. Have you completely forgotten the issues that plagued this company because of your sleezy predecessor? The man who also decided to lead with his dick?”
“That’s not fair.” Muscles locking, I scan the café to ensure no one is paying attention to us. “It’s not like that.” I rake one hand through my hair and tug at the ends as I sort out the best way to make her understand.
Leslie sits back in her chair and folds her arms across her chest.
“Really? Are you going to tell me this is different? That she’sspecial?” She puts emphasis on the last word, then shakes her head, her lip curling in disgust. “This team is just starting to find its footing again. We won’t survive another round of debauchery, internally or in the media. You’ve worked too long and fought too hard to get where you are today.”
Fury and shame blend into an adrenaline-fueled rush. I want to push back, deny there’s any truth to her accusations. But the truth is that the optics are bad at best, and the potential fallout is critical not only to my career, but to Granata’s reputation and Evangeline’s mental health.
Luca’s accusations wrecked her yesterday, leaving her distraught and reeling for hours. It took all night for her to recover from his stunt, and that was without any social media chatter around the incident because of the embargo from the comms team.
“The media will eviscerate her,” Leslie continues. “She’ll never know privacy again, and you’ll have to answer to every single employee, explain why you’re sleeping with a subordinate twenty years your junior.”
“No one will find out,” I counter.
Leslie huffs. “Really? Because you’ve been so discreet? Look, I get it. She’s pretty. I’m sure she’s a good time. But if you get caught getting your dick wet with?—”
“Enough,” I order, shoving out of my chair. “That’s not what this is. You know me better than that. I won’t sit here and listen to you speak disrespectfully of Evangeline.”
She lifts her chin, her expression tight. “End it, Ric.”
I can’t.
I won’t.
There’s not a damn thing on this earth I wouldn’t sacrifice to be with the woman I love.
Dropping back into my seat, I shake my head. “I understand you’re looking out for me, for the team, but?—”
