Saint
Wherefore art thou Evangeline?
Shelby
She said she wasn’t coming tonight.
Saint
WHAT?
Saint
This is news to me.
Saint
So when it’s my turn to pick the movie, you decide to no-show?
Ren
It’s not no-showing if you inform someone in advance that you can’t make it…
Saint
I’m crushed.
Saint
Lincoln is going to be so sad.
I snort. Lincoln couldn’t be sad if he tried. He won the Monaco Grand Prix. I’m thrilled for him. It was his first podium of the year. I’ve already texted him, and I plan to make him a special fidget ahead of the Circuit of the Americas race. He is truly one of the sweetest, most sincere people I’ve ever met. He deserves all the love and accolades.
Granata also did well today. If anything, I was afraid my plan might be thwarted because Alaric would be out celebrating with the team. I swung by his condo first, but according to Nigel, he hadn’t returned yet. So I’m taking my chances that he’s still holed up in his office.
Evangeline
I’ll make it up to you in Austin. Congrats again, Linc!
With a press of a button to lock the screen, I stash my phone in my pocket again and inhale deeply. Then I step into the Granata motorhome, letter in hand and my resolve locked in.
I can do this.
Iamdoing this.
My footsteps are loud as I take the stairs two at a time, and when I reach the top, I blame my jackhammering heart rate on my impromptu burst of cardio rather than nerves.
When I reach Alaric’s office door, I knock without hesitation. And as I wait, I breathe through the anxiety pressing into my chest.
This is it.
After tonight, we can go back to the way we were.
There’s rustling beyond the door. He’s here. The anticipation is killing me, so I test the handle, and it gives. “Alaric?” I say, peering into the office.
I’m met with silence. Not quiet, but elective silence.
From here, I can’t see his desk, so I push the door open wider and take a step into the space.
