“I work for Granata now,” I tell him. “Just a heads-up, so you aren’tsurprisedto see me again.”
I belong here. I have every right to be here tonight, same as him.
He turns slowly, dark eyes hard. He does a deliberate, languid assessment of my dress, his focus dragging up and down my body in a way that nearly sends a shudder through me.
He doesn’t get to look at me like that. Not anymore.
He scoffs. “Yeah, I know all about your new little job on my dad’s team. He said you showed up at his house and made a big scene. Basically had a meltdown in the driveway.”
My cheeks flame, shame coiling inside me as emotion clogs in my throat.
That’s not quite how it went down, but his version isn’t too far from the truth. Luca’s awareness of what happened that day rattles me, causing my mind to struggle to come up with an adequate reply.
He always did have a knack for making me sound pathetic.
With a deep breath, I collect myself.
Though I did show up at his dad’s house, I was under the impression I was going to a storage unit that he had already paid for. And the only reason I was there is because he sent me there without any context.
I stand taller and plant my hands on my hips.
“Your dad hired me after we met under less-than-ideal circumstances, but I’m proving myself and contributing to the team like any other employee.”
The bartender brings over his drink and sets it down, breaking the tension.
Mia shifts closer, her bare arm brushing mine in silent support. Lincoln is on my other side, although Stefan was pulled away by someone who wanted to speak to him across the bar.
While I’m thankful for the support of my friends, I’m embarrassed that they’re witnessing this humiliation ritual. I’d like to be done with this conversation now, thank you very much.
Before I can tell Luca as much, he turns to face me again and takes a long swig of his drink. The cruelty percolating in his eyes is familiar. So is the slightly unfocused appearance of them. His cheeks are ruddy with color as well. He’s drunk, or at least well on his way. His derisive scoff has me bracing for impact.
“I’m sure you’ll be great at your new job, Ev. Just like every other hobby you’ve wasted time and money on over the years, convinced it was your calling.”
“Hey, man—” Lincoln interjects.
Luca turns on him. “Nice job during qualis last week,” he sneers. “I bet Helios was thrilled to see you start from the pit lane during the third race of the season.”
My friend clamps his mouth shut, his focus shifting to me. We exchange a knowing look: My ex is an asshole on his best day. He’s a supremely callous schemer on his worst. And right now, he appears to be at his very worst.
“I’m fine,” I mouth, excusing him from having to submit to any more of Luca’s antagonistic vitriol. The last thing Lincoln needs is for the competition to worm their way into his head the night before the first practice session.
With a gentle smile at me, he tips his head across the room to where Stefan has joined Saint and Kenji.
I give him a quick nod, silently confirming that he should go. Mia and I will join him soon.
I’d be happy to head there now if I could. I’m not interested in anything else Luca has to say. But seeing as how this is our first face-to-face interaction in weeks, I owe it to myself to put him in his place and remind him that he still owes me a significant amount of money.
Once it’s the three of us, I set my sights back on him. “Don’t be an asshole to my friends just because you’re salty with me.”
Hetsks. “Yourfriends? Really, Queenie? Those are my direct competition, ya know.” Grimacing, he throws back the rest of his drink. “Did you ever think about how fucked up it was that you palled around with the drivers I had to fight with on the grid every weekend?” He shakes his head, lip curling. “Your friends…”
“Enough, Luca.” Mia crosses her arms over her chest. “Evan’s been my best friend for over a decade. She’s been part of our group since before your balls even dropped.”
I snort.
Mia is all focus, professionalism, and determination until she’s not.
Luca glares at her, his wheels spinning overtime to come up with a retort. He’s drunk, though, and he’s never been that clever. With a little shake of his head, he ignores Mia and focuses on me again.
