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“My dad is fine. Mum is not. Grandfather doesn’t know yet.”
“Ah, he’ll be cool with it,” Xavier says breezily.
“Um, how would you know?” I ask, curious. “Because I think he’s going to hate it. He’s very traditional and doesn’t like messy optics. Especially after what Mum put the family through.”
“Um, your grandfather is legendary in F1. He has a good driver in Clark, and he can separate business from personal because this isn’t an affair involving his son. Even if Clark ripped your heart out and ran over it in pit lane, your grandfather is one hundred percent keeping him on contract. I mean, let’s be real. If it weren’t for me, Clark would be advancing on a title.”
There’s the Xavier swagger I expect. “Maybe Mason will end up making it a closer championship race than you want,” I suggest.
“He’s not ready yet,” Xavier says, as if this is a known fact.
“How would you know? Mason is hunting you down, isn’t he?”
“Yep,” he says, popping the P at the end of the word. “But he’s not willing to take the same risks I do to win.”
Now I feel irritated. “Maybe he doesn’t want to wreck his car making a stupid move.”
“But I don’t wreck my car. Most of the time.” Xavier flashes me that world-famous smile. “I make the opponent back off. Because I only give a shit about winning on the track.”
Xavier is right about that. Some of his moves have angered me in the past. But his ruthlessness has led him to one world championship, and right now he’s en route to his second.
“Here’s what I think is going on with Clark,” he continues. “His dad is too much in his head. That’s what’s keeping him from a title. I remember his father on the karting circuit. He’s a complete asshole, and Mason won’t be as ruthless as he needs to be because he’s afraid of disappointing him. He doesn’t want to make an unnecessary mistake.”
My stomach begins to tumble as I remember what Mason told me about his dad. How he considers his son an investment, and how Mason’s determined to prove he’s been worth every penny his father has poured into him.
To finally get the relationship that has been withheld because he hasn’t won a title.
I need to help him see how he doesn’t need to drive for his dad, I think. Not that I want Mason to be as aggressive as Xavier, but I want him to feel free to push the boundaries if he wants to.
“When did you become so insightful?” I ask Xavier.
He raises his brows. “I exploit weakness in others. It helps to understand your opponents’ psyches.”
“Then why are you trying to help me understand Mason?” I ask. “Why do you want him to be a better driver?”
He shrugs. “Because I’m not a jerk. Besides, even if he gets that part of his head sorted out, I’ve still got a better car. Oh, and I’m a better driver.”
“Okay, there’s the Xavier I know. I thought I lost you for a moment.”
He gives me a cheeky grin. “I’m back. So do you wanna see my sick collection of bags?”
I smile. “Bring them on.”
* * *
Oh, does Xavier have a collection.
I’ve never had such bag envy in my life. I mean, I have luxury bags—and I know I’m coming from a place of privilege to even say that. But Xavier’s collection?
Next level.
He has travel bags by Hermès. Louis Vuitton. Bottega Venta. Cartier. I’ve seen a Christian Louboutin weekender and a Dior backpack.
“So how did you get into bags and luggage?” I ask, running my hand over a gorgeous suede Métier weekend bag.
“My mom. She loves a good handbag. She has a room in our house with all her favourite ones. Mom told me that when I’m off-track, I need to remember the details. Nice shoes. Good backpack or duffel when walking into the paddock. I do it for her. I know she’s watching. She would definitely tell me if I didn’t look sharp. And who wants to disappoint their mom? Not me.”
Okay, that is really sweet that he does that for her and cares about what she thinks. But I don’t want to get away from our fashion vibe, so I stay in my lane. “Does she comment on what you wear to the paddock?”
