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My top fan barrels into me once I step off the stage. He wraps his arms around me and squeezes with impressive strength for someone who appears weak. “Thank you for the best memories. I will never ever forget this for as long as I live.”
I give him a hug back. “You’re one of the coolest guys I’ve ever met. You inspire me.”
Caleb lets go of me and looks up at me in disbelief. “How?”
My eyes slide from his to Elena’s, catching her beautiful smile as she faces us. “To be stronger than the demons holding me back.”
“Do you have to leave?” Mum wraps her arms around me, making it impossible to move.
“The season is halfway over. Then I’ll be back home, spending time with you all over again.”
“Okay, fine, if you must go. But what do you say about leaving Elena behind? We will feed her well, we promise.” Mum bobs her head while Dad hides his laugh with a cough.
“I need Elena to help me out. Maybe she’ll come back and visit one day.” I wink at Elena.
Mum walks up to Elena, using her cane for help. She wraps her arms around the latest object of my affection. The sight of Mum whispering to her hits me hard.
I don’t know where the fuck the sudden emotion came from, but it chokes me. Mum never had a daughter or even a girlfriend of mine she could speak to. Elena hugging Mum back stirs a longing inside of me. Longing for Elena to stay longer. Longing for her to spend more time with my family like our movie nights or post-tea piano sessions.
Longing for her to become something more stable in my life.
And greatest of all, longing to face my biggest fear for the biggest reward.
35
Elena
Austin, Texas is filled with American fans who are decked out in Bandini gear, cowboy hats, and boots straight out of a country western movie. They play honky-tonk music from the radio and fans tailgate in their pickup trucks. I soak it up, enjoying the Southern food and action of the race week.
Jax and I choose to eat dinner at a restaurant located close to the track. We decide on a table outside, enjoying the tourists walking past us.
I eye him curiously, taking in his rigid posture. “You can take off your sunglasses, you know. The sun is setting.”
“I’m trying to blend in.” He lowers his Ray-Bans before adjusting them again.
Shockingly, he’s right. No one has come up to him so far during our dinner, which I call a win. “Is that how you plan on living the rest of your life? Hiding in plain sight?”
He tilts his head at me. “No. If I had it my way, I’d live close to my parents while still remaining secluded. When I retire, I plan on buying a big property and making it so cool, I rarely have to leave.”
“Like what?”
“A bowling alley, a small movie theater, a pool with a water slide. Maybe even a lazy river.”
I clap my hands together. “Don’t forget about a mini-golf course.”
“And a mini-golf course.” He smiles.
“And a treehouse!”
Jax lets out a deep laugh. “Anything else?”
“You forgot about a fire pit with hanging string lights. You know, the circular ones they have in movies and on Pinterest?”
“This project is turning out to be rather costly if you have it your way.”
I roll my eyes. “Hey, you said you wanted a property that you’ll never want to leave. I’m helping make the dream come true. You should be thanking me.”
“I’ll have to leave eventually. But rarely is preferable.”
