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Neveah
“LucaDeMello?You’re kiddingme,right?”
“He makes a killing, and you know it.” I swing my bag over my shoulder and grab my phone off my desk.
My father crosses his arms and doesn’t move from the spot he planted himself in. He’s in front of my desk, directly in my way. Gotta lovefamily.
I flash my bestI’m your favorite daughter eversmile and hope he’ll let me go. I’ve been here since six o’clock this morning, and I’m dying for a drink and a bite to eat. No, make that a three-course meal. I haven’t eaten anything but an apple all day, and I’m ready to pass out.
“You know money isn’t everything, Nev. Don’t tell me you haven’t heard about him.”
Of course I have. Who hasn’t around here?
LucaDeMello is a top contender in the motorsports world. Everyone wants him. Too bad his reputation is complete shit.
The exact opposite of what kind of team my dad wants around here, but what he doesn’t understand is it’s no longer about gossip and bullshit. It’s about business. And businesses need money.Plain and simple.
My job is working with the drivers my father’s company, Walker Tires, sponsors. Usually the company sponsors three drivers, but lately, we can only afford two. Currently, we’re only sponsoring my brother because our other announced just last week he’s dropping out of racing this season. Fun times for me.
Anyway, back to the point at hand. So what if he’s sinful and an arrogant prick? We need him. Our business needs him. Which is why we need to sponsorhim like yesterday. If only my dad would listen.
“That’s not the point. Just think about him, okay?” I hand him the folder full of everything Lucahas to offer. A quick flip through might look a tadstalkerish,but no one needs to know that.
“Fine. Have a good night, honey.” My father hugs me before stepping aside. He means well. He just doesn’t see reason. Old-school habits diehard,I say.
With a quick bye to Gina, my assistant, I’m out the door and almost to my car when I hear my name.
“Nev, wait up!”
I close my eyes for a brief second and picture the bottle of wine I left chilling in my fridge at home. I can practically taste it.
“What’s up?” I take the last few steps to my car, clicking the unlock button on the fob. Opening the driver’s side door, I toss my purse in and shut the door again before turning to face my younger brother. I guarantee he already heard something from Dad.
“LucaDeMello?Really,Nev?” He stares down at me with a worried look on his face. He might be three years myjunior,but he’s towered over me since high school. Not fair, am I right?
“Wow. I’m not even out of the parking lot yet, and Dad already got to you.” I throw my hands up in the air. “Can I just please do my job?”
AJ laughs as he rolls up the sleeves on his racing suit. He mustbe headedto the track for his usual Thursday night practice. “Of course you can. But not without everyone’s opinions. What, are you new around here or something?”
I roll my eyes at his teasing. “So what if he hasa bad reputation? He’s a damngood driver, and you know it. We need him.”
AJ shakes his head, some of his long hair falling in front of his eyes. “You know what a bad rep is like in this world, sis. We grew up around this shit. It fucking follows you everywhere. And with bad repscomebad publicity.”
“Don’t you think I know this? Don’t you think I rack my brain trying to figure out the company's next best move to keep Dad and Mom’s legacy running?”
“What you need is to stop working so much. Stop putting all this pressure on yourself, Nev. You’re gonna have gray hair before Mom.”
My mouth drops, and I playfully punch him in the shoulder. “Shut up! Don’t curse me! If you and Dad would just listen, I wouldn’t have so much stress.”
AJ sighs and places his hands on my shoulders. “One day, you’ll stop being so damn stubborn and bossy, and you’llsee the light.” He smirks, and I push his hands off me in the nicest way possible.
“You and Dad will thank me one day. You’ll see. When Luca’s bringing in the dough and we all reap the benefits, I’ll be the one smirking. Good chattin’ with ya, little bro. I gotta run.”
AJ laughs again. He may give me shit like our dad does, butit'sall done in love. Brotherly love. I grin.
“You’re off the hook for now. Tell Mel I said hi.”
