“What’s going on?”
“I really need you to step up. I’m sick.”
“Okay.”
“It’s cancer, Jace.” Fuck.
“I’m sorry, Jenny. I promise we’ll work it all out.”
“We’ll talk tomorrow.”
“You’re stubborn as a damn mule. You’re gonna fight this.”
“We’ll see. Goodnight, Jace,” she whispers, her voice shaky.
“Okay. Goodnight. And, Jenny…thank you…for everything.”
One more reason I can’t become involved with Charlotte, I think, as I disconnect the phone, clutching it to my chest. At twenty-seven, it’s time to find some courage, and take control of my life.
Chapter Ten
Charlotte
The next few weeks consist of working out, eating, driving, sleeping, and repeat. Nothing out of the ordinary has occurred since the night of the window incident. The last time we kissed. Not a peep in weeks, and I think this whole bodyguard business is an enormous waste of time.
Jace has been the perfect gentleman since the night we kissed again. He does his job with little complaint. We don’t argue. We don’t kiss. He’s saying and doing all the right things. Some might say he’s giving me the cold shoulder. Well, I’m giving it right back, buddy. Just as frigid. The cold never bothered this ice queen anyway, asshole.
Does he think I don’t notice him parked outside my house some nights? He wants to pretend nothing happened between us, then, I don’t fucking care. I have a career to worry about. I don’t need a man in my life. Then why does it hurt so bad?
I steer into the infield and exit my car, making my way to the garage. The paddock is bustling today with people gearing up for the upcoming circuit about to start.
Out of the corner of my eye, I glance at Jace, standing at the edge of the garage, engrossed on his phone. He’s leaning against the tire wall, housing a stack of new race rubbers that just came in this morning. I unzip my fire suit, and he peeks up, locking eyes with mine. Tucking his phone in his pocket, he shoots me a forced smile.
It’s funny, when I first met him, I rarely saw him on his phone. Maybe it’s the boredom of waiting around for me all day, but now he’s on it all the time. He probably met some woman. Guys like him don’t stay single for long. I hate the twinge of jealousy I get in the pit of my stomach from the thought. Seriously, Charlotte? Jealousy is ugly. I have no right to be jealous. Jace means nothing to me. He's my bodyguard.
“Rookie!” My boss, Colton’s gruff voice catches my attention, as I follow the crew pushing my car into the garage.
I finished my morning test run a few minutes ago, and it felt pretty damn good. One of my best times to date. I won’t let the evil brute standing in the corner with his arms folded over his chest, wearing a permanent scowl ruin my day. Not today, devil.
“Jesus, Rookie…wait up.” Colton chases after me, chuckling. “Do you do everything fast?”
“Sorry, Boss.” I twirl around and stop short, letting him catch up to me. “My head’s still in the clouds after that run.”
“Been there.” He shoots me a lopsided grin. “It’s a fantastic high, after a run like that. Almost as good as…never mind.” The muscles in his jaw twitch like he’s amused with himself.
“What’s up?” I hold back a chuckle.
“Been talking with Becks.” He rests a hand on his hip. “You’ve had some excellent runs this week.” I nod, nervous at what he’s about to tell me. He’s anxious, which is entirely out of character for him. Colton Donavan is a confident, straight shooting, no-nonsense guy, who tells you like it is. “Look, I know you’ve been working hard, but lots of guys are vying for the one spot left. You just need to keep giving it one-hundred-percent.”
Shit. The season starts soon. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I believed I’d be one of the drivers. I know I’m the rookie and all, and there are a lot of seasoned veterans capable of bringing home a win. I just thought…hoped for a chance to show them what I’m capable of.
“Spit it out, Boss. I can take it, even though I’m a female. I promise not to break down in tears, or make a scene.”
“Wait…you’re a female?” Colton removes his Donavan racing cap and scratches the back of his head, with a teasing smirk.
I burst out laughing, playfully slapping his arm. “Jerk.”
“Rylee calls me worse.” He sticks out his tongue like a teasing little boy.
“I bet she does.”
“I just wanted to say, keep up the hard work.” He turns and starts walking away toward Becks’s office. Becks is leaning against the doorframe, watching us with an amused look on his face.
“Thanks, Boss.” I force a smile. “I will.”
“Oh…Rookie.” He glances back over his shoulder. “See you in St. Petersburg.” He winks.
What? Did he just say…I’m going to the opening race of the season? “I’m racing?”
“As long as you promise not to smack up my car.”
“Son of a fucking. Holy shit. Yes!” I pump a fist in the air.
“Well said, Rookie. Might want to brush up that language of yours for the interviews, though.” He smiles at me like a proud poppa.
Whoops and hollers ring out from the garage as the entire crew cheers out, “Congratulations.” I’m overwhelmed with emotion. The corners of my eyes crinkle, feeling the tears well up. I look down at the ground and head straight toward the trailer. I don’t want to show emotion around these guys. That’s all I need, to show them weakness.
“Charlie!” A terse voice rings out behind me, causing me to spin around. “Wait up.”
Mason. “Hey.” I turn around, my body stiff.
“What’s all the celebration?”
“Oh…I…I’m racing in St. Petersburg.” I glance over at Jace, who’s giving us the evil death glare. I recognize the jaw tick, and his eyes look murderous. What is his problem? I shoot him a warning look to stand down, before turning my attention back to Mason.
“Congratulations.” He spreads his arms wide before giving me an awkward hug. “That’s fantastic news. I guess I’ll be seeing you in the Sunshine State.”
“You’re racing too?” I say, trying to sound happy. I’m pleased for him. He’s racing with the Winston team now, so he is a rival. “That’s…great news.”
“We should celebrate.”
“Oh…I don’t think…” I’m not sure my team will appreciate me colluding with the enemy. Besides, Mason and I were never all that friendly.
“Come on, Charlie. Have dinner with me…as friends. I’d really like to catch up.” He ducks his head down, his shoulders sagging. “I miss him.”
I take in a shaky breath, running my hand through my hair. “I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”
“One dinner.” He cocks his head to the side, with a pleading look on his face. “Give me a chance to apologize. I was an immature jerk back then.” He has the same blue eyes as his brother, which make me heartbroken looking into them. God, I need to get out of here. I’m so fucking emotional today.