Chapter 41
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
?? LONDON, ENGLAND
“ H ow are you feeling?” was Kamari’s question when Ava took a seat on the stool facing the bar.
Despite the fact Dawn’s Café was quite busy at this time of the day, most of the customers were watching the Belgian Grand Prix with undivided attention.
Ava was glad she could steal some of Kamari’s time to talk. The coffee shop’s owner was wise, resilient, and empathic despite her guarded fa?ade.
Ava lifted her shoulders in an indifferent shrug, as though she was numb to the feeling. Truth was, she was everything but. She was someone who always felt deeply, who was sensitive. She couldn’t help but blame herself for putting hers and Rowan’s relationship out in the open like this.
So far, she had ignored all calls and text messages from her colleagues. Had only talked to Thiago when he had asked if there was something he could do to help. She still couldn’t believe Primavera Racing had asked Rowan to leave if he wasn’t ready to let her go.
Ava knew how much Formula 1 and this team meant to Rowan. She wouldn’t have allowed him to walk away from the only things he loved.
“Oh, darling,” Kamari whispered. She pushed a coffee and a pain au chocolat towards Ava, a small smile on her lips. “Rowan texted me saying your favourite breakfast is a crispy pain au chocolat.”
It wasn’t even breakfast time anymore, but she still felt disoriented. A soft chuckle escaped Ava’s mouth, her chest tightening. “He’s right.”
“So? Tomorrow’s the day?”
Tomorrow would be the day Ava was going to resign from her position as a PR officer at Primavera Racing. Sophie had reached out to her the day the secret was revealed, kindly asking her to come to the office to talk whenever she felt ready.
After spending over a week resting, reflecting on the situation, and trying to sort everything out, it was finally time to move on.
“Yes.” Ava stirred her coffee, keeping her absent stare on the midnight blue cup. “Do you think it makes me a weak person? To leave without fighting?”
“No,” her friend answered instantly. Truthfully. “You’re one of the strongest people I know. You travel all the time. Put up with imbeciles at work. Put everyone else’s happiness before your own. I think you wanted to leave Nikki’s team for a while, so it’s fine. Maybe you’re quitting because your secret’s been exposed, and it was the cherry on top, but you’re mostly doing it for you and Rowan. To save your relationship. Do you know how many couples call it off when they work together? Working with your partner 24/7 can be so frustrating if you’re not used to it.”
“That’s what I’m telling myself.”
Slipping her gaze to the wide television screen, she frowned, seeing that the start of the race was still delayed because of the heavy rain.
Typical Belgian weather.
Ava was gutted not to attend that particular race. The circuit was in the top five of her favourites in the calendar.
“You’ll be okay,” Kamari assured softly, bringing Ava’s attention back to the barista. “Do you know what you’re going to do after the summer break?”
There would be a four-week break for everyone working in Formula 1 after the Grand Prix. To enjoy the summer. To rest. To disconnect and rewind. And all Ava needed was to escape to a world alone with Rowan.
Ava nodded after wiping the corner of her mouth. The pastry was delicious, and she made sure to tell Kamari so before answering the question. “You know Miles Huxley?” Kamari nodded. “He’s my childhood friend. He’s looking for a new PR officer and he’s going to hire me on private terms. I’ll still be working with Imperium Racing, though.”
The stunning entrepreneur arched an eyebrow. “Going to the enemy?”
“Sorry,” Ava answered with the same teasing tone. “Didn’t mean to betray you all.”
“Well, as long as you’re happy. I’m rooting for you. And if you need someone to defend you, I’m your girl.”
“Do you want me to go in with you?”
Drifting her gaze away from the large building, Ava found Rowan’s tender gaze. She placed her hand above his, which was resting on her thigh, and applied a soft pressure.
She couldn’t believe this was her last Monday here. Couldn’t realise just yet the fact that she was about to walk in, resign, take her belongings, and never look back.
“I’ll be okay.”
“I know you will. I’ll still wait for you outside of Sophie’s office.”
She tucked a strand of hair behind an ear and took a deep breath in. Nervousness had been stirring inside her chest ever since she got inside Rowan’s Porsche.
“Thank you.” She kissed his cheek, earning a smile and a scarlet blush on his cheekbones. “I can’t believe I’m saying goodbye to Primavera Racing.”
Rowan brushed her bangs away from her forehead, delicately. “As much as it hurts to know you’re leaving us, I know you’re going to a much healthier environment. Huxley is a total dickhead on the track, but I know he’ll treat you right. If he doesn’t, I’ll kill him. And if anyone dares to hurt you, I swear I’ll set the entire place on fire.”
“Careful,” she started with a teasing tone, “I’m going to start thinking you care.”
“You wish,” he spat playfully. She watched Rowan’s hazel eyes drift somewhere behind her shoulder and linger on the landscape. “That lake.”
She shifted in her seat to look at the sunshine beaming down on the still water, a sentiment of nostalgia squeezing her lungs. “What about it?”
“I can’t even tell you how many times I caught you staring at it. Just admiring it.”
Ava raised her eyebrows. “You used to stalk me?”
“Not stalk.” He rolled his eyes, resulting in her rolling her eyes back at him. “Just finding you. I would always find you, no matter where we were. And the car launch at the beginning of the season? The night you announced you’d be my press officer… I swear you took my breath away that night.”
“With a broken shoe and a missing contact lens?”
He chuckled. “Especially because of that. You’re unique in my eyes.” His features softened, a soft sigh escaping his parted lips. “I’m so sorry, Avery. Sometimes I can’t help but think this is all because of me. I influenced you to sneak around, break the rules. But just so you know, I don’t regret a single thing. You make me feel alive, and safe, and at peace.”
Before Ava could voice her gratitude, her phone chimed. The notification sent her mind into overdrive, shock rippling through her veins. With lips agape and unblinking eyelids, she read the message over and over again. At this exact moment, she couldn’t help but think the universe was on her side.
Rowan leaned in. “What is it?”
Ava met Rowan’s curious yet concerned gaze. “Remember how I told you Gabe’s boyfriend works in IT? I’m pretty sure what he did is illegal, but he managed to trace the IP address of the person who leaked the photos.”
When Sophie welcomed her into her office with a kind smile, Ava couldn’t help but sigh in relief.
Here goes nothing.
“Tea?” Sophie asked kindly.
Ava shook her head to deny the offer.
“Coffee?”
“I’m alright. Thank you.”
“A pain au chocolat?” the woman asked then, a faint hint of mischief woven into her tone. “I know a certain someone who has forced everyone on the team to always leave the last one on the tray for you.”
Ava closed the door, the confession sending her mind into overdrive.
Rowan Emerson would be the reason for her undoing.
“I had no clue,” she whispered. “How do you even know?”
“I observe everyone who roams through these hallways.” Sophie’s lips curled into a polite smile. “How were your days off?”
“Fine.” Ava walked up to the desk and handed an envelope to Sophie. “I’m resigning.”
Slumping back in her chaise, Sophie only watched the letter, a frown on her brows. “You are?”
Ava lowered her arm and laid the envelope down. “It was either me or Rowan who had to leave. I can’t let him protect me. I caused all of this chaos, so I’m the one who has to leave.”
Sophie’s frown deepened. For a moment, she stared absently at the envelope, her lips pressed in a hard line. “I’m surprised, to say the least,” she confessed, peering up into Ava’s eyes. “I never thought you would choose love over your career.”
“I’m sorry,” Ava whispered. Had it not been for Rowan and for the way he’d captured her heart, she would’ve fought to stay. Wouldn’t have put her entire career at risk.
Sophie raised a shaky hand. “Don’t apologise. I saw Rowan at the emergency meeting, and that man loves you so fiercely. I’ve seen the way he looks at you in secret. A Formula 1 driver never leaves a team unless he’s got a better deal with another one. Unless his contract is over and he needs to depart. But for a second, a tiny second, I really thought he would leave for you.”
Ava’s heart churned. “No. He loves Primavera too much.”
“He does, as we all love him. He’s very different from Thiago, but he’s an equally talented driver.” Sophie gestured for Ava to sit, and she obliged in silence. “You know, when I decided for you to become Rowan’s new publicist, it wasn’t just to spite you. I was aware of the resentment you both shared towards one another. Sure, I forced you to be a team in the hopes the hatred would go away, but I made that choice because I know you both. Your personalities, your strengths and weaknesses. I knew you’d complement each other well. I wasn’t wrong, because you champion each other. You’re a good duo.”
Starting to rub the hem of her sleeve between her thumb and forefinger, Ava offered a gentle smile to the woman before her. “I know I didn’t show much enthusiasm at the beginning of the season, but I liked working with Rowan. As much as I loved working with Thiago.”
“I’m glad to know that. You’ve always been one of my favourite employees, Ava.” Sophie’s eyes shone with something like regret, guilt. “I wish you had been brave enough to tell me you were developing feelings for Rowan.”
“You’d have fired me, too.”
“No,” the lady whispered. “I would’ve moved you back into Thiago’s team. Did you know you could’ve signed an agreement to state you and Rowan were together? The non-fraternising clause is there for a reason, but we cannot control who you fall in love with. We’re aware of the amount of people who break this rule.”
“I didn’t know this agreement existed.”
“Because Nikki kept assuring you there was no way we could find a compromise, right?”
Ava inhaled sharply, feeling tears burn the back of her eyes. She blinked, uncertain of what she was supposed to say.
“I have to ask,” Sophie continued. “I have a feeling you’re not leaving just because of the drama. What’s the cause of your departure?”
“I’ve been wanting to leave for a while,” Ava admitted, her words stuck in her throat. Sophie’s expression shattered, leaving hurt etched on her features. “It wasn’t because of you. I loved working with and for you. You taught me so much, and I truly appreciate all the opportunities you’ve given me. I just—have never been on good terms with Nikki. It’s been very tough for me to work under her command for the past three years.”
“Oh, Ava…” The woman knitted her brows together, a few beats passing before she spoke up. “Why haven’t you talked about it?”
“I didn’t want to cause any trouble.”
“I should’ve listened when Thiago came to see me and said she was acting inappropriately towards you and the rest of the team. There were so many signs that I didn’t catch. I’m—what did she do?”
Where to start? “Well—”
The door burst open, and the person she had been avoiding for days finally emerged back into her life.
Talk about perfect timing.
Nikki planted her hands on her hips. “Is it done? Is she fired?”
“Lovely seeing you,” Ava muttered.
“I see you didn’t use those days off to tone down your attitude.”
Bitch , Ava wanted to scream. But she had dignity. Had the tiniest ounce of respect left.She only held her breath. Stayed silent, just like she’d always done in Nikki’s company.
She only looked at Sophie, gesturing towards the other woman as if saying, “See how she’s acting with me?”
“Nikki,” Sophie cut in coldly, shaking her head. “Act like an adult. Ava’s been nothing but respectful to you.”
“She slept with Rowan,” Nikki argued.
Sophie blinked, rearing back at the outburst. “Come sit for a second.”
With slight reluctance, Nikki approached before slouching down in the other chair. This time, Ava didn’t lower her gaze when Nikki glowered at her.
“So? Is she leaving the team?”
Ava’s anger started to thrum against her temple. “Yes, I am. Happy?”
“Finally! I warned you, and you didn’t listen. You took your job as a press officer as a literal joke. It was a shame to have you on my team.”
“Sophie’s team,” Ava corrected bitterly. “You were an awful team manager. I’ve never seen anyone lack sympathy as you do. I am one of the best publicists to work in F1, and you know it. You’re just jealous not to have my position. You’re envious that I work so closely with the drivers. I’ve seen the way you look and flirt with both Rowan and Thiago. I know about the times you asked Rowan to join you in secret. But he’s never wanted you.”
“Shame,” Nikki mustered with disdain. “I’m much better than you.”
“That’s not what he seemed to be saying this morning whilst he was between my legs.”
“Excuse you?“
“Girls,” Sophie cut in. “Let’s keep it classy.”
Ava sighed, turning to her recently former boss. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to blurt that out. I hate to snitch, but Nikki has been sleeping with someone on the team.”
“Who?” Sophie asked slowly.
“Are you seriously ratting me out?” Nikki bellowed.
“Check your inbox,” Ava suggested, ignoring the fuming blonde.
The tension in the room was thick and palpable as Sophie read the email. Trembling fingers hovered above the keyboard before curling into a fist.
“Nikki,” Sophie said quietly, coldly. “You’ve been sleeping with Eliott Dalton? Bribed him to stalk Ava and Rowan then asked him to leak the pictures?”
Nikki’s silence was confirmation.
“Why did you do that?”
“Because Ava has Rowan. And I despise her. She has the man I’ve been running after for years, and the only one who wanted me was sweet, young Eliott. He does everything I want. He, too, wanted to ruin Ava for—“
“That’s enough,” Sophie interrupted. “Pack your belongings. You’re fired.”
“I’m proud of you,” Rowan murmured in her ear as he draped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her into his side. She’d bask in his warmth all day long if she could. “You fierce girl.”
“Thank you. For always standing by my side.”
“Just returning the favour, sunflower.”
He was holding a bag with the last items they’d retrieved from her office. Sure, it was bittersweet to pack her belongings, but Ava thought it was a freeing feeling, too. Rowan had helped her pack whilst reminiscing on their private moments in there; when they got to know each other, when they shared breakfast, when they talked about work, but also moments where professionalism wasn’t in the picture.
The door to the lifts opened, and they faced another person who had ruined their lives.
Ava felt Rowan stiffen, but all he did was pull her even more into him. “Eliott,” he acknowledged. “I wish I could say it’s fancy seeing you here, but it’s really not.”
Ava elbowed her boyfriend in the ribs. She only glared at Eliott and walked past him, not wanting to deal with him unless he gave the apology he owed her.
“What are you doing here?” Eliott asked when she was nearly out of the building.“Are you not ashamed of what you did?”
Falling in love with Rowan was, without a shadow of a doubt, the best thing that had happened to her.
Ava turned around, a ball rising to block her airway. “Glad to see you, Eliott. I hope you’re happy I’m leaving.”
“Wow,” the photographer droned, his brows rising. “You two are truly the perfect match.”
“Thanks. I think so, too,” Rowan quipped. “You’re not invited to the wedding, though. Bummer, ‘cause your photography skills are kind of decent.”
“Stop,” Ava told him brusquely.
Rowan only winked down at her.
Eliott swallowed thickly, keeping his gaze on Ava. “Did you get fired?”
“Not officially since I handed my resignation letter before Sophie could let me know.”
When he didn’t say anything, she only shook her head, deception making her chest tighten, and pivoted. That was the exact reason why Ava wouldn’t let people in; being nice always meant getting betrayed in the end.
“One question.” She turned back around, finding Rowan’s hand to twine their fingers together. Eliott didn’t miss the gesture, lowering his gaze to their connected palms. “Why? I’ve been nothing but nice to you. You were one of my favourite colleagues. Just… why?”
“I liked you, Ava,” Eliott answered quietly. “I wanted you to be with me, not with that prick.”
“Watch the tone you take when you talk about Rowan,” she said with a chilling softness.
Rowan's fingers tightened around hers.
“I’m not going to apologise. I knew you were hiding something, and Nikki knew it, too. You wouldn’t have been able to keep your relationship secret much longer, anyway.”
And that was it. No more explanation. No further apology.
Ava scoffed. “I hope getting an older woman’s pussy was worth it. What I did was nowhere as hurtful as your actions. You shouldn’t have betrayed me.”
“I’m being suspended,” Eliott announced after swallowing. “I hope you’re happy now.”
“No, Eliott. No, it does not make me happy. But you deserve so much worse.”
Without another glance back, Ava left the building with a heavy heart. When Rowan squeezed her fingers in reassurance, she found anchoring honey eyes, stealing her breath away. He stopped walking, cupped her face, and leaned in to kiss her. Softly. Deeply. Passionately.
She felt a weakness in her knees. A certain weight being lifted off her shoulders.
“What was that for?” Ava asked as they pulled away, smiling.
“Because I admire you. And what you just said to Eliott was really sexy. And because you’re just my favourite person. And you deserve the world. I promise I’m going to give it to you.”
He already had.
Walking away from the organisation that had given her a place in the motorsports industry to find another home where she hoped she could be herself, Ava couldn’t help but think this was the beginning of liberty. Happiness. And the greatest love story of all time; the one she had written on her own.