Chapter 3 #2
Swiping my backpack from the floor, I slip my feet into my trainers and make my way to meet Nora.
Anticipation prickles at the base of my neck, palms a little clammy. This felt huge all of a sudden, and I couldn’t help but listen the recurring thoughts of what the hell was I doing?
Riding the lift, the doors ping and I make my way cautiously towards where Nora said to meet. Rounding the corner, I let my gaze roam around the busy bar just as the front of desk approaches me.
“May I help you?”
“I’m meeting my work colleague,” I say quietly but Nora has already spotted me and is waving at me from across the room. “Ah, there she is.” I softly nod, then duck my head down as I walk past him and stride towards her.
Her lips are pressed into a wide smile, her laptop out on the table, a few coffee cups to her side. “Hey.” She stands and presses a kiss to my cheek before I take my seat, and she calls the waiter over.
“What can I get you?” The waiter’s eyes bounce between us both. Nora ushers for me to go first.
“I’ll have a hazelnut latte, please.”
“Americano.” Nora beams at him.
He gives her a soft nod before he turns on his heel and walks away.
“Feeling better?” she asks, rearranging the empty cups.
“Oh yes.” I lick my lips. “I do feel exhausted, though.”
She gives a knowing nod, eyes slightly heavy. “It’ll take a few days. If you struggle let me know, I may be able to get the team doctor to prescribe you something.”
I give her a smile just as the waiter returns with our coffee.
“Can you be a doll and clear the table please?” Nora swirls her finger over the empty cups. He side-eyes her and forces a smile onto his face. “Thank you.” She winks at him then wraps her fingers around her drink and drags the cup towards her.
I follow the waiter over my shoulder and hear him grumble something under his breath. “Think you got under his skin.”
Nora replies with a shrug. “Oh well.” She takes a mouthful of her coffee and hums in appreciation.
Bringing my own cup to my lips, I swallow down a mouthful of the hot coffee. Within seconds it touches the depths of my grouchy soul.
“So,” Nora presses, her eyes bouncing between mine.
“So,” I echo. Nerves tickle the base of my neck, my heart stammers in my chest.
“Are you ready to shadow Royce Lexington?”
“No.” My voice is a squeak as I tap my index finger against the glass of my coffee cup.
She laughs softly. “He is a good guy.”
“I don’t doubt that.” I drop my eyes and look at the creamy coffee
“Just very stubborn”
I scoff.
“Was this your idea?” Nora asks and I inhale heavily.
“No.” I shake my head softly, one of my hands pulling back and tucking a loose curl behind my ear.
“It was my agent. I hit a bit of a lull, took a hiatus, and then wanted to write a sports romance book. I had an idea and once I told my agent, my best friend, Edel, suggested an F1 romance. I was a little hesitant as I didn’t really know much about the sport.
All I know is cars go vroom around a track. ”
That has Nora laughing loudly.
“Silly, right?” I feel the burn under my skin.
“Not one bit.”
I roll my lips. “She suggested that it would be good if I could shadow a driver, and well, after a few conversations, I landed here.”
“You’ve got the best driver, in my opinion.” She winks and takes a sip of her coffee.
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” Her lips purse. “But I’ll be honest…
” She trails off for a moment, and I feel the pressure build up at my temples.
“He isn’t going to be easy. He’ll refuse to play ball more than he’ll agree.
He is arrogant and pig headed at times; he will stress you no end and make you contemplate your decision on the daily.
” Her eyes close softly, her nostrils flare slightly as she inhales deeply.
“I take it you’re speaking from experience.” My lips twist.
“Maybe.” She glances at me over her coffee, and I can see the smile that is creeping.
“You must enjoy your job, though.”
She sighs, her shoulders dropping as her cup lands on the table. “I love it.”
“Not many people can say that,” I admit, swirling my coffee cup and watching the frothy liquid.
“I suspect you’re one of the few that loves your job, too.”
I mull her question over for a moment and a sadness radiates through me. “I used to,” I say, lifting a shoulder as I keep my eyes down.
“What changed?”
She pokes me for answers, and I shuffle in my seat. She probably thinks she has made me uncomfortable, but the truth is, I don’t quite know how to answer her.
“A few things.” I nod, finally letting my amber eyes settle on hers. “But I am hoping this experience reminds me why I started writing in the first place, reminds me how once upon a time I loved what I did…” I pause. “Who knows?” I say nonchalant.
“I think this is going to be really good for you,” she mutters, finishing her coffee.
I mirror her, drinking the remainder of my drink.
“Are you ready to meet Royce?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be.” My voice trembles and it doesn’t matter how much I try, I can’t help it.
I reach for my purse and dig for my card. Nora holds her hand out and shakes her head.
“It’s on us.” She smirks. “Let’s go.” She packs her laptop away and pushes from the chair before throwing some dollars down and leads me to the waiting car.
She keeps the chatter light whilst she taps away on her phone. I take that as my cue to stop talking as I turn my face to look out the window at the scenery, and for the first time in a long while, my heart skips a beat.
Maybe this is what I needed after all. A break from reality.