Chapter 40 #2
They all spin, focusing on Noah when he approaches his seat on the stage. His legal team is on either side of him, but his eyes find mine for a brief moment, and I know he’s making sure I’m okay. I incline my head, and he sits facing the crowd.
He clears his throat, and the noise dies down. “Hi, I’m Noah Fletcher, CEO of Starfire Racing. I called this conference to answer some questions about our upcoming races, as well as to address the rumors circulating online.”
“Who’s that?” Skylar murmurs, and I follow his nudging to see a man in a full suit.
I eye Noah’s father, who observes from the back, but Noah’s voice quickly makes me focus on him, ignoring Skylar’s question. I have no idea what he’s doing here, but it can’t be anything good, and it annoys me. Can’t we catch a break today?
“As I’m sure you’re aware, there was a news article posted recently, based on senseless rumors, saying I am having inappropriate relations with my racer, Mackie Draper.
” He pauses and looks around as everyone waits with bated breath.
“I categorically deny these rumors. Mackie is an integral part of our team, and I am very close to him as his manager and trainer, but that is all.” His eyes meet mine.
“None of the rumors are true. Mackie is an employee of Starfire Racing, a valued one, and that is all.”
I know what that means—he loves me. It’s a message just for me.
People like us aren’t free to love who we want, but neither of us care.
I feel eyes on me, and I don’t react as I watch.
“These baseless rumors could be damaging not only to Starfire, but also Mackie’s career, and we are asking for them to be pulled offline and for apologies to be written.
Starfire is focused on winning the championship.
Racing is our priority, and we look forward to your support and encouragement while we aim for that title.
” He stands. “Thank you.” He turns and walks away, leaving the reporters calling out questions.
“Straight to the point, as always,” Sky scoffs at my side. “Are you okay with this?”
Before I can answer, Noah’s father appears, making me straighten stiffly.
“Mackie, are you busy?” Noah’s father asks as Noah mingles with the crowd. I spare him a look, and his father follows my gaze. “We won’t be long, I promise.”
“Mackie?” Sky asks, looking between us nervously.
“It’s fine.” I purse my lips and nod, and his father gestures for me to follow him. I do as I’m told, sparing Noah another glance. He will search for me, but he’s busy right now, so I don’t bother calling out. This won’t take long, and whatever he has to say won’t change anything.
I’m led to an idling town car, and once inside, I turn to his father. “Is there a problem?”
“Let’s talk over food. I’m starving. Do you like sushi?”
I narrow my eyes, but I can’t really deny him. “Yes.”
“Good, I know an amazing place.” He taps the partition, and we set off, leaving Noah and Starfire behind. My stomach sinks as a bad feeling builds within me.
Noah is going to be pissed.
The place he chose is the most exclusive spot in town, and he booked a private room. We don’t speak as our orders are taken, and I sit opposite him, refusing to be the first to back down or break.
He smirks as he places his napkin on his lap, his diamond watch catching the light. He’s very put together, but it doesn’t matter to me. “I see why my son likes you. You don’t intimidate easily.”
“No, I don’t,” I respond as I sip my water. “You wanted to speak. Go ahead, I have to get back to work.”
He smiles as he sits back. “You don’t like me.”
“No, not at all,” I respond without hesitation. “Anyone who puts business before their son is not someone I can respect.”
“You care for my son a lot,” he murmurs.
“I love him,” I correct.
He nods. “Then it must have hurt watching that press conference today. What he said—”
“I told him to,” I interrupt. That’s probably a first for him, but men like him rely on power. “I will not let him jeopardize everything he has worked for. We know what we are to each other, and nothing else matters.”
His eyes widen. “Most people would not like to be denied like that.”
“I am not most people.” I shrug. “I love your son, and he loves me. What everyone else thinks isn’t my issue. I don’t feel like he needs to scream it from the rooftops if it will hurt him and his business.”
“Even so, there will be some who can’t accept this in the future,” he replies, but we fall silent as the door opens and our first dishes are served. I wait for them to leave before I answer.
“Then let them. That’s their issue, not ours, but I’m guessing you didn’t pull me here just to talk about this,” I state.
“Smart.” He chuckles as he takes a bite. “Please eat. This is the best sushi in town.”
I start, and he watches me as I do, looking unsure. “My son, whether he wants it or not, has a name and a family to live up to. That means he will always be in the spotlight, not to mention his own business and achievements. His life will never be easy for his future partner.”
“Are you warning me or telling me?” I retort as I wipe my mouth.
“Explaining,” he offers. “You say you love my son, but will that be enough if the whole world comes down on you for simply being with him?”
“I have been in love with Noah since before he even knew my name,” I reply.
“Nothing will ever change that. I’ve spent my life under scrutiny for my parents’ deaths, coming out as gay, then being the first young openly gay racer.
I live in the public eye. I know how to handle it.
I drive race cars at unimaginable speeds, risking my life every time.
Nothing scares me except losing him. You can throw money or press at us, but I will never leave your son for as long as he wants me. ”
“You’re very honest,” he says as he sits forward.
“I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing, but I can tell you are serious.
I’ve done a lot of thinking since you left my house.
” He plays with his glass, a telltale nervous action I didn’t expect from him.
“I realized you were right. I don’t know much about my son.
I have always wanted the best for him, and that meant trying to control his future so he could have a better life, but I’m starting to realize by doing that, I’ve pushed him away.
” He looks at me. “I know you don’t think so, but I love my son very much. ”
“Then find a way to tell him this, not me,” I scoff.
“He’s not . . . easy to talk to,” he admits, and that makes me laugh since I know it’s true.
“He isn’t, but he listens very well, and no matter what you think, he loves you too.
He didn’t tell me, but he was hurt when you asked us to leave.
No matter how old or distant he is, you’re still his father.
He still respects and looks up to you. He doesn’t need a future, money, or name from you.
He needs unconditional love and understanding.
He needs you to be in his corner, even when no one else is.
If you can’t do that, then stay out of his life. ”
“You know, nobody speaks to me like this,” he remarks, and when I just stare at him, he smiles.
“You’re fearless. Good, and you’re right.
I have tried to be the best father I can be, but clearly I can improve, and I will.
I want my son in my life. I don’t want him to feel like he has to lie or hide things from me. I will try talking to him.”
Nodding, I continue to eat.
“Your parents would be proud of the person you are,” he comments. “I would be proud to have someone like you as a son.”
“Thank you. I hope they would. They were incredible people,” I admit. “I miss them every day. I know what that void feels like, so don’t make your child feel like an orphan when you aren’t even gone.”
“You really don’t hold your punches.” He chuckles. “I like it. We should have meals together more often.”
My eyebrows rise, but I shrug. When the waiter comes to see if I want more, I agree since I’m not paying. I’ll drain his father dry in retaliation for his treatment of his son, but at least he’s trying.
By the time we are done, it’s late and he takes me back to the garage.
Noah has been blowing up my phone. I told him I was fine, but I need to see him in person.
Once we’re outside, his father looks at me.
“I would ask you not to tell Noah what we spoke about, but that would be foolish. I just hope you understand I had to be sure, and I will take your advice to heart. Someone my son loves so much must know better than me after all.” He holds out his hand.
“Thank you, Mackie. I enjoyed our meal. It was refreshing.”
“No problem, and thank you for the sushi. It really was great.” I shake his hand and go to get out of the car when he stops me.
“Oh, this is for both of you.” He hands over a bag. “It was Noah’s favorite growing up when he was sick or sad. I had the chef make it. I figured after today, you would need it.”
I take the bag carefully. “Thank you.”
“Goodnight, Mackie. Tell my son I’ll call him.”
Nodding, I shut the door and wave as he drives off.
What an odd meal.
Shrugging, I head back inside the garage. It’s dark at this time, but I have no doubt that Noah will be here. The light in his office is still on, so I push the door open, only to freeze.
Amanda’s back is to me. I would know her extensions anywhere. She’s perched on Noah’s desk and leaning into him. From here, it looks like they are kissing, but when she turns around and smiles at me, I see her lipstick is intact, and Noah is leaned far back in his chair as if to escape her.
My heart dropped for a moment, but as I look at Noah, I don’t let those useless concerns take root. I know him better, and I trust him more.
Still, when he sees me, he leaps to his feet with his hands up. “Nothing happened, baby.”
Her smirk only grows as she presses her thumb to her lips as if to wipe off his kiss. Rolling my eyes, I walk around the desk and nudge her off it with my hip. She struggles on her heels, glaring at me as Noah pleads with his eyes, reaching for me hesitantly, as if he thinks I’ll push him away.
This bitch.
“I know nothing happened. It’s obvious you wanted me to misunderstand,” I tell her. “I’m not going to give you what you want. I trust Noah and our love. When will you give up?”
Grabbing Noah’s neck, I pull him down and kiss him.
His mouth opens automatically, and he grips me as he gasps, deepening the kiss.
I stare at Amanda the entire time before pulling back when her face falls.
“I think that’s what you were trying to do, right?
” Turning to Noah, I slide my hand down to his arm and interlace our fingers.
“Sorry I’m late. I didn’t mean to worry you.
I was having a meal with your father. He gave us some food for tonight. ”
He blinks at that, and I don’t bother sparing Amanda a look. “You can see yourself out, right? I’m starving.” I look at her. “And so, it seems, is he.”
She looks between me and Noah, and when he remains silent, she grabs her bag and storms out. I go to move around his desk when he reaches for me.
“Mackie,” he says.
I narrow my eyes, and he gulps. The fear is back, and I know I need to remind him that he belongs to me.