Chapter 9 Rayna #2
He follows suit, sitting opposite me, and I’m back to staring into those bright azure eyes.
“Aria phoned about an hour ago. She would love to be here for Christmas and thanks you for the invite. She’ll see if she can stay at Court’s house, just to be one less body crowding in the house.”
“We would love to have her here if she wants to split her time between the two houses.”
“Thanks.” He shoots me a carefree smile.
My heart skips and a throb thrums downwards. Distraction needed. I start eating and mention, “Brax is due to pop in here for a season recap and planning for next season in a few days. Might need your help over in rally.”
“Aren’t I still dealing with your last on-track favour?” He smirks.
He is referring to me poaching two of his mechanical crew members two seasons ago.
“Yes, I know. But I have two members taking time off for parental leave next year, and Louie has only one in the team who would be suitable to step up, but two spots.”
“You’re wondering if someone might have another perspective coming across from sportsbikes to rally?”
“Am I that predictable?”
“Yes, but in a good way.”
“I also want to think about maybe hiring or promoting someone to job-share Brax’s role next year. His mum’s not been doing well, and I want him to take some time to be with her and not worry about the season.”
“That’s fair.”
“This has happened really suddenly for him, and I don’t want him to feel more pressure. We can support him.”
He rolls his eyes playfully. “No wonder no one ever wants to leave your teams. You look after them so well.”
I shrug. “It’s the least I can do for them. They dedicate so much of their time away from their families and not having a life for a good chunk of the year. Gotta look after them like they are family.”
He floors me with another smile. “How long has his mum not been well?”
“She was first diagnosed with dementia three years ago. She has been doing okay, but she recently had a bad fall. Obviously, he wasn’t home to help, and he felt awful.
Very lucky one of the neighbours called in to check on her and found she had a broken wrist but was sitting in her chair just nursing it.
Apparently, she has been getting worse over the last month.
He wouldn’t leave the season though. I told him to go be with her whenever he needed, but I think he didn't do it as much as he wanted to. I did what I could. Called around to people I knew in health care, asked their assistance where possible. Recommendations for the best facilities. I just want to have the option available to him if he wants to take it. Split his time between the circuit and her whenever he needs.”
“Might need to have a brainstorm with Louie too? See who would be a good fit. There are great talents across the sports. I’m sure we can find the right people.”
Nodding, and taking my last mouthful of food.
Koby rises and starts picking up the empty plates and used cutlery.
I start to help, but he waves me off. “Stop. I can handle this. Sit down and relax.”
“Thanks. Do you have any plans for the rest of the day?”
“I have some work emails I need to get to. Want to get across anything Aria might have sent me that I’ve missed before I get labelled ‘forgetful old dad’ when she arrives and we have a work discussion.
” He is rinsing and stacking the dishwasher.
Wiping down the benches in the kitchen and freshening our drinks. “Any plans for yourself?”
“I think a lazy afternoon on the lounge is calling.”
“Sounds ideal.” He finishes off in tidying the kitchen.
“Well, you know where I am when you’re done.”
“I shouldn’t be too long.” He heads towards upstairs. The room normally goes to Jill and Teddy when they come, so it’s kitted out with a desk. Privacy and focus available for him to get his emails done. I keep looking at the empty stairs where he just flew up. My mind wandering.
Padding over to the lounge in the open lounge room, I draw the curtains to avoid light hitting the TV screen. Firing up the media centre, I scroll for a solid fifteen minutes before deciding upon one of the new romantic comedy Christmas movies.
Settling into my deep lounge, I’m enthralled by the story.
The actors are well-cast, no cheesy over-acting, or forgotten actors clutching at straws and saying ‘yes’ to anything.
I’m so engrossed by the movie, I don’t hear Koby until he sits beside me and places a glass of wine on the low coffee table in front of me. To which I gasp and pause the movie.
“Fucking hell. You need a bell on you. I did not hear you.”
“Clearly. Good flick then?”
“Yeah, actually is. Might as well start my Christmas tradition early.” Who am I kidding? I have been watching these since Halloween was over and the horror movies were shelved until next year.
“You still do this?” He looks bewildered.
“Absolutely!” I don’t add that while I’m home on my own there isn’t much else to do. Each year gets longer between people arriving before Christmas.
You’d think I would have more to do, but when you have the entire day to yourself, a lot gets done and then you're stuck with nothing to do. The few friends still in the area have their own families to look after, or are taking this opportunity to holiday, or be with grandchildren.
But being away the majority of the year does put a damper on maintaining friendships. Hell, maybe that’s why I like to look after everyone as much as I can in the paddock and across in the other motorsports teams. They are the closest family and friends I have.
I hit the remote to continue the movie and just because the universe wants to be a funny bitch and shit stir, a sex scene is the very next scene.
Surprisingly, it’s long and a little graphic for a Christmas movie.
Reaching over and picking up the wineglass, taking a large gulp to avoid some awkwardness.
When it moves to the next scene, Koby clears his throat and sets his wineglass down.
I scramble and comment. “These movies don’t normally have scenes quite like that.” The sudden need to clarify is strong.
He waves me off. “No need to say anything.”
But I can’t stop myself. “I think this is a spicy book adaptation, so it would be tame compared to the book.”
To this he raises his eyebrow and looks over at me. “You haven’t read the book yet?”
“I save my Christmas romance reads for December, and it hasn’t come up on my to be read list.”
“Bet this one is going straight to the top of the list.” He shoots over a wicked smile, and my stomach bottoms out.
“Maybe.” I simply say and turn my attention back to the screen and another big gulp of wine. Definitely going to the top of the list.