21. LYCA
Chapter 21
LYCA
A s I parked my car in the basement of my apartment building and rode the elevator up to my floor, my mind was a chaotic mess. Liam's job offer had caught me off guard, and part of me was tempted by the idea of a fresh start away from the complications at Steele Motorsport International.
But then there was Xander. Despite our tumultuous history, a part of me wanted to be with him, to give him another chance. Maybe I was mistaken about him.
Just thinking about all this was giving me a literal headache. The elevator stopped at the ground floor, and a familiar brunette stepped inside. She was chatting with an older-looking woman whom I seemed to have also seen before. I immediately realized that the younger woman was Zara, whom Xander said was his cousin.
“Zara, did you tell Xander we were coming?” I heard the older woman ask. She had a few wrinkles on her forehead, but she was still very beautiful at her age. “I haven’t talked to him for some time, but I’ve been meaning to see him.”
“I sent him a message, but I don’t know if he’s read it,” Zara answered. “You know how busy he’s been these days…”
“Yeah, but at least he got you into that modeling agency.”
My heart skipped a beat. They were speaking as if I was just some shadow at the back of the elevator. I shifted my weight uncomfortably. But more than anything, I felt shocked.
They were discussing what Xander had mentioned to me earlier about Zara's visit.
Shit, he was indeed telling the truth! And all this time, I had doubted him. I had called him names. I had rejected him over and over again.
I had a feeling the older woman was Xander’s mom. They shared the same eyes and type of hair.
They got off on the same floor but didn’t pay me much attention. I quickly slipped into my apartment before Xander could see me. But I was so overwhelmed by what I had just discovered. I immediately called Jessie to tell her.
I was dreading seeing Xander again. But at the same time, I was also dying to talk to him.
Just take it easy, Lyca. Besides, he might not be interested in me anymore.
His mom and cousin left at around midnight. I could hear them. I was so tempted to knock on Xander’s door, but I forced myself to just go to bed. I kept tossing and turning for hours before I finally fell into a slumber.
The following day, in the office, I got a surprise visit from Mr. Don Steele, Xander’s dad. He entered with a warm smile, his presence commanding yet friendly.
“Lyca, may I have a moment of your time?” Mr. Steele asked, his voice carrying the authority of a man accustomed to being listened to.
“Of course, Mr. Steele. Please, have a seat,” I replied, gesturing to the chair in front of my desk.
He sat down and leaned forward slightly, his hands clasped together. “I wanted to personally thank you for the outstanding work you've been doing with our team. Your dedication and expertise have not gone unnoticed.”
I felt a pang of guilt as he praised me, aware that I had been contemplating another job offer. Yet, I pushed aside the feeling, directing my attention back to the ongoing conversation.
“I also wanted to express my hope that you'll continue to be a part of our team for a long time to come. We have big plans for the future, and I believe your role will be crucial in achieving them. You can expect many bonuses and more perks in the future,” Mr. Steele said, his eyes sincere.
I nodded, trying to hide my inner turmoil. “Thank you, Mr. Steele. I really appreciate your confidence in me and everything you've done for me.”
“Well, have you heard of the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix that the team has been training for?”
“Yes, sir. I’ve spoken with some of the race car drivers about it, and the other psychologists in my team have been holding sessions for them to help them mentally prepare for the competition.”
“That’s wonderful to hear. I’m sure you’ve all been doing a great job.” He paused for a while then looked me straight in the eye. “I want you to go with them there, Lyca. We never know what might occur while they’re there or right before the race.”
Suddenly, I was filled with roller-coaster emotions. This was definitely the chance of a lifetime — an all-expenses paid trip to Monaco! I was thrilled at the prospect of traveling to such a glamorous location and being part of the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix, but the thought of being with Xander there made me both nervous and excited.
“I’d be delighted to go, Mr. Steele,” I found myself replying. “Thank you so much.”
“I do hope you also get to enjoy yourself there, Miss Taylor. You deserve the break. I’m sponsoring three free days for all of you after the race, so use those to explore and have fun.”
“Wow, thank you!”
“I’m sure Xander would be glad to know you’re coming along,” he added. “You know, the more I get to know him, the more I see that he’s a really fine young man. His mother brought him up well.”
“Uh, that’s nice…” I did not know how to react to that.
I couldn't shake the feeling that Mr. Steele was somehow aware of what’s been happening between his son and me.
“Anyway, my assistant will soon get in touch with all those who are part of the trip. You’ll have a meeting to arrange the paperwork and so on.”
“Thank you, Mr. Steele. I'm sure it will be a memorable experience,” I replied, trying to sound composed despite the whirlwind of feelings inside me.