Chapter 61
SIXTY-ONE
Leaning against the wall at the back, I watch the press conference.
Mackie is sitting in the middle, Sky is to his left, and Jordan is to his right, still in their suits as they answer questions and recap the race for the interviews.
It was always one of my favorite parts, and judging by their smiles, I can tell it is theirs too.
I can barely believe it. I have two champions, Skylar and Mackie.
Not only did Mackie win, but he beat my record. I’m so fucking proud of them, but my boy? I want to cry for him. I know how long he’s dreamed of this, and when his eyes find me, he smiles. I see cameras flash as I return it, but I ignore them. It has nothing to do with them.
Even now, my lips tingle with the remains of his kiss. I should probably worry about what it means for him, but right now, I’m too happy to care. I want the world to know as well, and now they do.
“Skylar, I have a question.”
“Well, I hope so, or why are we here?” he teases into his mic as he sits back, crossing one leg over the other.
The crowd chuckles as Mackie shakes his head, grinning at Sky’s antics, which never change. I could tell Mackie was worried about Skylar being second, but Sky loves Mackie, and he’s so happy for him.
“Did you let Mackie win?” the interviewer calls when it calms down.
Mackie’s mouth drops open. I expect Skylar to be angry, I even straighten, but he smiles calmly.
“I didn’t need to let Mackie win. He did it all on his own.
He’s an incredible racer who deserves the podium.
He’s also my friend and brother, but I wouldn’t just give it to him.
He took it, and he deserves it. In fact, I made it extremely hard for him.
We both knew it would boil down to us racing each other, and I couldn’t be happier he won.
There is no one else I would rather lose to.
He deserves respect, not to be treated as second rate to me, as he’s proven today.
” He smiles at Mackie. “I found my brother working at Starfire, and if he wins or I win, that won’t change, but I will never let it be easy for him. ”
“Me neither,” Mackie teases. “I have to make him work for it, plus he lost, which means he’s buying tonight.”
The crowd laughs, and I relax once more. They answer question after question before they focus on Blizzard, and then the interviews start to taper off and wrap up. Sky stays behind when someone asks him something, but Mackie heads my way.
Mackie lets Skylar have his spotlight as he joins me at the back of the paddock, away from prying eyes. “Where’s Conan?”
“Went to get you some clothes and food,” I relay.
Nodding, he eyes me nervously. “Are you okay with what I did earlier?” he asks. “I should have asked—”
I tug him closer. “Does that answer your question?”
“I was concerned I pushed it too far riding the high. I was just tired of hiding,” he confesses.
“Baby, the only reason I lied was to protect you. Like you said, they can’t talk now, and even if they do, let them.
I don’t care, and neither do those who matter to us.
” Taking his hand, I kiss it. “Come on, let’s get you changed.
I’m sure Sky will catch up when he’s finished with his adoring fans.
” He follows my gaze to Skylar, who’s holding phones and signing things.
He leaves that to Skylar and heads inside with me.
Once in our backstage area, it’s quiet, and he can finally relax, though he doesn’t stop smiling.
I know that feeling. The high of winning is something I never thought I’d experience again, but watching him achieve it feels like that.
Some of my happiness disappears when I see who is waiting for us. Amanda swallows nervously as we stop in front of her.
“You won,” she says, looking at Mackie, “but I’m not giving up.”
“Amanda.” He sighs, stepping before me, clearly fed up. “Why are you doing this? Enough is enough. This is Noah’s business, but you need to know you almost killed him. Noah has a condition, and he needs surgery. He hid it from everyone, even me.”
“Mackie,” I admonish, but he ignores me.
“The stress and everything you are putting him through isn’t helping. It’s killing him. Is that what you want?”
She’s pale as she swings her gaze to me. “Is that true?”
I nod carefully. “I kept it a secret, but I have a bleed in my brain. They didn’t know when it would kill me, but the blow you gave me has made it worse.
I’m having surgery soon, but they don’t know if it will work.
I want to enjoy my life while I can, and I don’t want to spend whatever time I have left fighting with you.
I love Mackie. It’s as simple as that. I’ll ask once more, leave us alone. ”
Tears fill her eyes. “I didn’t know. I just—” She looks between us. “I lost anyway, didn’t I?”
“You were never in the race,” I tell her.
“I guess I knew that. For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. I just . . . I guess I don’t like to lose, but I never wanted to hurt you. Take care, Noah.” She looks at Mackie. “Take care of him.” Spinning on her heel, she walks off, her head held high.
“You really think that’s the last we’ll see of her?” I mutter.
“Not a chance.” Mackie laughs. “She’ll be back to annoy us soon enough. Let’s just enjoy the peace where we can.” Turning to me, he grins wickedly. “And about my prize for winning . . .” He slides the zipper down on his suit. “I’ll be waiting in the showers for it.”
He leaves, and I chase after him, following him anywhere just like I always will.
Screw the celebrations with everyone else. It’s time we had our own.