Page 115 of Away We Go

If that’s what Frieda wants me to be, then I’m destined to fail.

“Cherry.” Serena nudges me, pulling my gaze from the fancy WAGs in front of me, pointing to the top of the stairs. “I think he’s here for you.”

Feeling all eyes on me, I jog to where Nicky is lingering. In a spot I don’t think he’s ever visited before.

“What are you doing here?” I hiss. It’s almost time for the Dutch National anthem, and I know the drivers get fined if they’re late for the ceremony.

“James said you’re upset.”

Oh boy.

“Nicky,” I grab his arm and walk us back down the stairs. “I’m fine.”

He stops and gives me a look, digging his heels in until he gets a proper answer from me.

“Seriously, I’m all good. You need to go out there.”

He wraps a finger around a strand of my hair. “What happened to the braids?”

“I took them out.” I pull on his hand, desperate to get him moving.

“Why?”

“Does it matter?”

“If it’s got something to do with Frieda, then it matters.”

I sigh, tugging on his hand again. “Let’s talk about it later. You need to focus.”

“Have you been crying?” He looks angry now, red the same shade as his race suit colouring his cheekbones.

Grrr. He’s not listening to me.

“No. I’m good. You need to go.”

Nicky pulls on my hand, tugging me into his arms. “I need to know you’re alright.”

Exhausted, I lean my forehead against his chest and exhale. “I’m fine. Really.”

He frowns, not believing me. “I can’t have you upset.”

This man.

“I know.”

Paul calls for him from the front of the garage and I push him in that direction. “Focus on the race. We’ll talk later.”

He does as I say, his eyebrows two dark slashes sloping down over his eyes. My stomach clenches at the idea of him going into a race looking like that.

“Good luck!” I call after him. He gives me one backwards glance and follows Paul out of the garage.

“What was that?” Serena asks when I flop down next to her, sweaty and out of breath. This day is just getting better and better.

“Nothing, I hope.”

We watch the formation lap in silence, the anticipation for the race building all around us.

“He should have this one in the bag,” Serena tells me, patting my arm in a reassuring way. “All five of the last races here have been won from pole.”

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