Page 49 of Hot Lap
He says nothing. Draws no attention to her. His every move is deliberate and something she can shadow without feeling exposed.
A bit of this is second nature. After all, he’s a big brother. Graham would rage whenever he or Wyn made any faux pas, so Reece always took pains to demonstrate what was expected for his younger brother. Whatever it took to keep Wyn out of Graham’s crosshairs, he did it. Just like he’s doing now for his wife.
Between courses, he leans in, keeping his voice low, meant only for her. "If this gets overwhelming, just say the word, and we're out of here. It’s absolutely fine."
Maiken’s eyes meet his, wide and grateful. She says nothing, but her fingers find his under the table and she squeezes his hand.
He squeezes back.
We're a proper team. Even if it’s just tonight.
The evening winds down, the heavy weight of expectation easing with every passing minute. As dessert plates are cleared, Petra weaves through the tables toward them.
She pulls up a chair beside Maiken, draping an arm casually over the back. "Brilliant dress." Her voice is low and casual, but Reece hears the real message under it:Well done. You handled yourself.
Maiken’s smile is weary but genuine. "Thanks."
Reece glances at his watch. "I’m calling it a night. Big media day tomorrow."
Mai nods, relief flashing in her eyes.
He stands first, helping her up with an easy hand at her elbow. They say quick, polite goodnights. Coy nods, Petra givesa mock salute, the WAGs wave. They slip out before anyone can drag them into another round of small talk.
The elevator ride up is quiet. Maiken leans against the wall, exhaustion finally showing. She’s still graceful, still standing tall, but cracks have formed in her veneer after carrying the burden of assumptions all evening.
When they reach their floor, he walks her to her door.
"I’m sorry." Reece touches her hand. "I misjudged tonight. I thought it would be an easy introduction, something low pressure. I didn’t think about how different this world must be for you."
Maiken shakes her head, fumbling with her keycard. "It’s okay. I survived."
"You did more than survive." He waits until she looks up at him. "You crushed it, Mai. I’m impressed."
Her cheeks flush a little. “I know how to perform, Reece.”
He nods and steps back, giving her space, unsure if she took his words as insult or compliment. "Tomorrow’s easy. Media day is just for the teams. You don’t have to do anything. You can hide in your room all day if you want."
"Mm. Tempting."
"Branca said you brought some work?"
She nods. "Yeah. A couple of costumes I'm sewing and beading for upcoming shows. I have enough to keep busy."
"Good." He smiles and stomps on the urge to keep apologizing. "Rest, work, whatever you need. No pressure."
Maiken gives him a small, tired smile and disappears into her room, the door clicking softly behind her.
Reece lingers for a moment. He’s back to feeling unsure if they’re going to be okay.
He hates uncertainty.
“I know how to perform, Reece.”
Is that all she’s doing? Playing a role until she’s sure this won’t work for her?
“Bollocks.”
This is out of his control. There’s no setup change, no strategy call, no skills honed over a lifetime that he can apply to this situation. He’s driving blind with Maiken and it scares him shitless.
