Page 53 of Fast & Reckless
Cherie Delain was smiling widely, arms outstretched when she reached them.
“Baby girl!” She swept Mira into her arms and hugged her tight.
Mira returned the hug and then pulled back to look at her. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”
Maybe because he knew her father so well, it had never occurred to Will to wonder much about Mira’s mother, or her life back in LA. Her mother was asupermodel, which made him see that whole growing-up-in-LA thing from a new perspective. No wonder the glamour of Formula One didn’t seem to faze her.
“My darling daughter’s finally back stateside,” Cherie said, beaming down at her. “Of course I want to see you. And I told your dad to keep it a secret so I could surprise you.”
Mira was obviously very happy to see her. They seemed really close, which was a bit of a foreign concept for him. He couldn’t imagine ever being happy to see his parents.
“It’s a very nice surprise. How long are you staying?”
“Just tonight. I have a vendor showcase starting Tuesday.”
“But you missed the race!”
Cherie laughed and rolled her eyes. “You sharethatobsession with your dad, not me.” She cast a quick glance at him and Violet. “I don’t want to interrupt if you’re working.”
“No, it’s okay. This is Violet, my friend from PR. And this is Will Hawley, one of the Lennox drivers.”
Cherie shook Violet’s hand. “I feel I know you already, Violet, since Mira’s told me so much about you. Glad to finally meet you in person.” Then she turned to Will. “Nice to meet you, too, Will.”
Oh, so Mira told her mother all aboutVioletbut hadn’t even mentioned him? Mira had a real knack for cutting him down to size.
She turned back to Mira. “Can you get away for dinner?”
Mira shook her head. “Sorry, I need to stay with Dad.”
“I’m sure he’ll understand,” Violet urged her. “Go have fun with your mum.”
“But I have to work—”
Her mother cut her off. “Then let’s invite your father and Natalia, too.”
Will got the impression that Paul wouldn’t dare say no to Cherie.
“Okay!” Mira said, her smile brightening.
“Great! Would your friends like to come, too?” Cherie asked, nodding at both Violet and himself.
“Mom,” Mira murmured. “I’m sure Will’s too busy to come have dinner with us.”
“If dinner means I can stop talking about endorsements, then lead the way.”
Violet grabbed for his arm. “But the guy from Velocity—”
“Come on, Violet,” he groaned. “Haven’t I done enough?”
“Okay, fine,” she said with a huff. “I didn’t want to talk to the asshole either.”
Cherie clapped her hands together. “Great, it’s settled! Let’s go find your dad and clear out of here.”
25
“You look great, baby girl. You haven’t worn your hair like this in years.” Her mother reached across the back of their cab to tuck a curl behind her ear.
“Mom.” Mira brushed her hand away. Soon she was going to lick her thumb and wipe a smudge off her face.
