Page 63 of Prove Me Wrong
“And how’s Jade? Better than last week?”
“Yeah.” My arms fold over my chest. “She’s doing well for eighteen months. Running, talking, eating, being cheeky.”
Daniels puts a hand over his heart. “That’s a good age. I remember when my ones were that small. They’re menaces, but the best kind, and know how to keep you on your toes.”
“They’re definitely naughty at times, but you’ll still die for them.”
“In a heartbeat,” Daniels chimes. “Are you feeling good for this weekend? Rogerson’s mother- in-law passed, so Julian called you in. His family had to fly back to New Zealand. I think they might be there for a few weeks.”
I rub at my stubbled jaw. “Means I’ll be driving in Newcastle as well?”
“And possibly Melbourne, too. Depends on when they return.”
Blowing out a long breath, I nod, raking my fingers through my hair. “That’s fine.”
His eyes crease a little, and then he asks something nobody has in a while. “How’s everything with your dad?”
I run my tongue over my lip before giving a short response, because I don’t want to speak about them, not after the text I received. I haven’t called Mum yet, but I can’t keep dodging her calls. It doesn’t feel right. “Yeah, he’s managing. He still has Mum to look after him.”
“Yeah, man, he’s lucky to have his wife. And I’m sure they love spending time with Jade. That girl is a delight. I show Brianna every time you post her on your socials.”
I swallow as my mouth pulls to one side. “Yeah. She is a delight.”
After catching up with Daniels, I make my way into the trailer to dump my stuff and change into my orange, white and black race suit for practice.
It’s cooler down here than at home this late into the year, but in my suit and helmet, I can already feel myself sweating. Jumping in the car, I tack the small polaroid I have of Jade into the dashboard like I always do whenever I’m racing.
I still remember how scared I was the first time I drove after Jade was born. My anxiety was so high then, that I called my therapist three times while I was preparing, and she had me work on my breathing for almost half an hour. Sweat caked my forehead and pits because all I could think about was the call I received that night. The accident that changed my life, and I was terrified of Jade losing me as well.
Digging the heels of my hands into my eyes, I shake my head, clearing away the memory that stained my mind for months after Em was gone.
Clipping my belt in, I grip the steering wheel before shifting gears and pulling out onto the smooth track.
GREY: Fifth is amazing.
GREY: Jade and I were watching, of course.
GREY: And we will tomorrow, too.
GREY: *JadeandMia.jpg*
Smiling down at her messages,and the photo of Jade on her lap wearing her tiny helmet, I miss being next to them. Over the last two weeks, Mia and I have grown so close that I’m beginning to realise how much I love having her around, and she’s so good with Jade. I wasn’t looking for anyone before I met her—because of Jade and my hesitation to get close to another girl—but seeing her with Mia makes my heart burst.
ME: Thanks, Grey.
ME: Can’t wait to shower.
ME: And Jade looks very cute like that. I miss her so much.
Stepping into the shower of my hotel room, I scrub my body clean, dry off, and slip on a hoodie and trackpants before settling down in bed. I’m wrecked and aching, and just want to sleep, but that text is still tugging on my mind.
Flicking through my contacts, I click her name and pull my phone to my ear. Listening to the call sound, I’m silently praying that they’re too busy to answer. But when she does, the bitter air gets caught in my throat.
“Noah? You called me back.” Mum’s hoarse voice comes through.
Pulse jolting, I swallow down a lump, closing my eyes firmly. “Hi, Mum.”
She gives a small sigh of relief, but it does nothing to calm down my racing chest. “How are you doing?”
