Page 10 of All That Glitters
I didn’t tell her that Ashton was planning to see Hale in less than twenty-four hours. I wasn’t sure we’d be invited afterward. Then again, maybe she already knew.
“I suppose you’re right.”
“So, I can expect you both?”
“I’ll speak with Hale, but for now, yes, of course.”
“What about your parents?”
“No, I’m afraid they won’t be arriving until the day before the race.”
“They won’t be here for the Roar?”
“Not this year, but you know they’ll want to have a little get together so they can show off their pictures from their latest adventures.”
“Where did they jet off to this time?”
“Australia, New Zealand, and Tasmania.”
I tried to hide the wistfulness in my voice. I hadn’t taken a vacation in years, not a real vacation, at least. A few days here and there didn’t count. Our parents took every off season, from right after Thanksgiving to the week before the 24HRS of Daytona to travel somewhere together.
There was an executive team that managed the day-to-day operations of Troye, LTD, of which I was a part of when my father wasn’t available, on top of my marketing department job.
“Oh I imagine they’ve been having a lovely time.”
“Yes, I imagine they have been.”
I wouldn’t know, really. They didn’t keep in regular touch with us. They sent a photo from time to time, but I hadn’t heard either my mother’s or my father’s voice since they left.
“Well, I won’t keep you. But… Helen? You’re still welcome to join us even if Hale wishes to decline.”
“That’s very kind, Mrs. — Francesca. One or both of us will be there.”
“Wonderful. Friday evening. Eight o’clock. And bring an appetite. I think there’s going to be enough food to feed every driver on the circuit, their crew members, and their families. I might’ve gone a little overboard.”
I laughed softly at the image she painted. She always went a little overboard. “We’ll arrive with ravenous appetites. Thank you for inviting us.”
“You’re both always welcome in our home.”
We said our good-byes and Hale turned to look at me. “The annual dinner before the green flag?”
“Yes.”
He offered a stiff nod. “I’m not going.”
“Hale… I know it’s going to be hard. You haven’t seen anyone since the end of the season until recently. You’ve stayed at home. You haven’t done anything you normally do and other than talking to Craig and me, you’ve become a hermit. Avoiding everyone isn’t going to make it easier.”
“I’ve been virtual racing,” he said defensively. “I’ve been talking to people.”
I tried not to roll my eyes.
“You haven’t hung out with friends. You haven’t taken weekend trips with the guys.”
“Don’t you think sides have been taken?”
“Not in the way you’re thinking they have. You can’t keep hiding, Hale.”
“I’m not hiding. It was barely two months ago when we were in Atlanta. Maybe I just needed a break from everyone.”
