Page 98 of All That Glitters
“But you knew he raced.”
“Yes. I helped him keep his businesses straight. His racing was something completely different and he handled it all on his own. I researched what I could so I would know what it was all about, but being directly involved like this? It’s a little daunting and quite frankly, overwhelming. There’s so much to learn and to understand.”
“There is. I think I’d forgotten that because I grew up right in the middle of it.”
“I’m sure you know more than I ever will,” she said, pulling into the long drive that would take us up to the place I’d called home during race seasons for most of my life.
“A word of warning, Amber? Once the bug grabs hold of you, it doesn’t let go,” I told her, my gaze flitting between the walk that would lead me to the house or the gravel walk that would lead me to the garage and corporate offices. “Thank you for driving me this afternoon. I know it was a long haul.”
“My pleasure. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call. You have both my numbers, yes?”
“Yes.”
“Would you like me to come and pick you up the day after tomorrow for your next meeting with Darien?”
“No. That shouldn’t be necessary.”
“Okay.” She turned slightly and smiled at me, kind and unassuming. I hope she stayed that way. The business of racing could jade anyone.
I closed the door to the car and though my mind hadn’t made up its mind which way I was going, my feet had other ideas and took me straight into the garage. I was met with wide eye from the head engineer on my cars. Or I guess what used to be my cars.
“Ashton.”
“You seem surprised to see me, Clay.”
“I… I just didn’t expect you.” He said gruffly, doing his best to cover up the shock.
“I know. No one expects me anymore.”
“Well, it’s just that… I mean…” His shoulders slumped forward and his uncomfortable smile fell.
It was then that I realized the reality of the situation. My father had told everyone else, or at the last the important people. He just hadn’t told me.
My own smile wasn’t uncomfortable as much as sardonic, wry. “I know, Clay. I found out about it today.”
“I’m sorry, Ash. I think it was really shitty for your father to do that.”
“I imagine you told him that, too.”
“You bet your ass I did.”
“Thank you for standing up for me.”
“It wasn’t just me. Karl did, too. It’s just not right. You’re his son.”
I took a deep breath filled with metal, oil, brake dust, rubber. I fucking missed those smells. “This is also a business. His business. We both know he always does what’s best for the race teams, for the Glitterati legacy.”
“Still…” Clay was at a loss for words and so was I, so I gripped his shoulder and squeezed, letting him know that I understood and there were no hard feelings. After a few minutes, he seemed to regain his composure, and asked, “Do you know what you’re going to do?”
“I do. I have an offer from the team my father sold the contract to.”
“Wait… He sold your contract?”
“Yes.” I was as confused as Clay looked. “What did you think he’d done?”
“He just said you wouldn’t be racing for Glitterati anymore.”
I shook my head. “He sold my contract to a newly formed race team. Crossline Racing. It’s owned and run by a gentleman driver named Darien Cross. He’s offered me any position I want until I’m able to get behind the wheel again myself.”
