Page 8 of Until You Say Stay
Dominic chuckles, shaking his head.
“Don’t even joke about this,” Theo starts, but he’s already smiling because he knows there’s no stopping me once I get going. “She already asked for racing posters for her room.”
“That’s because she’ll be my little racing protégé,” I say, really getting into it now. “I could have her in a kart by next summer. By the time she’s ten, she’ll be faster than half the guyson the junior circuit.” I’m laying it on thick, watching Theo’s expression shift between horror and amusement.
“You’re enjoying thiswaytoo much,” Theo says.
“Think about it,” I continue, my enthusiasm real now. “First woman Formula One world champion. Chloe Midnight. Has a nice ring to it, right? The sport needs more women anyway, and she’s already got natural athleticism. Did you see her running earlier?”
“You mean before she tripped?” Theo asks, pointing to where Chloe is wiping mud off her dress and giggling while Laila licks her face.
“That was just enthusiasm.” I wave it off dismissively. “All the greats fell on their face a few times. But she’s got the competitive spirit.”
“And the complete lack of fear,” Theo adds dryly. “Just like her uncle.”
Dominic grins. “To be fair, the lack of fear has served him well. The lack of impulse control, however…”
“Impulse control is overrated,” I say, waving Dominic off. “That’s what keeps things interesting. Chloe’s already got that spark. I can see it.”
Theo groans but he’s grinning now. “Oh no, you’re serious about this.”
“Completely serious,” I confirm. I grab his shoulder, give it a squeeze. “I started at six. Worked out pretty well for me.”
“That’s exactly what I’m afraid of,” Theo says, shaking his head but clearly fighting laughter. “I’ve spent the last six years keeping her in one piece, and now you want to strap her into a miniature race car.” He gestures vaguely at me. “You’re going to turn my sweet, innocent daughter into a speed demon who gives me heart attacks every weekend.”
“Sounds like good preparation for her teenage years,” I say with a wink. “That’s the plan. Embrace it now, save yourself the stress later.”
“I hate you,” he says, but he’s definitely smiling.
“I’m the fun uncle.” I strike a pose that makes Dominic snort.
“You’re the terrifying uncle who’s going to teach my kid to drive at a hundred miles an hour,” Theo says.
“Twohundred,” I correct, miming holding a steering wheel and making engine noises. “If she’s doing it right.”
“I’m going to pretend this conversation never happened,” Theo mutters, running a hand over his face. “I’m putting her in ballet. Or chess club. Something safe.”
“Good luck with that,” I say, taking a drink of my beer. Dominic chuckles, shaking his head at both of us.
My phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out, hoping it’s something interesting, and immediately wish I hadn’t. Luca’s name lights up the screen. My old teammate from Formula One, Ferraris’ current golden boy.
Luca:Ciao bello, come stai? Heard through the paddock grapevine that your contract talks still aren’t progressing. This is entirely my fucking fault. Please let me help fix this?
Perfect. Just what I need at my brother’s wedding. A reminder that my career is hanging by a thread.
Me:Thanks but I’m really not worried about it. And I’m home with family right now. Can we do this conversation later?
Luca:Sofia still wants to clear everything up publicly. We both feel absolutely terrible about the whole situation.
Me:Tell her it’s completely fine. Not your fault or hers.
Luca:Except it kind of is though? Let us at least make a statement. Clear your name.
Me:No way. That just makes everything worse for her. I’m handling it my way.
Luca:You’re not handling it, fratello. You’re ignoring it and hoping it disappears.
Me:Strategic patience. There’s a difference.
