Page 10 of My Italian Roommate

“You invited me to the race, remember? I came to get my pass and see if you wanted to ride together.”

“Shit, I’m sorry. I forgot all about it. Tell you what, come with us and I’ll get you through security. You can hang out in the pit with your sister.”

Steve looks past Mario and glares at me.

“You’re going to the track? Don’t you have classes?” he asks me.

“No, actually. My schedule is wide open,” I reply.

He mumbles something under his breath, and knowing my brother, it probably had something to do with other parts of me being wide open.

“Can I have a minute with my sister?”

“I can’t be late, you know that. Do you have to do this right now?” Mario asks him.

“It’ll just be a minute,” Steve replies, stepping over the threshold.

I lead him into my bedroom and close the door behind us. “Are you trying to humiliate me?”

“What? No. I’m trying to protect you. You’re my sister.”

“Protect me from what?” I cross my arms and tap my foot.

“Look, he’s my friend but he’s also kind of a celebrity. Mallory, he came here to get away from women who throw their clothes at him. It would be naïve to think that he doesn’t sleep around. In the whole time that I’ve known him, he’s never had a steady girlfriend. Why do you think that is?”

“I don’t know but I think you’re getting way ahead of yourself. The man you invited into my home, without my consent by the way, has invited me to watch him drive his race car. He hasn’t asked me to join him at a sex party. I think I can handle being outside in the daylight surrounded by thousands of people with him, considering the fact that he’s spent the last two nights sleeping in my bed.” Oh, God! I didn’t just say that, did I?

His face twists and his lips pucker, “In your bed? I knew it. I thought maybe you just acted impulsively the first night, but you’re still sleeping with him?”

“Yes, but I didn’t sleep-sleep with him. You know what, it doesn’t matter. Think what you want. I’m not a child. You and I have had this conversation twice now. Can you do me a favor and just get over it?”

“No, I can’t because you’re my sister.”

I can’t help but scoff at his audacity. “Then why is this the first time in my life you’ve ever looked out for me?”

“What? Are you kidding? Was I supposed to step up and take our father’s place when I was just a kid, too?”

“Yes, you were. Now, we need to leave. Are you coming with us or not?”

“No, I think I’ll skip this train wreck. I said my peace on the subject,” he says and heads toward the door.

“Don’t be mad, Steve. Everything is fine, I promise.”

He looks back at me and says, “I hope you still feel that way a week from now.”

* * *

The parking lotto the race track is filled with cars. I had no idea that Formula One was this popular, but apparently, everyone in town decided to watch the race today. Mario pulls up to the security gate, and they wave him through to a more private, enclosed parking area. He kills the engine and turns to face me.

“I want to prepare you. See that exit right there?” He points to the large opening on the far side of the concrete structure.

“Yes?”

“The press isn’t allowed in the garage, but once we walk out that door, they’re gonna swarm us. Just keep your head down, flash that pretty smile, and keep walking beside me. I’ll hold your hand. If I stop, you stop. If not, just keep moving. Got it?”

“Oh, wow. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea. Can I go in some other way?” My heart pounds in my chest and my hands go clammy.

“Nope, sorry. I didn’t buy you a ticket. You’re going to the pit with me. It’s your only way in.” He tips my chin up and lightly kisses my lips. “I won’t let anyone hurt you. I’ll keep you safe, I promise.”

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