Page 18 of My Italian Roommate

She looks like an angel sitting on the bed with the white sheet pulled up over her chest. Her hair falls over her shoulders, framing her face like amber.

“Here you go, love, but eat fast. We need to head to the track soon.”

* * *

Mallory comesout of her room wearing a short lilac-colored dress that’s tight on her torso but fans out below the waist. She looks so innocent and sweet. When I see her like this, it turns me almost feral.

“I think I’m ready. Do I look alright?”

“Baby, you keep asking me that question and all I can say is that you are the most beautiful girl I’ve ever met. You can wear rags and still make every other female jealous.”

“That’s sweet, but are you sure?” She tilts her head and does her best to look devious.

“What do you mean? Of course, I’m sure.”

“You’ve been all over the country and out of the country surrounded by adoring fans. I find it hard to believe that you’ve never seen anyone more beautiful than me.”

I take her in my arms and squeeze her. “I couldn’t possibly see anyone more beautiful than you because no one more beautiful than you exists, and don’t question me again or I’ll have to take you over my knee.”

“Well, that might just be worth it,” she laughs. “I guess we’re going to have to walk through a bunch of reporters again.”

“More this time. They all show up for the finals.”

“More? Great,” she winces.

“Did you see the pictures from the winner’s circle online?” I ask her.

“No, I was terrified to look.”

“Well, then, let me be the one to show you.” I go to pull out my phone and realize that I left it in the middle of the street outside the ballroom. Sighing, I tell her, “Give me your phone.”

She hands me her phone and I pull up the sports news. I hand it back to her and watch her expression change.

“I can’t believe it. If anyone had told me that I would be in a photo with…” She checks the view count and gapes at the screen. “One hundred and seventeen thousand views!”

“It’s only been up since yesterday. It’ll get over a million.”

“No,” she nearly chokes.

“Yes, and most of them will be drooling over you, my sweet, sexy girl. That is if we ever get out of here. You’re gonna get me disqualified if we don’t get out of here now.”

On the way to the track, I decide that I should clear the air with her about McGee before we stumble into any more mishaps on his behalf, but each time I try to form the words, I find myself filling with rage. I don’t want her to think that I’m angry with her. She can see something brewing in my head and asks, “Are you mentally preparing for the race or is there something wrong?”

I know that I’ll regret it if I don’t say something, so I take her hand and begin, “I wanted to talk about Dylan McGee. Not about what happened last night but about what could happen today. He knows he can’t beat me. As long as I’m focused and my car is straight, I’ve pretty much already won. Because he knows this, he’s going to try to get into my head, and the only way he can do that is through you. He’s seen it now. You’re a soft spot that he can try to capitalize on.”

“You know I have no interest in him, right? What do I need to do to prove that to you?”

“Baby girl, you don’t need to prove anything to me. You just have to help me. If he comes over to the pit, walk away. Don’t talk to him. Don’t let him engage you. Can you do that for me? I’ll tell Tony to have someone look after you while I’m racing.”

“Of course, I can. You don’t even need to ask. Do you think I should buy a ticket and watch from the stands? Would that be better?”

I know she means well but her words are like daggers. Nobody gets over on me like that. I’m not intimidated by anyone and McGee doesn’t get to decide where my girl sits to watch the race.

“Listen to me, you’re gonna be right there in the pit where you belong. I’m not changing my plans because of him. Just don’t talk to him. That’s all I need you to do. Clear?”

“Are you mad at me?” I can see the sadness in her eyes.

“No, baby girl, I’m not mad at you. I just need you to do as I say.”

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