Page 73 of Drive Me Wild
“Yeah, you, too,” I murmur.
Walking into the bathroom, I splash cold water against my face and repeat my new mantra: Christina is the past and Josie is my future.
Now I just need to figure out which of those categories McAllister falls into.
TWENTY-SIX
JOSIE
From the deckof the Walker family residence just outside of Melbourne, I watch as the sun fades from a vibrant red to a dull yellow. The conversation around me plays like background music as I snuggle further under Theo’s arm as the soft seaside landscape disappears from the final rays of light hiding behind the sea. It’s a perfect, peaceful night before the craziness tomorrow’s race will bring.
He presses his lips against my temple as he listens intently while his mum and sister discuss a new boutique that’s opened in town. He’s been unusually quiet today, not even taking the bait when Charlotte regaled us with a story that ended with her spending the night locked in the home decor section of a department store. There’s no doubt in my mind he’s keeping to himself to avoid lashing out at Richard. Every time his mum’s boyfriend speaks, his protective hand resting on my thigh subconsciously squeezes tighter. We’ve made it through the day with minimal snarky comments, and I pray we can finish off the night in a civil manner, too.
“Josie, Theodore said you’ve been doing some freelance work,” Mrs. Walker says. She pokes the flames in the fire pit with a stick and they roar upward, as if reaching for the sky.
“Yes,” I say, flushing under the attention. “I’m helping out with some marketing projects.”
Charlotte shoots me a supportive smile. “Social media and that kind of stuff, right, Jos?”
“Yes, lots of brand building: content creation, developing promotional campaigns, SEO for the website. Those sorts of things.”
I’ve never worn so many hats in my life. Gemini’s flexing a creative muscle that’s been stiff with inactivity at McAllister.
“And this isfreelance?” Mrs. Walker asks with a hand over her chest. “Not even your full-time job?”
Theo kisses the top of my head. “My princess is a true marketing genius, eh?”
“Then can she try to get your social media accounts under control?” Charlotte teases. “Because your thirst trap Thursdays are getting a little ridiculous. And don’t even get me started on your sweaty Saturday posts. Who in their right mind wants to watch you exercise with Russell? All you do is grunt.”
Although neither of them will ever admit it, Charlotte takes after Theo with her lack of filter, need for adventure, and role as the life of the party. It’s probably why Theo constantly worries about her. He morphs into a mother hen around her, which is rather cute.
Theo blows air out of his nose. “Josie happens to enjoy when I gr?—”
I dig my nails into his leg to stop him from finishing that sentence. It’s like his mind permanently resides in a gutter full of sexual innuendos.
“That’s great, Josie,” Mrs. Walker says, bringing the conversation back to safe territory. “Although it does sound rather stressful. And that’s coming from the woman who raised these two.”
Theo chuckles, but Mrs. Walker’s right. It is stressful—more stressful than I was anticipating. I’m frustrated that McAllister continues to undervalue my work and ideas, and I’m frustrated that there aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything I want for Gemini.
“You good?” Theo murmurs softly. “It’s getting late.”
“‘Course.” I give him a small smile. “You?”
He clandestinely rolls his eyes to where Richard’s arm is wrapped around his mum’s shoulders. I’ll take that as a no. As if his ears are ringing, Richard says, “Theo, your contract is up at the end of the season, right? Have you given any thought to next year?”
Oof. Abort mission, buddy. Take cover.Not only are contract negotiations top secret, but it’s one subject Theo doesnotenjoy discussing. The most he’s told me is that Martin’s “ironing out some details,” and even then, his whole body stiffens like he’s under siege. I’ve told him to fight the social media clause, but that’s as much as he’ll let me say before he changes the subject.
Theo gives a brief nod of acknowledgement but doesn’t say anything in response. I watch as Richard’s smile falters, unsure of how to proceed. It’s been like this the whole night. Richard offering an olive branch and Theo snapping it in half with a single look. Theo used to like Richard quite a bit. It’s his role as their mum’s boyfriend that he doesn’t seem to agree with.
“Do you think you’ll re-sign?” he tries again.
“Why wouldn’t I?” Theo snaps. “Think I’m not a good enough driver?”
Oh boy.
“Contracts are complicated,” I interject, as if I knowanythingabout sports law. “Lots of…details. And, um, other things to sort through. Legal jargon and big words. But Theo’s manager is great so I’m sure he’ll work through everything.”
Legal jargon and big words? Jeez, Josie, way to wow them with your intelligence.
