Page 58 of Too Fast To Fall
She bent over and spit out her toothpaste, then wiped her mouth with a washcloth. “I think you’re going to kick ass in qualifyingand have a great race on Sunday.”
He took his turn to rinse his mouth and dry his face. God, he felt lucky, as he took her into his arms and kissed the endof her nose. “I’m going to do everything I can to make that come true.”
Fourteen
Piper wasn’t great at predictions, but she had been right about one thing—Emilio kicked ass in qualifying. He’d be startingin P7 today, with Xander right behind him in P8. It was the first time all season Emilio had out-qualified his teammate, andalthough they were friends, Piper sensed it brought Emilio just the tiniest shred of peace to be on par with the other guydriving a Mega car.
Emilio’s mother, Bianca, however, was providing zero peace. She’d shown up at the track yesterdayafterqualifying was complete, arm in arm with her new boyfriend. After only the most cursory discussion of Emilio’s performance,the conversation went south and they left in a huff.
“Rico is very successful,” Bianca had said. The four of them and Gus were gathered in Emilio’s driver’s room. Emilio was ina great mood, but he was also sweaty and exhausted.
“That’s great,” Emilio responded.
“He’s in crypto,” Bianca said. “Do you know about crypto, Emilio? I think you should buy some. Rico can tell you how to doit. I don’t really understand how it works.”
“Does anyone really understand how it works?” Emilio got up from his seat and walked over to the fridge to grab a bottle ofwater. Piper stood right next to it, so he took his chance to lean in and whisper, “How much longer do we have to put up withthis?”
“I could fake an illness,” Piper muttered back.
“You’re an angel for even suggesting it,” he replied.
“I’m happy to explain it, Emilio,” Rico said. “It’s stupid simple. You have what’s called the blockchain—”
Emilio cut him off. “Thank you,Rico. I appreciate it, but I’ll have to pass for now.”
Rico stood. The man was an impressive display of high cheekbones and diagonal shoulders. He wasn’t Piper’s speed, but shesupposed she could see why Bianca might be enamored. “You’d be missing out on a big opportunity,” Rico said. “People are makinga killing. This is your chance to get in while the getting’s still good.”
He shook his head. Piper admired his fortitude to be honest with the guy. He was Emilio’s mom’s new boyfriend, after all.“Then I guess I’m just going to have to miss out.”
Bianca stood and gathered her purse. “Emilio. You’re being very rude to Rico.” It was hard for Piper to envision Bianca andEmilio ever being close like he and his grandmother were, but perhaps this wasn’t the best version of his mom.
Emilio’s shoulders dropped in defeat. “I’m sorry, Rico. I really am. If you want to talk about something other than crypto,I’d be happy to chat about that.”
In Piper’s opinion, Emilio was being a good sport. He’d done so well in qualifying, and he hadn’t complained at all that hismother had not only missed it, she’d hardly mentioned it, either. “Ugh. Oh, God.” Piper clutched her stomach. “I donotfeel well. I probably shouldn’t have had all those churros up in the paddock club.”
Emilio glanced at her, the corners of his mouth quirking up into a smile. “Oh, no. We should get you back to the motorhome.”He turned to his mother. “I should make sure Piper gets some medical attention. Thank you for coming. I’ll see you tomorrow?Make sure you get here on time. Three o’clock.”
She waved it off. “I know. It’s always at three.”
“Well, that’s not always true depending on the circuit...” His voice trailed off. “Just try to get here by one so you getyour VIP parking and all the other perks you love.”
“Yes, darling. We’ll be there. I promise.” She kissed him on the cheek, directed a faint smile at Piper, then she and Ricoleft.
“Tomorrow’s going to be a long day, isn’t it?” Emilio asked.
Piper wanted to remain upbeat. “It’s good to have family around. Even when they’re a pain.”
Now that it was the next day, again in the driver’s room, there would apparently be no family around. “She’s not coming,”Emilio said. “Look at my phone.” He handed it to Piper then started pacing.
Rico and I will not be coming to the race today. I know you were rude to him because you think he’s trying to replace yourfather, but he isn’t. He’s simply my new lover.
Piper snorted, then quickly choked it back when she saw the upset expression on Emilio’s face. “God, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”
“She doesn’t show up for qualifying and then she’s not impressed with how I did. Does she think I don’t know it’s not likelast year? This is improvement. If she’d been paying attention, she would appreciate how important this is to me. And nowshe’s not coming at all. My dad could’ve been here.” He blew out a breath through his nose, obviously trying hard to keephis emotions in check. “Then again, he probably would’ve canceled, too. I swear, ever since they split, they’ve both becomeso selfish. It’s disappointing.”
Piper’s heart hurt for him. She got up from the couch to comfort him with a hug. “I’m sorry. Maybe it’s like your grandmothersaid. Your mother is adjusting to a new identity and maybe your dad is, too. I know that doesn’t help with the here-and-now,but focus on your race. You put yourself in a great position for some amazing points today.”
The tension in his face faded. “You’re right. You’re absolutely right. I need to keep my eyes on the prize.”
