Page 71 of Too Fast To Fall
Rico and Piper watched as words continued to fly. “Emilio’s going to be out soon. I don’t want him to see them like this,”Piper said.
“I can’t say anything,” Rico said. “Bianca will have my head.”
Piper sucked in a deep breath. She’d have to take another step outside her comfort zone. It was confrontation time.
Emilio was walking on air as he strode through the garage, getting hugs and high fives from the crew and mechanics. Todaywas amazing, and he couldn’t wait to see Piper. He had so much he wanted to tell her. So much he wanted to share. So muchhe wanted to discuss. About them. About the future.
But when he stepped into the paddock, he came upon an unexpected scene—Piper, lecturing his parents, with Rico looking on.
“I realize I don’t know either of you very well, but youcannotact like this,” Piper said. “I don’t think you have any concept of how difficult you have made things for your son. I wantyou both to promise that you will not attend races that are not designated as your own, and when you do attend a race, yourvisit is about nothing more than supporting your son and showing him love and respect.”
Emilio slowly walked up behind Piper. Both his parents saw him, but then Piper snapped her fingers, and their attention quicklyreturned to her. She was like an angry schoolteacher. He hung back. He wanted to see how this would play out.
“It doesn’t mean you can’t talk to him about important things. But those topics are for times away from the track. Not here.Also, if you can’t come on your race weekend, please show some respect and let the other person know so they might have achance to attend in your place. Having support at the races is very important to Emilio.”
Emilio placed his arm around Piper and kissed her cheek, but it wasn’t a peck. He pressed his lips quite solidly to her skin.“I agree with everything Piper said. Well, at least everything I heard.”
“So, she is your girlfriend?” his father asked.
“Yes. She is my girlfriend,” Emilio said with confidence.
“How can I be so far out of the loop? Your own mother doesn’t know about this?”
“Bianca...” Piper started. “Boundaries.” She then turned to Emilio. “Girlfriend?”
“And I’m your boyfriend. Or we’re partners. Whatever you want to say. We can’t be wishy-washy about it. I know you’re leaving,but I’m only putting the label on it that I think it deserves.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head.It felt so good to finally come out with it. Leave every card on the table. No regrets. He was so very tired of them.
“You were amazing today. Absolutely unbelievable.” She peered up at him with the blue eyes that had made their mark on him.
“Thank you. I hate that I have to go to the media pen.”
She smiled and pressed her hand against his chest, sending a wave of warmth through him. “I’ll be here when you’re done.”
“I’ll make it quick. I want to have as much time as possible with you before you go.”
Seventeen
“Come on, Gus. Don’t look at me like that. You’re killing me.”
Back in London, Gus was on Piper’s bed, lying next to her suitcase. He rolled to his back and played dead. All four arms straightup into the air, head to one side, eyes closed, tongue hanging out for dramatic effect.This dog. She rubbed his belly and he flopped back over, then licked her hand.
She’d taught Gus that trick when they were in Imola and she was trying to stay busy. Then he’d done it for treats. Now hewas doing it to express his disdain for the events unfolding before his doggy eyes, apparently. Namely, Piper packing up herthings.
Imola seemed like it had happened an entire year ago. Back before Gus’s career as social media star had taken off. BeforeEmilio shed his grumpy persona and began to open up. Before they got close. Before her heart grew to twice its normal size.There would never be enough words to express what this time with Emilio had meant. There would never be enough minutes forthem to be together. Even though nothing was settled. Nothing had been decided.
Piper closed her eyes and pressed her hand against her stomach to connect with her own breathing.You are safe.Inhale. Exhale.You will get through this and figure out what’s next. Inhale. Exhale.And good call on the waterproof mascara.
Piper jumped when her phone rang on the bed. She peered down at the caller ID. Dad. They hadn’t talked in weeks. Piper racedto press the green circle and put him on speaker. “Dad?” Emotion welled up in her voice. She had so much to tell him. Andmore than a lot not to tell him. “How are you?”
“I’m good, Pipes. It’s so nice to hear your voice, sweetheart. I wanted to let you know I’m picking you up at the airport.Text me when you land.”
“I thought Gabby was going to do it.”
“She’s stressed and busy. Plus, I’ve missed you, kiddo. I’ll come get you.” An uncomfortably long period of silence playedout on the other end of the line. “Plus, there’s something you need to know. And well, I don’t know, I felt like I shouldtell you.”
“Whatever it is, tell me now. I already know Meghan’s pregnant. I can’t endure a transatlantic flight wondering what elsethere is.”
“I just want to give you the heads-up that Kyle’s bringing, you know, her.”
