Page 85 of When I Had You

I take a deep breath and hold it in for the count of three before exhaling. I don’t even know how to reply, and anything I type right now won’t be nice. I call my mom to get the details and hopefully cool off. As soon as she answers, I ask, “How are you guys doing?”

“We’re good. You have other things you should be focused on.” I knew she’d downplay any disruption. The thing is, I don’t want her life more disrupted than it is by my schedule.

“I heard from Terpidy.”

“Cullen’s in good hands, Cash. You really don’t need to worry.”

I angle away from the other guys in the SUV and lower my voice. “I’m worried. What do you need? What can I do?”

“There’s nothing you can do from Brazil other than score points. That’s your job and your only focus this week. I have all kinds of crafts and puzzles for us here. We’ll also be watching your race.”

Watch my race. It’s something he’s never done in person, and now it becomes my sole mission. “I can fly you down here.”

“Oh, I don’t know. Going to another country is a lot, from dealing with the airports and a five-year-old to passports and exchanging money.”

“I’ll fly you private. You don’t have to do anything or mess with the busy airports in New York. You can fly private and come down Thursday or Friday to do some sightseeing or hang out at the track.” I don’t know how good a sales job I’m doing, but I really hope it’s working. “You haven’t seen me race this season. Please come.”

There’s a pause when I can hear a show in the background and giggling. Cullen. I smile, missing him so much already.

Finally, she says, “If I can get his passport from Terpidy’s, we’ll come to Brazil.”

I sit up, too anxious to rest back. “I have access to it. That was part of our agreement. The key to his safe deposit box is in the top drawer of my desk in the back room. I’ll send you the details of where to get it and the paperwork so Cullen can travel with you. In the meantime—”

“He’s in good hands.”

“Yep.” I’m in complete agreement and so lucky to have her. “The best. I know from personal experience.”

When we hang up, I’m left with a huge grin embedded on my face. After years of wanting this more than anything, my son will finally see me race in person. One goal accomplished.

The second?

Marina.

25

Marina

“You left me to fend for myself, Lauren.”

“I can have security in place by tonight, but you must take some responsibility. You went rogue by having Cash Ryatt crash the red carpet like he did.”

“I didn’t do anything but arrive like I was told. He showed up because he cared. He knew that I would be walking the carpet alone following Corbin’s engagement announcement.” Even her heavy breath sounds argumentative and rubs me wrong. “I was thrown to the wolves last night, but I’m not going to fight with you. We’re clearly at a crossroads.” Sitting in my trailer alone, I move the steamed zucchini around on my plate, but then stop and set the fork down.

I can’t do this. I don’t want to be here.

“We’re not. I’m team Marina. You know I like a plan in place and for it to go smoothly. I apologize for not being there or having staff available for you. I will be there with you next time.”

I’m not cold-hearted, but I am upset. I have no idea where we go from here. I just know I need off this set. “I need your help.”

“With what?”

“Get me out of working this weekend. I’m going to Brazil to support Cash at the race.” My chest feels freer voicing my thoughts, but to see Cash this weekend will be the cherry on top.

“I’ll take care of it.” She pauses and then switches gears, her tone even going a bit higher when she says, “Ready for the good news?”

“So ready.”

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