Page 97 of Redeeming Melodies

"I know." Sarah's voice went gentle. "And we'll show that. But first, we need to establish you as the stable one. The one building a real life while she plays society games."

"How?"

"By telling your story. The whole truth - falling for Jake, finding a community that accepts you, creating a proper home for Tommy. Make it about family and belonging, not scandal and sexuality."

My phone lit up - speak of the devil. Jake's morning check-in, probably between patrols. Just seeing his name steadied something in my chest.

"That's it." Sarah pointed at my face. "That look right there? That's what we're selling. Not some tabloid drama about a racing star's gay awakening. The story of a father choosing love and authenticity over fame and false images."

"And Tommy's custody?"

"Cassidy thinks that it couldn’t hurt and that it was not illegal to do.” She leaned forward, eyes intense. "But Elliot? We have to move fast. Vanessa's planning something big."

"How do you know?"

"Because I know Vanessa. Worked with her PR team back in your racing days, remember? She doesn't make threats she's not ready to back up."

Fuck. The memory of those days hit hard - Vanessa orchestrating our public image, turning every moment into carefully crafted performance.

"So what's the play?"

"We give Riley his exclusive as soon as you’re ready. Full access, no holds barred. Let him tell the real story before Vanessa can poison it." Sarah's smile turned sharp.

"What?"

"Show don't tell, darling. Let the world see the life you're building and show that Jake was meant for you. Make it real."

The idea sent electricity through my veins. Taking control of our story, showing the world what we'd found in that small town. But Jake

"Need to run it by him first." The words came automatic. "This affects his life too."

"See?" Sarah's approval felt weird but good. "Already thinking like part of a couple. Speaking of which, you tell Tommy yet? About you and the sheriff?"

My heart stumbled. "Not directly. But kid's smart. Pretty sure he figured it out before we did."

"Kids usually do." She started gathering papers, all business again.

Standing to leave, something caught my eye. A racing magazine on her desk, my face on the cover from better days. Or what I thought were better days.

"You know what's funny?" The words slipped out without permission. "Used to think this was it. The fame, the wins, the perfect image. Now all I want is to be with my kid and have quiet nights with a small-town sheriff who sees right through my bullshit."

"That's not funny." Sarah's voice went soft. "That's growing up. Finding what actually matters."

Stepped out into Manhattan's chaos feeling lighter somehow. Because yeah, a storm was coming. Yeah, Vanessa was about to throw everything she had at us.

Delaney answeredon the second ring, like he'd been waiting for my call. Maybe he had been. Man always could read the wind before a storm hit.

"About fucking time." His gruff voice hit like home, reminding me of late nights in the pit, planning race strategy over cold coffee. "Heard you've been busy building houses or some shit."

"Something like that." My laugh came out shaky. "Need the crew, Delaney. Tonight. Murphy's?"

A pause, heavy with everything unsaid. "Must be serious if you're calling the old gang together."

"More than you know."

"Done." No questions, no demands. Just that solid reliability that had kept me alive through a hundred races. "Give me an hour to round them up."

Ended the call feeling that familiar pre-race tension coil in my gut. But this wasn't about racing anymore. This was about Tommy. About Jake. About finally facing the mess I'd let build for too long.

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