Page 138 of Rear View
Shit.No doubt the footage of me trying to choke him out was a highlight reel on repeat. My chest caved. “And the WRC?”
“They’re citing moral violations,” Castillo said, “but still no official word.”
I rubbed the back of my neck. Christ. I’d known it was comin’, but had still hoped. Not for me. My career was shot. But for the rest of the team…goddammit.
“We can see about getting other sponsors,” Trina cut in.
“I don’t think that’s a viable option,” Earl countered.
“Of course it is. We can just pivot. Racing might be out, but Xavier and Alecaremarketable.”
My jaw ground.
Earl rolled his eyes, then drummed his fingers over the coffee table in front of him as he turned her way. “Due to the unfolding circumstances, I think we’ll no longer be needing your services, Trina.”
Thank Christ.
Her head drew back. “Excuse me?”
“You can gather your things and leave, please.”
She scoffed, her gaze darting to me as if I was about to help. Like hell that’d happen. In case she was confused, I shook my head. She scoffed again, grabbed her purse and stormed out.
Several seconds passed before I exhaled, good and slow. “Can you pull in a new driver?”
“Maybe.” Leaning back, he flattened a palm over the couch’s arm and sighed. “I’ll ask around.”
Alec crossed his arms over his chest, throwin’ me a dark glare. “I’m not driving with anyone else. It’s X or bust.”
I stretched my neck. “I’m out, Alec. Ain’t no savin’ me. If there’s a chance for you, then you take it.”
“We’re a package, man. If you’re out, I’m out.”
My brow slammed down. “Don’t be an idiot.”
His hands rolled into fists. “This one’s not your call.”
What the fuck? I angled forward, my chair creaking when I dropped my elbows to my knees. My shoulders bunched and I rolled them.
My phone buzzed. I went rigid. My joints were stiff when I reached into my pocket, desperate as shit to checkit. To see her name. ’Cause I could handle anything if I just had her.
Be you, darlin’. Please, be you.
A text from Miles flashed over the screen and I dropped my head. Guy probably wanted to tear me a new asshole for hurting his sister. And I’d earned whatever he threw my way.
I clicked it.
Miles: You got a sec?
My body tensed. “I gotta take this.”
Earl dipped his chin in a nod.
I pushed up and aimed for the door, giving the frame my weight. Selecting Miles’s info, I called.
“Hey, X,” he said. Music pumped while guys laughed in the background. His tone was tight, but decent. No rage, so I’d take it.
“Hey, man. S’up?”
