Page 53 of Formula Freedom
“I will,” I promise, turning my gaze to Leanne and Graham so they understand. “I just need time to think through how to say what needs to be said. I’m still a little raw right now.”
My dad nods slowly. “Fair enough. But it’s better to be clear than to keep him guessing.”
I glance at Reid whose steady gaze centers me. “I know and I will be.”
Conversation shifts back to lighter things—sightseeing in Monaco, weather in Zurich, the possible wardrobe requirements for events I’ll be invited to. We laugh over how Reid once wore board shorts to a sponsor dinner because he thought it was “beach formal.”
After brunch, the Hemsworths head home, Reid following to grab his bags. I retreat to my room to pack for the next leg of my not-so-planned European adventure. I’m folding a dress into my suitcase when I hear a soft knock on the door frame.
Mum.
She steps inside, her arms crossed, eyes kind but sharp.
“I’m not stupid, you know,” she says in a teasing voice, eyes sparkling but also yielding a bit of concern.
My heart lurches. “About what?”
She lifts a brow, lips pursed in a smirk. “Don’t insult me, Lara. I’m your mum and I know you.”
I appraise the expression on her face.Oh my god. She knows!“But… how?”
“The looks you and Reid were shooting at each other over the breakfast table… dead giveaway.”
“Oh, god,” I mutter as I sink onto the edge of the bed. “Did anyone else notice?”
My mum shrugs noncommittally, but I know she’ll tell my dad at some point. They don’t keep secrets from each other.
I heave a sigh. “It just… happened, Mum. I didn’t plan this.”
“I know you didn’t.” She sits beside me, her shoulder brushing mine. “But be careful, Lara. You’re playing with a lot of hearts right now.”
“This isn’t a game to me,” I say defensively.
Her arm slips around my shoulders and her tone is apologetic. “Oh, I know it’s not, sweetheart. Poor choice of words on my part. I just mean… both Lance and Reid have feelings deeply tied to you. Lance is going to be hurt, but that can’t be helped. And between you and me, I have no sympathy for him. I’m more concerned about your and Reid’s hearts. They’re both big, but they can still get bruised, so I just want to know you’re sure about things with him, and he’s all in for you.”
I swallow hard and admit the truth to my mom. “He’s always been the one, Mum. We had a moment a few years ago, and it didn’t work then. I didn’t think it would ever work, and well… there was Lance.” My eyes burn as the guilt settles in. “I think I’m a terrible person sometimes. I should have never been with Lance.”
“I don’t believe that,” she says firmly. “You loved Lance. There was a time when it was right for you, so don’t have regrets or beat yourself up. It’s a complicated situation and I know we keep saying this, but you need to accept it… none of this is your fault.”
I nod in understanding, the tightness in my chest loosening a bit.
Mum squeezes my shoulders. “Want one more piece of advice?”
“Of course.”
“Own it.”
I blink in confusion. “Own it?”
“Own it,” she repeats. “Don’t keep this thing with you and Reid too deep in the shadows because that’s not healthy for a relationship. But finish what needs finishing first. You owe yourself that much. And you owe it to Lance, no matter how badly things ended.”
“I know,” I whisper.
She leans over and presses a kiss to my temple. “I’m proud of you, Lara. Not for who you choose to love, but for not letting someone else choose for you.”
She stands and leaves without another word, and I’m left staring out the window, a suitcase half packed, and a heart full of more certainty than guilt.
CHAPTER 17
