Page 46 of The Player Penalty
18-Julian
“You need to give the kid a promotion,” Jake says to Boone.
“He’s your age,” I point out.
“Yes, but I come with extra wisdom.”
Wisdom, my ass. Jake is a fantastic guy, don’t get me wrong. He’s also a team owner, a constant charmer, and incredibly talented. It’s also true that his wife, Sarah, is the brains behind their company. I would know because she’s why their father, Tom Rivers, gave me a ride withRMSa few years ago. My career would be done if it wasn’t for her.
Boone sits in the row above us, like how a self-appointed king might place himself above his subjects.
The three of us grow silent as Matteo approaches us. His steps falter after he notices Boone before his shoulders square up, and his pace quickens.
The track is only half-full like most weeknights, but Matteo’s evening ended with another win.
“We told him to come see you in person,” I explain before Matteo can say something stupid. “Good racing.”
“Thanks. I owe you credit for getting me here,” Matteo says while eyeing Boone.
Boone threatened Matteo’s career if he didn’t agree to race forRivers Motorsportsa couple of years ago, and Matteo has never forgiven him for it. I understand that, while also sharing Boone’s opinion, as painful as that admittance is.
“Julian has been talking you up for a while now, and I can see why,” Boone says. He thinks his flat smile is cheery. I’d call it glum. “You’re debuting in the truck series two weeks from now. Let’s see how you do.”
Matteo’s mouth drops. “Does this mean another contract?”
“If you prove yourself, then yes.” Boone leans back, his arms resting on the bench behind him. “Maybe you’ll get lucky, and another team will pluck you out from under me. If that happens, it’ll still be worth it because your talent isn’t going to waste.”
Where would Matteo go? I glance at Jake, who is strangely quiet. The man rarely knows how to shut up. “You never know what the future holds. After all, look at me,” is all he says.
Jake and Sarah formed their own company last year. He’s now one of the few owners and drivers within the Cup series. He can fucking have at it. I saw what ownership does, and I want no part of it.
“Let’s go. I promised Madelyn we would hurry,” Boone says.
“I did the same.” Jake flashes me a cocky grin.
“What is it?”
He only shakes his head. “Nothing,” he says, but the grin gets more prominent.
Their wives are coming. This isn’t a formal party or dinner. It’s some drinks at an outside patio, which is my way of acknowledging Matteo’s efforts. Frankly, I didn’t even expectBoone to show. Knowing he did and knowing others want to cheer Matteo on is almost enough to warm my cold, dead heart.
I could have asked Lily to join us, although, with Boone’s presence, that could be awkward. He won’t appreciate any threat to Pete Webb’s continued employment, and he’s made his opinion on my lifestyle known. Often and loudly.
Lily will be hurt if she learns I excluded her, especially after our recent complications. She put her trust in me, and I might have destroyed it.
“Who’s going to be there?” Matteo asks.
Yeah, not inviting her was the correct decision.
∞∞∞
She’s here. Lily has been engaged in deep conversation with Maddie or Sarah since my arrival and has not glanced in my direction even once.
Either she’s oblivious to my presence, which horrifies me, or she’s hurt. That’s worse.
The live band plays an 80s pop hit, and she gently sways, unaware she’s doing it. Lily’s white skirt swirls over her hips and thigh, and she presses a hand against one leg. She glances over at me, and her lips tilt up before she resumes her conversation with Maddie.
What is so damn important that she doesn’t have time for me?
