Page 105 of The Player Penalty
They both listen while I replay both incidents from earlier today. “Now, all that’s left is deciding which to pick.”
Julian puts a hand over my own. “Did you say the preschool offers classes two and three days a week?”
“Yes,” I say and feel foolish. Maddie mentioned her offer wasn’t full-time. I was so worried about how to politely refuse I missed that part. “I can do both of them.”
∞∞∞
Julian steps out of the bathroom dressed in buffalo check flannel pants, and nothing else. “Have you decided between the two- and three-day classes yet?”
“No, don’t. I can’t take that much pressure.” I throw myself against the pillows with mock stress. “Probably the two-day classes to start, if they have openings. It guarantees enough time for both jobs. If that goes well, I could apply for more.”
“Solid plan.” Julian joins me on the bed, using the palm of his hand as a pillow. “Your dad is coming over for dinner more and more.”
“Is that a problem?” They’ve been getting on so well, and I didn’t notice there was a problem. They’re going to argue, and my dad will start complaining about Julian all over again.
“Hey, hey.” Julian taps my chin, and our eyes meet. He drops a kiss on my lips and smiles. “There’s no problem, so let’s stop worrying. I brought it up as a way to ask how you think he would feel about moving in. I once believed my mother would move into the guest house, and now it sits empty. We can lease it out if you think he would refuse, but I’d rather keep it empty if you think he would want it.”
“It’s small,” I say, thinking out loud. I’m also squealing a little. “It’s also close to us, to me. That’s important.”
“Maybe it was meant for him all along,” Julian says.
“Maybe it was.”
38-Julian
Phoenix Raceway
“Julian.” Lily pinches my chin to inspect my features better. “You look like you’re about to throw up.”
Considering the season’s final race is about to start, that makes complete sense. “It’s possible that happens. More than once.” Championship races can do that to you.
“Will it help if I join you?”
Her question melts away some of my tension, and I laugh. We’re minutes from starting engines and discussing whether we should throw up together. “Yes, actually, it would.”
“Save us that horror,” Jake says, interrupting us. He wears his usual cocky smile, pulling me into a last-minute hug. “You’ve been fantastic all season, and I’m proud to be a part of it. I’ll be watching you on the track, so if you need me, send a bat signal or flash your headlights.”
“We don’t have headlights,” I point out.
“Then you’re shit out of luck,” he says, still wearing his trademark grin. “Seriously, you got this today. We’ll party later.”
It’s Boone’s turn next. “How are you?”
“Steady. Prepared.”
He nods. “No matter what happens, you’ve done everything right. Every block, every race, all of it. You have many people cheering you on today, most of all me. You’ve done good, Julian.”
Yes, I’m definitely going to vomit. An empty stomach might be best, so nothing is left during the race.
“Julian.” Pete removes his trucker hat, and it stays off for once. His white hair stays glued to his scalp. He swallows, and I ready myself for another round of congratulations and calls for good luck. “You have one of the best cars I’ve ever seen; it’ll work hard for you today. You don’t need more pep talks or an attaboy from me, as they’ve been coming steady at you all day. Remember this: everything you need can be found here.” He thumps my chest. “Or here.” He does the same to my forehead. “They’ll get the job done for you. Now, go climb in and make yourself proud.”
Shit. How many punches to the gut can one man take? “I’ll do my best.”
“How’s your stomach? If we’re throwing up together, you need to send me a signal because it will be embarrassing. You get to drive off while I’m stuck here pretending nothing happened.” Lily managed the perfect words without even trying.
“I love you so much.”
“Julian,” she starts, and I brace. It’s been a day of shouted congrats and offers of luck given with a handshake. After a point, it feels like another form of pressure, and I don’t want that from her. “You want to go to a movie tomorrow?”
