Page 72 of All That Glitters
“But you’re not on your own, are you?”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“It’s the truth, though.”
My whole face turned to stone for a moment. It wasn’t long enough that she’d notice. At least I didn’t think she would but the slight, thin smile told me that she didn’t miss anything anymore than I did. Maybe we were more alike than I gave us credit for.
That wasn’t a good thing. Helen was a good person. She deserved better than to be anything like me.
“What’s that look for?” she asked, settling deeper into the couch, shifting to the corner and tucking her feet to the side on the sofa cushion.
“This was a mistake.”
“Which part?”
“You should go.”
Her defiance was immediate as it crossed her stoic features. It was admirable, too.
“No.”
“Helen.”
“Ashton.”
“Don’t test me. I’m trying to save you.”
“I didn’t ask to be saved.”
“You should.”
“I’ve never really done what I should.”
“If that was true, you’d still be in a car on the track.”
And there was the first crack. As long as we were talking about me, she was a fighter and she gave as good as she got, but when I turned the conversation on her, especially on her racing, she changed and closed off.
“That’s different.”
“Bullshit.”
“Now isn’t the time.”
“When is the time? I’ll show up.”
“None of this is about me, Ashton. I’m here for you. All of this is because of you. Let’s just stick to that.”
I wasn’t going to confess that everything was about her.
“You were good,” I said, ignoring her. “I’d bet you still are. When was the last time you got behind the wheel of a race car?”
“I don’t know.”
“Liar. Why aren’t you the one in Hale’s seat?”
Her annoyance turned, shifted into frustration, but I could see the anger taking shape in her eyes, in the tightening of her lips.
“Tell me. Did your parents choose Hale over you or did the owners?”
