Page 107 of Racing Heat
Stupid August.
Stupid rules.
Stupid policy they made me sign.
Stupid dreams that just might be over.
I stretch my limbs and climb out of bed. I might as well go into the living room—face the girls and the music. My phone isn’t in here. I left it in the living room because I couldn’t trust myself not to contact him last night. I might have heard something from the Blaze. I’m sure August was up bright and early trying to figure out all the ways he could ruin my life.
“Morning, everyone,” I say as I make my way into the living room. Mac, Amelia, and Hendrix are standing around the island, talking quietly. “You guys don’t have to be so quiet. I’m up and I know that I royally screwed up.”
Mac is the first one to come over to me. “That’s not what we were talking about, actually. Right, girls?” she says, looking back at them.
“That’s right.” Amelia comes over and wraps me in a hug. “I was telling them how much happier you seemed to be these past couple of weeks, and now I know the reason why. He was making you happy and now all that’s been taken away from you. We’re here for you no matter what.”
I force a smile. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”
“And if you want me to, I can slap the shit out of Cromwell,” Hendrix offers.
I pick up my phone and see that I have a few missed calls from the Blaze office. There are no more texts from Jase. That part hurts my heart a bit. I thought I would either wake up to find out that it was all a dream or find out that August decided he no longer cares about that stupid policy.
“The team called,” I tell them. “I guess I should call back and find out what they wanted.”
“Do you want some coffee first?” Amelia offers.
“No, I just want this over with.”
Mac brings me a glass of water. “Here, why don’t you take a few sips of this and then give them a call.”
“I think I’m going to go back to my apartment first.” I look at them and shrug. “You know, just in case it’s not the best news.”
I’m sure it won’t be. The outcome can’t be good. I’ve analyzed it from every angle.
“Why don’t you just stay here?” Hendrix pleads with me.
“I just want to be alone. I’ll send a text with what the outcome is when it’s over. That way you know how to approach me or how sorry you should feel for me.”
“It might not be bad news…” Amelia’s voice trails off. I can hear the hope in it, but I feel like it’s false.
“I’m sure it is. But thanks for everything and for last night. You did help, believe it or not.” I shrug and make my way out of the apartment.
Once I’m in the comfort of my home, I stare at my phone. I know I need to hit send and make the call. I’ll never know what they’re going to say if I don’t call them back. What I wouldn’t give to be able to avoid it just a little longer.
“Fuck it!” I say to the empty apartment.
I hit send.
It rings and rings. Finally, August’s secretary picks up. “Mr. Cromwell’s office.”
“This is Cassie Simmons calling for August Cromwell.”
“Oh yes, he’s been expecting your call. One moment please, dear.” I’m put on hold while she lets him know I’ve called.
“August Cromwell,” he says when he picks up the phone.
“Hi, August. It’s Cassie. I’m returning your phone call.”
“Hi, Cassie.” His tone is tight and all business. I haven’t heard him speak like this in a long time, and it’s never been directed at me. I hate that it is now. He sighs. “The management team has met, and we’ve made a decision regarding the infraction that you and Jase Ford have committed.” He pauses for a moment, and I hold my breath until I hear him speak again. “The Blaze organization has decided that you’re being relieved of your contract for the violation of our fraternization policy. We understand that you’re currently residing in team housing, and we have decided that you have sixty days to vacate the premises. Please come and clear out your locker first thing tomorrow morning so as not to see the team.”
