Page 18 of Rider Forbidden
I don't even know how I’ve ended up getting a flight with Jack on my own. He had an interview with a sports channel about his upcoming race and couldn't fly with the rest of them. I added on as a late addition. Harry managed to get me in their hotel, but he couldn't get me on their flight, so he managed to get me on one later that night. At least it meant I had all Sunday with Eli.
Its five pm now. Jack is picking me up from mums and dads where I’ve dropped Eli off. My son seems absolutely fine - he’s excited about spending time with his grandma and grandad. Jesus, it's hard leaving him. The thought of being in a different country as him . . . well, it makes me feel sick with nerves . . . I hate it.
I hear a knock at the door.
“I’ll get it.” Mum says going to the door.
I crouch down so that I'm eye-level with Elijah. “You be good for grandma and grandad, you'll be doing lots of fun things when you get home from school - I'm jealous - and I’ll video call you every day, OK?”
“OK mummy, see you soon.”
“Hi buddy!” Jack walks into the room, towering above my mother.
“Jack!” Eli says running to him throwing his arms around his legs, hugging him tightly. Is he kidding me with this? I don't get that reaction out of him . . . anyone would think he is a god.
I roll my eyes and Jack catches it and laughs.
He bends down to talk to Eli. “You gonna have fun with your grandparents?”
He nods silently.
“Cool, and when your mum and I get back, you can get her to bring you to the track on practice day so that you can watch. Would you like that?”
Elijah nods so fast that I think his head is going to fall off. “Yes, I would love that Jack.”
“I’ll sort it out with your mum, OK?”
He nods and gives him another hug.
I go to grab my suitcase, but Jack gets there before me. “I’ve got this.”
Flustered, I look around for my bag and my jacket. I grab them and bend to give Eli a kiss. “Bye honey, I’ll speak to you tomorrow, OK?” and I look at mum “I’ll message you when I'm at the hotel.”
She nods. “Have a good time honey and relax. I can't believe you haven't had a holiday in six years. I know this is kind of work, but it’s supposed to be fun too and you deserve a bit of that . . . enjoy.”
I kiss mum on the cheek and turn and see Jack watching the exchange.
“Ready?” I say smiling at him.
He gives me a wink and a smile. “Ready?” Wow, I hate that I liked it, but Ireallyliked the wink.
We get in the car and he drives off, it’s a 45-minute drive to the airport - so not too bad. We don't say anything. I can't think of anything but the fact that I'm leaving my son for all this time. I feel like I'm going to have a panic attack. I keep trying to take slow deep breaths in and out, but I don't want Jack to catch me doing it and have to explain.
We get to the airport and he takes control, taking my passport off me, which I’ve had to apply for quickly because I didn't have one, and checks us in. He checks our luggage in too. Some of the team have driven there on a truck with the bike, but the other staff have flown, as it took a couple of days to go by truck and ferry.
“Want a drink?” he says to me raising his eyebrows.
I really do, it might help with my separation anxiety. “Yes please.”
I hope things aren't going to be awkward between us. I hate to admit it but I’m warming to him because I love the way he’s been with Eli, I wouldn't have thought he would have any patience with him - the fact that he’s so good with him makes me think he might have a nice side after all, and Elijah likes him, and kids are smart, he’s a lot better judge of character than I am.
He looks around “Come on, there’s a bar over there.”
We take a seat. “What would you like?”
“Vodka and diet coke please.” He nods and goes to the bar.
When he returns with the drinks, I pick mine up to take a sip but he reaches his hand out and stops me.
