Page 5 of Red Queen
“Where is she?”
“That’s none of your concern, mate. We’ll take care of it. I never want to see you again in her sight. And get your ass out of bed, it’s time to work out.” Like hell I’m gonna work out now. Everything hurts, I can barely hold the phone.
“Sure. See you at the gym,” I lie. He knows it too, but he lets it go.
“We’re leaving tomorrow afternoon, don’t forget.” With that, he hangs up.
Finally, a little alone time. Since we have a slightly bigger break before the next race, I’ll go home for a couple days. It’s about time I visit my mom. I haven’t been home since the season started. As much as I’d love to leave Enzo here in Miami, he would hunt me down and follow me to the core of Earth, so he’s coming with me. Never leaves my side, that man.
But before that, I gotta take a power nap. Again. I can’t work out without energy now, can I?
My day started earlier than I wanted, since I fell asleep in the afternoon yesterday, and I forgot to pack. I chug down my coffee and quickly fold my stuff into the suitcase. I didn’t bring many clothes with me this time since I knew I’d travel home and pack more. I know Mama will want to fill up the remaining space with food, so it was a clever move to bring a bigger size.
Once I’m finished, I take a quick shower and go down to the restaurant to grab breakfast, since my flight will be a little too long. It’s around 7:30 AM, so there aren’t many people around.
I haven’t been able to cure the bags under my eyes, so whether it’s weird or not, I had to put on sunglasses. It surely goes well with my Crocs. It looks like I’m going fishing. My phone chimes, and as I pull it out, I bump into someone and feel a cold liquid soak my shirt.
“Shit! I’m so sorry!” She quickly reaches out and tries to dry my shirt with napkins.
“It’s alright. I wasn’t paying attention. I’m sorry.” She lifts her head, and my eyes meet with a beautiful lady’s.
Her brown skin is practically glowing. Her braided hair is messy, but still classy. For a second, I get lost in her smile and how her fingers burn my skin, which is cold from the spilled water. She seems familiar, but I can’t quite figure out where from.
“I’m sorry. I just got a worrying message from my uncle, and I didn’t see you. Do you want me to pay for the shirt? It looks expensive. I’m not sure these napkins will do anything. Or I can blow dry it in my room. Or just leave it…on the balcony… I’m talking too much, aren’t I?” She chuckles and her cheeks redden.God, she’s adorable… Even her Spanish accent is cute. I can’t help but smile at her embarrassment.
“It’s only water, cariño, don’t worry about it. I have spare ones in my suitcase. Thanks for the napkins, though.” I grab her hand, stopping her motions. “I have to go now. Bye…”
“Uh, it’s Rosa.”
“Bye, Rosa.” I lift her hand and press a soft kiss on it. Have my prayers been heard? If only I could stay one more night… Fuck you, life.
I head to the lobby to check out and go straight to the black car waiting for me. Enzo and Dodger are already inside, buckled up.
“Why do you look like you’ve fallen into the pool?” my manager asks without even lifting his head. How did he notice already?
“A girl bumped into me and spilled water.” I shrug and get comfortable in my seat, more or less. Hopefully, my shirt will dry soon. The airport is not too far away but I’m sure it’s busy on the streets at this time.
“Do I have to find her, too, and make her sign the contract?” He’s mocking me. Classic Lorenzo.
“There’s no need for that, cabron.” I shoot back. He’s more annoyed today than ever. Something happened. “Why are you mad at me at eight in the morning? What happened?”
“I couldn’t find her, Mateo. I went to her workplace, they said they haven’t seen her in days. I went to her apartment, nowhere to be seen. I even called her friend, but nothing. Either she’s hiding on purpose, or she’s gone. And I really hope it’s the latter, for your sake.” He lets out a long sigh, and I feel myself tense.
I haven’t been in this situation before. I’ve been with a couple of women before, but they always were happy to leave me their contact and sign the papers. But this? Not that she didn’t sign, but she didn’t even leave any information about her. Enzo had to track her down.
It’s not like I told her classified stuff, or at least I hope not. But still, she could destroy my career with even a small, little thing like a picture. Who wants to sponsor a driver whose dick is all over the internet? No one. I really hope Enzo finds her sooner or later. Or that she’s really gone. Either works.
We arrive at the airport and walk onto the plane. God bless private jet sponsors. Dodger takes the seat in front of me, and Enzo sits a little further away from us. They already have the snacks and drinks out.
We buckle up, and the pilot informs us that we’re ready to take off. It’s going to be a long, 8-hour flight, and I’ll probably sleep through half of it. Let’s get this party started.
5
ROSA
Ispilled water onMateo Acosta. Holy cow. Safe to say I’m good at first impressions. It’s been a week, and I still can’t get over it. He’s even hotter in real life. Who would’ve thought? Well, probably everyone, but still. Maybe I should include this new skill in my resume.
It’s actually a bit scary how fast time goes by. It was just yesterday when I bumped into him. Since the pandemic, I feel like time is running. I don’t even remember these four years. I’m still at home, sipping my tea, watching Emily in Paris, and rewatching Friends for the fifth time as I scroll social media, seeing everyone posting their baby bumps. Everything has changed. I don’t know if for the worse or the better, but we all changed.
