Page 81 of Sparks Fly
“Like a baby.” She hums, reaching for a blueberry and popping it into her mouth.
“Good. Coffee?” I turn and grab three mugs then pour some fresh orange juice.
“Please.” She nods, stretching up then checking her phone.
“When are you heading back home then?” she asks the burning question, and I shrug.
“No idea, I mean, it’ll have to be soon seeing as Zandvoort is the next race.”
“Ideally.”
“Then maybe hope on the flight next week? Or…” She shrugs her shoulders.
“Or what?”
“Come home with me this afternoon. Gives you a chance to get settled and over to head office.”
“It’s so soon,” I whisper, the reality of what I have agreed to do sinking in.
“I know, but you’ve got to come home at some point. And I think now might be the right time.”
“Right time for what?” Rue says as she walks towards us, one eye closed, the other squinting in our direction. Her blonde hair is messy, and she still has pillow creases in her face.
“Going back home.”
“Oh.” Rue’s little voice slips through the kitchen and my stomach knots.
“Yeah.” I hum as I push her a cup of coffee, passing one to Nora too.
“I suppose it makes sense for you to go home with Nora,” Rue says.
“That’s what I was saying before you woke up.” Nora nods as she takes a sip of her black coffee.
I pop the milk jug and sugar in the middle then place the plates down. Adding milk and one teaspoon of sugar, I stir my coffee and then take a mouthful.
“I can get you on my plane, no problem. It’s the Saint Onyx plane anyway, so it won’t be an issue.”
I nod because I am not sure what to say. I feel conflicted. I knew I needed to go home, but at the same time, I wasn’t quite ready to.
“At least you’ll be here for the race next year,” Rue says slightly hopeful.
“I suppose.” I nod, taking another mouthful of coffee. “You’re gonna come visit, right?”
“Right.” She smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes like it normally does.
“Anyway, tuck in.” I wave my hand above the food then pass the plates out.
Once I have finished, I leave Rue and Nora in the kitchen as I start packing my bags. Nora was right. I may as well go home now and get settled instead of leaving it till last minute and then have to rush.
Folding my clothes and placing them in my case, I look out to the floor-to-ceiling window that overlooks the small town. The sunshine is tucked behind the clouds, the blue sky a mix of white and darker blue. Inhaling heavily, I continue packing up my room.
After a tearful goodbye,I pull Rue in for one last hug.
“Text me when you land,” she says softly, wiping a tear from her cheek.
“Promise.” I smile as I wrap my fingers around my suitcase and walk into the hallway. Nora is already by the lift and Rue follows me out.
Locking the penthouse, I move towards where Nora waits. Apprehension swirls in my stomach and I hate not knowing what I am going back to. Nora was right though; this was my foot in the door to make something more of myself.
