Page 60 of Collided (Dirty Air 2)

Sophie

After the Canadian press conference from hell, I imagined riots in the Bandini motorhome with signs declaring a traitor in our camp. I thought about crew members wanting to burn me on a pillar while my dad struggles to give me up, stuck between appeasing the fan base and saving me. Realistically, the only one who truly could give me the third degree sits across from me with his jaw ticking.

My dad and I take up shop in the Bandini motorhome, prepping for the European Grand Prix. I have no shame admitting how I’ve avoided him ever since Liam’s press conference in Canada. We conveniently booked separate flights to Baku months ago, allowing me to evade him for two days. The jig was up once he asked me to visit him in his office. He makes me sit and take his glares and growls while he answers inopportune phone calls.

“Please tell me why the hell my daughter is featured in the latest trashy magazine? Because I can’t fucking wrap my head around why your name is being associated with Liam Zander and his bedroom.”

Okay. Sadly, the few days of distance have done little to ease his anger.

“I swear I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.”

“Why don’t you be clearer?” He takes a deep breath.

I fidget in my chair under his examination, bouncing my leg to the beat of my heart. “I didn’t mean to develop a best friendship with Liam. It caught me off guard.”

“If it’s a friendship, why are the reporters suggesting you’re sleeping together?”

“I don’t know. They’re bored and not good at their jobs?” My laugh sounds more like a wheeze.

“I’m not going to have you embarrass yourself and the team.” His words sting.

“But we’re just friends.” Friends who kiss each other with more heat than a burning Bandini engine, but friends nonetheless.

“If I catch one more bad story about you two, you’re going home. No arguments and no begging to stay.”

“You’re not being fair. I didn’t do anything wrong and I can’t control what other people say about me. Maybe you’re mad my name is being mentioned with Liam specifically?” I raise my chin.

“No. I’m mad because I warned you what would happen if you got involved with a racer. My reaction would’ve been the same whether it was Santiago or Noah.”

“Liam and I are just friends. I swear!” I cross my index finger over my heart.

“You couldn’t befriend anyone else? He’s a racer for an opposing team and our main adversary. Of course, reporters are going to talk.” His eyes soften at my frown before they harden again.

“I know. It’s like Romeo and Juliet.” My idea sounds credible.

“They both die in the end. And they’re lovers, not friends.”

I brush him off. Classic stories are more Liam’s thing while I prefer smuttier romantic retellings. “Semantics. Anyway…that’s not the point. You should be happy for me. I met someone who’s my best friend. Everyone needs companionship and I get lonely while you’re busy.” I’m not opposed to pouting my lip while throwing his packed schedule back at him.

“If he does one thing out of line, I’ll make sure his next contract is on an F2 team.”

I shudder because nothing is worse than leaving F1. It’s a low move, but my dad looks serious with his gray brows bunched together and his lips pressed in a tight line. His wariness puts me on edge.

“What are you so afraid of? We’re having a good time, hanging out and stuff.”

“Besides the fact that you gained Liam’s attention? His reputation and your friendship are a recipe for disaster.” He clasps his hands in front of him and stares at me. His concern makes my stomach roll because the idea of getting hurt terrifies me.

I overlook his concerns and my growing doubts. “You worry too much. It’s not like that between Liam and me. We have a tight bond, like Bonnie and Clyde.”

“You really love using iconic examples of couples to describe you two.” One of his eyebrows lifts. My bad. My dad catches me on an off day because I mean nothing by it.

“You can’t protect me from everything. You made mistakes and survived.”

He sits in front of the best consolation prize of being with my mom.

“Listen, I want what’s best for you. You always had a soft heart, forgiving others for everything to the point of putting your happiness on hold. Just be careful, smart, and safe. But I mean it, another incident like this and you’ll earn a one-way ticket back home.” His knuckles knock on his desk before he gets up from his chair. He comes around to my side and pulls me in for a hug before he leaves his office.

Well…that went better than expected.