Page 20 of Formula Freedom (Race Fever #3)

Lara

S unlight pours through the wide windows over the kitchen sink and the scent of bacon and fresh coffee makes my stomach rumble. Mum hums under her breath as she flips pancakes on the griddle, while Reid stands nearby squeezing orange juice like he owns the place.

He kind of does, in a weird, nostalgic way.

Reid grew up a street away but was over here at my house as much as I was at the Hemsworths’.

We never knocked when we visited, just walked in and called out a greeting.

I wonder how that might change going forward, especially since I don’t know that I want to walk in on Lance if he’s visiting his parents.

That’s one of many examples when a wave of sadness hits me for everything that’s been lost, and I understand all too keenly that’s the chance you take when friendships turn romantic.

Carlos left early this morning to head back to Monaco, where he apparently lives.

Reid explained that a lot of the FI drivers live in Monaco because it’s ridiculously safe, dripping in luxury, and perfectly positioned in the middle of the European circuit.

Add in the fact that there’s no income tax, and it’s easy to see why half the grid calls it home.

It was a very fond farewell I gave to the charming Mexican driver, and I already miss his easy presence, the way he lightened everything without making it seem trivial.

Reid sets out the carafe of juice just as Mum calls out, “Breakfast is ready!”

We gather around the big wooden table, Mum and Dad on one side, Graham and Leanne on the other, Reid and I tucked in across from each other.

The parents got back mid-morning and Mum insisted on brunch together.

While it’s not odd for the Candlish and Hemsworth families to share meals, this feels a bit contrived.

Like they’re forcing normalcy on us in a very not-normal time.

However, I appreciate the sentiment behind it and suspect it’s all for my benefit to show that no one is upset with me for calling off the engagement.

Despite the dark cloud that persists it’s also weirdly ordinary, and I assume that comes from years and years of love and trust between our families.

Reid and I listen while our parents talk about their adventures in Melbourne—high tea at Hopetoun, shopping along Collins Street, and the theater production they saw at the Regent.

Leanne raved about the costumes and my dad couldn’t stop talking about the chocolate soufflé they had afterward.

It’s all so… normal. Like the past week hasn’t been a whirlwind of crashing emotional waves and the quiet beginnings of something that presents itself a lot like love.

Of course, that’s a secret between me and Reid for now.

As I sip my orange juice, Reid catches my eye and gives the smallest nod.

Right. Time to rip off the Band-Aid.

“So,” I say, stacking two pancakes and keeping my tone casual. “Reid invited me to travel with him over the next week and I accepted.”

Mum pauses mid-pour of maple syrup and the table goes silent.

Reid jumps in smoothly. “It will be good for her to get away from this and since she works remotely, she’s free to travel.”

Dad arches a brow. “Where will you be going?”

“Monaco for a few days to handle some press, then on to Zurich for race prep.”

“I think that’s wonderful,” Leanne says as she spears a strawberry. “And you’ll go to the race in Suzuka?”

I hedge a little, just so it doesn’t look like I’m overly committed to traveling with Reid. I don’t know why, but it makes me uncomfortable, as if we’re asking for permission. “I figured the space might do some good but I’m not sure I’ll make it to Suzuka. We’ll see.”

Graham clears his throat. “Sounds like a positive change of scenery.”

“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” my dad says, reaching over and patting my hand. “You’ve been through a lot. You deserve to see something beautiful.”

My stomach twists. Not guilt, exactly—more like a tight awareness of what we’re not saying. We’re not telling them that Reid and I have already crossed a line. That we’re sharing rooms, not just travel plans.

But they don’t need to know that. Not yet.

“You will talk to Lance soon, right?” Mum says gently, bringing the inevitable topic forward. “I know he’s not handling this well.”

“I will,” I promise, turning my gaze to Leanne and Graham so they understand. “I just need time to think through how to say what needs to be said. I’m still a little raw right now.”

My dad nods slowly. “Fair enough. But it’s better to be clear than to keep him guessing.”

I glance at Reid whose steady gaze centers me. “I know and I will be.”

Conversation shifts back to lighter things—sightseeing in Monaco, weather in Zurich, the possible wardrobe requirements for events I’ll be invited to. We laugh over how Reid once wore board shorts to a sponsor dinner because he thought it was “beach formal.”

After brunch, the Hemsworths head home, Reid following to grab his bags. I retreat to my room to pack for the next leg of my not-so-planned European adventure. I’m folding a dress into my suitcase when I hear a soft knock on the door frame.

Mum.

She steps inside, her arms crossed, eyes kind but sharp.

“I’m not stupid, you know,” she says in a teasing voice, eyes sparkling but also yielding a bit of concern.

My heart lurches. “About what?”

She lifts a brow, lips pursed in a smirk. “Don’t insult me, Lara. I’m your mum and I know you.”

I appraise the expression on her face. Oh my god. She knows! “But… how?”

“The looks you and Reid were shooting at each other over the breakfast table… dead giveaway.”

“Oh, god,” I mutter as I sink onto the edge of the bed. “Did anyone else notice?”

My mum shrugs noncommittally, but I know she’ll tell my dad at some point. They don’t keep secrets from each other.

I heave a sigh. “It just… happened, Mum. I didn’t plan this.”

“I know you didn’t.” She sits beside me, her shoulder brushing mine. “But be careful, Lara. You’re playing with a lot of hearts right now.”

“This isn’t a game to me,” I say defensively.

Her arm slips around my shoulders and her tone is apologetic.

“Oh, I know it’s not, sweetheart. Poor choice of words on my part.

I just mean… both Lance and Reid have feelings deeply tied to you.

Lance is going to be hurt, but that can’t be helped.

And between you and me, I have no sympathy for him.

I’m more concerned about your and Reid’s hearts.

They’re both big, but they can still get bruised, so I just want to know you’re sure about things with him, and he’s all in for you. ”

I swallow hard and admit the truth to my mom.

“He’s always been the one, Mum. We had a moment a few years ago, and it didn’t work then.

I didn’t think it would ever work, and well…

there was Lance.” My eyes burn as the guilt settles in.

“I think I’m a terrible person sometimes. I should have never been with Lance.”

“I don’t believe that,” she says firmly. “You loved Lance. There was a time when it was right for you, so don’t have regrets or beat yourself up. It’s a complicated situation and I know we keep saying this, but you need to accept it… none of this is your fault.”

I nod in understanding, the tightness in my chest loosening a bit.

Mum squeezes my shoulders. “Want one more piece of advice?”

“Of course.”

“Own it.”

I blink in confusion. “Own it?”

“Own it,” she repeats. “Don’t keep this thing with you and Reid too deep in the shadows because that’s not healthy for a relationship. But finish what needs finishing first. You owe yourself that much. And you owe it to Lance, no matter how badly things ended.”

“I know,” I whisper.

She leans over and presses a kiss to my temple. “I’m proud of you, Lara. Not for who you choose to love, but for not letting someone else choose for you.”

She stands and leaves without another word, and I’m left staring out the window, a suitcase half packed, and a heart full of more certainty than guilt.