Shut Up and Talk

Chapter 32

Before the race in Detroit, I stopped in Toronto for a few days to spend time with my family. I wanted to see Rosie and confide in her about losing my job. I begged her not to tell Nick, but I wasn't sure I could trust her not to. This was big news, but she had kept my confidence about Paul.

"What do you want most out of life?" I asked my sister-in-law over lunch. Hadn't Ian asked me this same question?

"I want my children to be safe and happy."

"And my brother? What would Nick want most out of life besides his family?"

"Probably his own business. He's hoping to save up enough money for a coffee shop."

"What do you think of me giving him the money?"

Rosie's brown eyes opened wide. "He would never ask you."

"He doesn't have to. There's something I need to admit. It was Ian who got Nick the job and paid off all your debts. It wasn't right for me to accept the credit so the least I can do is genuinely help you two out."

"It wasn't you?"

"I'm ashamed that I didn't tell you sooner. Forgive me because it was horrible of me. So I'm going to make amends."

"You don't have to do that."

"But I want to."

"How would we repay you?"

"I just want you to take the money. Tell Nick it's a loan if you need to, but I don't want anything back. If he insists, I'll put it in a trust for the kids."

"Why are you doing this?"

"I was given an amazing opportunity and now I want to pay it forward to the people I care most about."

"Maybe you and Nick can work things out."

"There's lots of time for that. I'm thinking of moving back here before the holidays."

"You can live with us," Rosie offered. "Maybe even help Nick with the coffee shop."

It was nice of her to think of me but she had to be absolutely crazy!

So the morning before my flight to Detroit I took my brother aside and handed him the bank draft for a start-up on his business. He was moved to tears and he hugged me. It was the first time we had embraced since Mom died.

I left feeling as though I'd done the right thing; I had given him the same chance given to me.

#

Detroit. My last North American race, home territory, but still hostile. I stayed close to Jamie on Friday and Saturday in an effort to avoid Ian. Jamie went off to a driver's briefings while I let on to the press that everything at LION was fine despite the fact that we couldn't be further away from each other.

Jamie returned from the briefing carrying a bag. Often drivers were given presents from sponsors or potential sponsors that were usually pawned off to assistants, so I wasn't surprised when he walked straight to me. A perplexed, almost dumbfounded look marred his face as he handed me the bag.

"A secret admirer?" I asked with a chuckle.

Jamie's face snapped back to normal. "It's for you."

"For me?" Which Neanderthal was trying to woo me now? "Who gave it to you?"

"That's the strangest part. My old friend Ian. We're so bloody close now, he asked me not to mention it to Paul. You want to tell me what's going on?"