Racing For Love

Chapter Thirty Two

I arrive in Austria and travel to Spielberg before checking into the team hotel - anger simmering under my skin. I replied to Lorenzo and asked for him to meet me here later today - I've got the element of surprise in my favour, and judging by his message, he has no idea I know anything. Before I see him though, my priority is my team - I can't wait to catch up with Matt and James.

The guys look shattered - they've been so busy over the last few weeks that i've barely had time to speak to them outside of work commitments. I ask Matt about his burgeoning relationship which is going well, he coyly tells us, before he confirms he's actually got plans to spend some time with Faye this afternoon. I'm glad for him, and it also means I can catch up with James, and everything that's happened between Lorenzo and I.

We spend a couple of hours chatting conspiratorially, ordering food as day turns to evening. I love James' company and i've really missed this whilst he's been away. Despite the excellent company though, I keep checking the clock, my stomach churning as I realise Lorenzo will be here soon. James has been coaching me on what to say during our afternoon together and i'm feeling ready to confront him. Just as the bill arrives, I see Lorenzo walk through the doors, looking handsome as ever. James brushes me off, putting his card down to pay and sends me off with a smile "you've got this, girl." he says, helping me find a confidence I don't quite feel.

Lorenzo spots me, and I suggest he meets me at my room in five minutes - my voice low as I make sure nobody overhears before I walk away. I'm stood by my door as I hear a soft knock and I let him in, backing away from his advance as he goes to kiss me. "We need to talk." I say in a firm tone - I don't want to give him any opportunity to try and charm me before I say what I need to.

"I've been included in the discussions about your engagement Lorenzo. So, incase you didn't realise - this thing is over." I blurt out. I had a whole speech rehearsed, but i'm too furious to remember any of it.

"Ah, Miss Annie. I wondered if you knew about that already. You know Isa - we have been friends for a long time and it is for my father that I have agreed. There is no reason that we have to stop anything." he reaches across to me, putting his hand on my waist to pull me close as I back away.

"Are you kidding? I'm not the kind of person who would be the 'other woman.' That's just not me, and I would have thought you'd know that." I hold out the necklace he gave me "I don't think it's right that I keep this either. Please take it back." I see a look of shock cross his face as he takes the jewellery box and puts it into his pocket.

"Miss Annie. Are you sure? I thought that this arrangement worked well between us. And I thought we worked well together?" He looks completely blindsided, which was sort of the plan, and I can see hurt cross his face, "I was hoping you wanted to talk because you wanted something more? I have missed you since London...I wanted to be with you, I hope you realise this? Isa is my father's decision, not mine."

I start to soften when I realise that this isn't what he chose for himself, rather he is being pushed towards it by his father. Even if I can understand that, my resolve remains, and there is absolutely no way that I would continue an affair with him as his engagement and relationship with Isa becomes public. I know i've made the right decision and I ask him to leave, knowing that everything that needs to be said has been said.

"If you are sure Annie?" He asks one last time.

"Yes, i'm sure. Lorenzo, I wish you and Isa many congratulations, but this is goodbye." I say as I open the door and wait for him to leave.

"Goodbye to you too, Miss Annie. I will see you tomorrow for work?" he asks his eyes searching.

"Don't worry - this won't affect our working together. I'll see you for filming in the morning." I confirm, closing the door and taking a deep breath. Relief floods me, rather than the sadness I thought i'd feel and I know that the right decision has been made.