I can't .

~19~

POV Carlos:

When I climb out of the car after practice, my heart sinks—Isa is standing right in front of the door to my locker room like she owns the place.

I glance around quickly, checking if anyone has seen her. No one seems to be paying attention. I walk straight up to her and, without a word, push the door open and usher her inside.

"Isa, what the hell are you doing here?"

"I'm here with Kelly," she says innocently, "and I thought I'd stop by to see how you're doing."

"I'm fine," I answer flatly. "Anything else?"

"I heard you've got a new girlfriend."

"That's none of your business."

"Oh come on, Carlos. We were together for years. You can tell me."

"Yeah—until you decided to sleep with someone else. I don't owe you a damn thing."

Her smirk falters, but she recovers quickly. "Alright, no need to get all worked up."

I glare at her, jaw tight, trying to keep it together. I want her out of here. Now.

"I need to change. You can leave."

She leans against the wall, arms folded. "Like I haven't seen it all before. Has your new girlfriend gotten the full show yet?"

I clench my fists, but I don't respond. I pull off my race suit and grab a fresh shirt, ignoring her as best I can. She might have seen everything once, but she has no place in my life now.

"For the last time, Isa—what I do now isn't your business."

I grab my phone from the couch just as it buzzes—Y/n.
Omw to see you.

Shit.

The last thing I need is for her to see Isa here and misunderstand everything. I quickly type out a reply:
Wait for me, I'll come to you.

I look back at Isa. "I need to go."

"To see your girlfriend, right?" she mocks.

I exhale sharply and move toward her. "We're done here. Out."

I open the door and gently push her outside. She turns with a smug smile as she walks away. "I'll wave to you when you get on the podium, Carlitos."

I close the door behind her and turn around—only to see Charles waving me over from a few feet away.

"Was that Isa?"

"When?"

"I just saw her walk out of your dressing room."

I let out a long sigh and rub my temples. "Please tell me you were the only one who saw her."

Charles gives me a look I don't like. "I'm afraid not."

My stomach drops. "Don't tell me... y/n?"

"She was already here, man. Saw the whole thing."

"Fuck," I mutter. "I told her I'd come to her..."

"She left with Toto and Lewis."

Of course. Just my luck.

I groan and shake my head, frustration burning behind my eyes. I'm not in the mood for another round with Toto right now, but I have to find her.

I head straight for the fan zone—if Lewis is anywhere, it's likely where the cameras are. He never could resist an audience, especially when he's got something to say. And if y/n's with him, that's where I'll find her.