Racing Rivals, Racing Hearts ☆ [Diego Brando x Reader]

We'll Learn (33)

You and Diego both collected your horses and mounted them as you walked out of the racing venue.

Once you were a good distance away from any possible spectators, Diego started the conversation.

"Y/N, please understand that it wasn't my intention to cause all of this drama," he began earnestly. His eye contact was soft and genuine as he spoke.

You held back a sigh, still feeling the weight of frustration from everything that had transpired. "Diego, whether intentional or not, the drama is here, and we have to deal with it."

He nodded, acknowledging your point. "I get that you might not want anything to do with me right now, and that's fine. But I can't get the fact that you think I'm manipulating you out of my head."

You could feel your heart begin to race as he spoke. It was clear that Diego was being unusually vulnerable, and it took you by surprise.

Taking a deep breath, you decided to address his concerns. "Diego, your reputation precedes you. You have a way with words, and sometimes it's hard to tell if you're being genuine or if you have an ulterior motive."

He nodded slowly, digesting your words. "I can see why you'd think that. But Y/N, when it comes to you, I'm being completely genuine."

You looked at him, a mixture of doubt and frustration in your eyes. "Diego, we can't keep going like this. This... whatever it is, it's affecting our racing, and it's causing problems with my father."

Diego's brow furrowed, "What are you suggesting, Y/N?"

You hesitated for a moment, choosing your words carefully. "Maybe it's best if we go back to just being rivals. No more rumors, no more nonsense."

Diego's expression shifted from confusion to resistance. "Y/N, I don't think that's a good idea. We could—"

You interrupted him, your tone firm. "Diego, hear me out. Remember when you and my father were good friends? You used to come over to the house, not as a potential partner, but as a friend. Maybe we could at least go back to that."

Diego's eyes widened at the suggestion, and you could see the wheels turning in his head as he considered it.

"I'm not saying we can't be friends," you continued, "but this... whatever it is we've been doing, it's not working. It's causing too much drama, and it's distracting us from our sport."

Diego sighed, realizing the truth in your words. "You have a point, Y/N. I don't want our rivalry to be tainted by all of this either."

You nodded in agreement. "So, can we agree to go back to being friends who happen to be rivals on the track?"

"But it's hard to forget about everything we've done together." Diego replied softly, a hint of sadness in his voice.

"We'll learn."

Diego finally relented, a small smile playing at his lips. "Alright, Y/N. Friends and rivals it is. But that doesn't mean we won't give each other a run for our money on the track."

You chuckled, relieved that you had reached an understanding. "That's what I like to hear, Diego."

With a newfound sense of resolution, the two of you waved goodbye as you turned your horses away from each other to the direction of your own homes.

———

You rode back to your home with Lady Luck. The tension that had weighed on your shoulders seemed to have lifted, replaced with a sense of relief. You couldn't help but smile as you thought about the resolution you and Diego had reached. It was a step in the right direction, one that would hopefully allow you both to focus on your racing again.

When you arrived home, your father was waiting for you on the porch. He had been waiting for your arrival from the race and his face lit up as he saw you approaching.

"Y/N, how was today?" he questioned,

You dismounted Lady Luck and hugged your father tightly. "It was great, Father. I managed to beat Diego today."

He held you at arm's length, his eyes searching yours. "What wonderful news! And what about Diego? Is everything okay between you two?"

You nodded, a genuine smile on your face. "Yes, Father, we talked it out. We're going back to being friends and rivals, just like before."

Relief washed over your father's face, and he let out a hearty laugh. "Oh, what a relief, Y/N! You have no idea how awkward it was for me to hear about the intimacy between you two, especially when Diego said he wanted a relationship with you."

You chuckled, sharing in your father's relief. "I can only imagine, Father."

He patted your shoulder, a warm smile on his face. "Well, I'm glad that's behind us. This rivalry with Diego has been going on for about a year and half now, and at times, I felt like he was my own child whenever he came over. It'll be nice to have our friendship back."

You nodded in agreement, grateful for your father's understanding and support. "I'm looking forward to it too, Father. And maybe now we can focus solely on racing without all the distractions."

Your father grinned, a twinkle of pride in his eyes. "That's my girl. I knew you'd figure it out. Now, let's celebrate your victory and this newfound resolution with a good meal."

As you and your father walked into the house, you couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. The racing world could be filled with drama and rivalry, but with your father by your side and a renewed understanding with Diego, you felt more relieved about everything.

You and your father sat at the dinner table eating your meals.

Your father spoke up, "I should be honest with you, Y/N."

You looked up at your father a bit worriedly, "Should I be worried?"

"No, no. It's nothing bad. I just think it's about time I admitted my history with Diego Brando. More particularly, when I met him before he became a jockey."

☆☆☆
love double posting chapters