A race to your heart (Zarry AU)

2.- Encounters 🏁

Harry's POV

"A year passed and the distance between us grew to the point where we don't talk anymore. Not even in the paddock. We nod at each other when we cross paths, but there is nothing left from the friendship we had before," I wrote in my journal, my heart heavy with each word.

I'm miserable, and no one ever knows.

I think often about how we went from best mates to strangers. During this time, I've become very popular on and off the racetrack, but I miss my best friend. Zayn, now known as "The Bradford Bad Boy," has a lot of conquests under his belt, according to the media. Deep down, I don't like it at all.

My PR manager, Nick Griffin, has been a good companion since my fallout with Zayn. He advised me to go out more and work on expanding my network—essential for success in this sport. On one of those nights out, I met my current love interest, Emily Thorpe. Niall Horan, a fellow race driver and friend, set up a blind date with her, and it worked.

Emily is a socialite who leveraged her connections and status to always be at the best parties and social events. She is also a philanthropist with a foundation to help kids who lack resources to go to school.

We began a serious relationship a couple of months ago. I feel comfortable with her; she's funny and quick-witted. I like her.

And Zayn? Well, he started a relationship with an American heiress almost immediately after we stopped talking altogether. I've seen her now and then at the paddock, walking hand in hand with him or in his garage supporting him. When we're not racing during the season, Zayn flies out to the States to visit her, or vice versa. Or so I've heard. He seems pretty happy.

This weekend, we raced in the streets of Monaco. While I was celebrating my P1 win and the first Grand Prix of the season, I felt an intense gaze on me. When I looked up, it was him. We locked eyes for a couple of seconds, and then he drifted his stare away. God, how much I miss his eyes; I rarely see them anymore.

That brief exchange made me feel uneasy. Suddenly, my presence felt like an imposition on Zayn.

"Baby! Congrats on the podium, you were amazing," Emily said, rushing to me as soon as I stepped down from it. She kissed me affectionately.

"Hey, Ems, thanks, love" I replied, kissing her back while watching Zayn leave the scene, my heart clenching. I tried to forget what happened and focused on Emily.

"Oh... got your message about your family get-together later," I said, grabbing her chin.

"Yes, I thought it would be a great idea for you to meet them. They're hosting a small party on the family yacht this weekend. What do you think?" she asked, smiling sweetly.

"I don't know," I admitted, genuinely nervous.

"Trust me, they'll love you. My father already does. Plus, it's more about us having a good time. You and me. Aren't you excited?" she reassured, and I just nodded.

"Of course, love," I said, trying to sound enthusiastic.

I couldn't get Zayn out of my head. The look on his face was different. It was like he wanted to approach and say something, or perhaps I just hallucinated. I want nothing more than to talk to him and be close to him as before.

"You always want what you can't have, mate," James, my race engineer and close friend, told me once. One night after several shots of Patron, I confessed my feelings for Zayn and how gutted I was after the fallout. James listened and understood completely, even though we haven't talked about it again. I remember those words clearly.

"Am I acting with such teenage petulance? Do I just want him because I can't have him?" I thought, recalling my friend's words.

No, I love him. I still do.

I was aloof and lost in my thoughts during the ride back to the hotel with Emily. She noticed something was off.

When we arrived at my room, I focused on her, and we had sex. I just wanted to stop thinking about Zayn, but of course, I failed miserably and felt terrible afterward.

"Baby, is something wrong?" Emily asked, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"No. All good, love. Why are you asking?" I said, approaching her after my shower and kissing her to ease her worries.

"Just... because. You seemed tense," she replied, her concern evident.

"Just a tad drained. After all the adrenaline. Y'know?" I partially lied. I was knackered physically from the race, but I was mentally exhausted lately from obsessively thinking about Zayn.

"Okay. We should be going to the party in an hour," she said, standing up. I nodded.

Against my energy, we got ready and left the hotel in a limousine her family sent. Yes, that's the life I'm living now.

We arrived at the docks as the sun set on the horizon, giving us the most beautiful view. "Zayn loves sunsets," I thought immediately, scolding myself.

A lot of people were already on the yacht, and I realized it was a big party, not the small gathering Emily mentioned. The party glided through the sun-kissed waters, alive with laughter and rhythmic music.

Suddenly, a familiar voice cut through the lively atmosphere. "Mate! Ems! So glad to see you two together!" Niall Horan called out, approaching us with a drink in hand.

"Niall! I didn't expect to see you here," I exclaimed, surprised and delighted. At least someone I knew.

"Of course! Remember we're related?" he said, signaling Emily and himself. I nodded, that detail having slipped my mind. She was his cousin. "So, this lovely woman brought you to this boring family party?" Niall asked, taking a sip from his drink.

"It's not boring. I want Harry to meet my father and y'know, network," Emily said with a grin. She knows what a good connection might do for my career, besides her father's support. That's something I love about her; she's almost always thinking business without neglecting me.

"I'll be right back, baby. Niall, be nice to him," she said, kissing me gently and glaring at Niall.

As the yacht cruised along, we found a quieter spot to catch up. The distant Monaco lights twinkled on the water, casting a gentle glow over our reunion.

"Congrats on your win today, mate," Niall said.

"Thanks, mate. I'm sorry about what happened to you. It was an awful crash. Glad you're okay," I said genuinely. Niall crashed into the wall at one of the circuit's most difficult corners, destroying his chance at a podium.

Niall shrugged confidently. "I know, street races aren't my strong suit. I'll be back on track in Barcelona."

"Tell me how it feels to beat Malik, huh? Two races in a row?" he asked, smiling. He knows perfectly well that Zayn and I were best friends.

I felt a flip in my stomach hearing Zayn's name. "Erm, I'm just glad to be scoring points for the team," I said, taking a sip of my drink to drown the sentiment.

"Sure. And are you a fan of these types of parties? I never thought I'd see you here," Niall said.

"This seemed important to Ems, and I just needed a change of scenery, y'know? Life's been a series of turns lately," I replied, looking at the shimmering waves and thinking about everything that happened in my life.

Niall chuckled. "Sounds like the racetrack, doesn't it? Speaking of the job, how are those offers going?"

"Erm, nothing yet. I'm waiting for Ferrari to make an interesting one, y'know?" I said jokingly.

"Mate, haven't you heard?" he whispered, grabbing my shoulder. "They want to sign Malik. Ferrari. And I think Mercedes is in the mix of his options too. Lucky bastard," Niall said, smiling.

"Oh... Is that so? No, I haven't heard anything," I said, taking another sip of my wine. What? I couldn't believe my ears. Zayn... always Zayn.

After that, our conversation drifted through the twists and turns of our racing past and uncertain future, seamlessly blending with the gentle sway of the yacht. My mind was far, far away from here.