Breaking the Grid

Aus GP

My hair was still damp from the shower.

The cold outside air hit it the second we stepped through the doors of the training camp, and I instinctively wrapped my jacket tighter, shoulders rising with the chill.

Alessia tugged her beanie further down. "You're gonna get sick like that."

"I'm fine," I said, but I rubbed at my scalp anyway, water dripping down the side of my neck like a reminder.

Katie was on my other side, sipping something way too iced for a day like this. "You coming to my place after or running to the airport?"

"Airport," I replied. "My family lands in an hour."

"Oooh," Alessia grinned. "Exciting. It's the first time they're visiting here, right?"

"Yeah," I nodded. "First time in London. First time seeing Arsenal play in person. Basically, first time doing everything."

Katie let out a dramatic gasp. "They haven't seen Blair's house yet, huh?"

I smiled despite myself. "Nope."

Because of course she brought that up.

She'd been relentless since Blair offered to host them for the week. And by "offered," I mean she practically insisted. Said it made more sense. Said they'd be comfortable there. Said she'd already prepared rooms. Bought groceries.

"She really printed a welcome sign?" Alessia asked, like she still didn't believe me.

"I'm not kidding," I said. "It says 'Welcome to London: Home of Your Daughter's Girlfriend Who Loves Her More Than Life'."

Katie snorted her drink. "I'm gonna marry her if you don't."

I rolled my eyes but felt the warmth building in my chest again.

She wasn't even here—Blair had left yesterday for Australia. First Grand Prix of the season. The real thing. All that testing behind her, all that prep, and she'd still texted this morning to ask if I remembered where she kept the guest towels and if my dad liked still or sparkling water.

Every time I thought she couldn't be more thoughtful, she went and did something else. She loved with her entire self. Loud, full, and always with both hands open.

We reached the cars, Katie still laughing, Alessia leaning over to grab her charger.

And I just stood there for a second, tugging my jacket sleeves down, letting the wind bite at my wet hair.

My family was flying halfway across the world today.
To sleep in her house.
Because somehow... that was their home, too.

Because she'd made it so.

We were still by the cars, Alessia searching for her charger, Katie leaned back against the door.

And then—

"Did you talk to your family yet?" Katie asked suddenly, her voice light, but her eyes too curious.

I frowned. "About what?"

She blinked at me, like it was obvious. "The proposal?"

The word hit like a brick.

Before I could even answer, Caitlin appeared from nowhere, casually linking her hand through Katie's like it was the most natural thing in the world.

I scratched at my forehead, avoiding all of their eyes. "No..."

Alessia tilted her head. "Why not?"

I shrugged, exhaled hard. "I don't know."