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14. Fourteen

Fourteen

Harper

T he drive back to Echidna headquarters consisted of me falling asleep, Thomas on the phone with Chris, and a call from my parents that I swiftly ignored. I wasn’t ready to tell them I was dating the one person I had been bitching about for weeks. There would be a time and place for that, and it wouldn’t be in the car with said person.

After Thomas dropped me back at my apartment, I contemplated doing some work before returning to the office the next day. Instead, I decided that a long ‘everything’ shower and going to bed early were way more productive.

As I tucked myself in, I reflected on the last few days with Thomas. He had shown me compassion, selflessness, and affection—all emotions I wasn’t sure he was capable of. Underneath his sarcastic and sassy exterior was a soft and kind man who would seemingly do anything for me.

The thought scared me. It had been a long time since I was in love, and I hoped I hadn’t given my heart away too soon.

** *

The following week was full of dull work meetings, run-of-the-mill stories, and what felt like a whole lot of nothing. Even though working at the Daily was my dream, lately it had felt a little too routine. Perhaps that was due to me spending more time around engine oil and race cars than politicians and journalists in recent weeks. Maybe I should be looking for a job in motorsport journalism . Maybe that was what I was meant to be doing.

I wasn’t tied to the Daily . It was my first official job, it was comfortable, and it paid well. Maybe that was the problem.

As Meredith and I sat like statues in the break room, my phone rang. I gladly pulled it out of my pocket to see ' Thomas Henry—Jackson (Prick)' calling. I answered with a chuckle. “What’s so funny?” he remarked through the phone.

I rolled my eyes even though he couldn’t see me. “Just makes me laugh that I still have you saved as ‘prick’ in my phone. Don’t worry, I don’t think you are one… now.”

“Imagine my relief,” he deadpanned.

“What is the point of this phone call, Thomas?” I waited for his response as I poked my tongue out at Meredith, who was giggling at the harmless banter between my new boyfriend and me.

“Echidna Racing is having a birthday party for Chris in the city next Saturday night and he wanted me to invite you…well, I want you to come with me.”

I dropped the smile from my face and mouthed to Meredith that I would be back and took the phone call in my cubicle.

“Yeah, of course! I love Chris. That would be so much fun. Where is it? What’s the dress code?” I started firing questions at him and he took a moment to respond .

“It’s at the Sanctuary Rooftop Bar and I guess it’s cocktail. Any more questions?” his voice took a flirtier tone, which made me smile.

“I guess you want to stay at my apartment since you live in the middle of nowhere?”

“Well, I’m not getting an Uber, that’s for sure. Yes please, if possible,” he answered with a chuckle.

“I think that can be arranged. Looking forward to it. Text me more details, I’ve got to go finish lunch.”

I was excited to be getting dressed up and going to my first party involving the Echidna crew. We had seen each other hot, sweaty, amongst crowds of people, in the midst of drivers’ temper tantrums, but we had never simply celebrated and had some fun.

I was going to spend way too much on a dress that I would more than likely not wear again, but whatever. It was a treat to myself.

I also couldn’t wait to see Thomas dressed up. That would be a sight to see.