Page 77 of Not So Fast
“Is he calling her his girlfriend now? It’s just a crush, isn’t it?”
“It’s more than that. I think he’s in love. But you need to talk to him about it. I shouldn’t have said anything. But I really needed you to understand how important this is. He needs to live his life.”
“I see.”
“I get it, Dad. I understand you want to protect Oscar. Protect the family. I want to do that, too. But that’s what I was trying to do when I got myself so worked up about my poor showing this season. I kept thinking about what would happen if I failed. But doing that did not help me. It only made things worse. The truth is that bad things will happen. Good things will happen, too.”
“Like Silverstone.”
Xander laughed quietly. “Like Silverstone. But even more important than that, like meeting Mia.”
“You like her a lot, don’t you?”
“I love her, Dad. I told her as much, right after the podium at Silverstone. And she loves me, too.”
His dad smiled and reached across the table for Xander’s hand. “That’s wonderful. What’s in the future for you two?”
Xander shrugged, his heart heavy despite the hope he was clinging to. “I’m not sure. After that whole thing inThe Daily Reflection, things are a bit barmy.”
“Not your finest showing, son. Sorry to say.”
“I know. I’m glad Granny wasn’t alive to see that.”
“Me, too.”
“Anyway, Mia has a lot to decide. About what she wants. Unfortunately, being involved with me does come at a price. The tabloid pictures are evidence of that. I’m just trying to sit back and give her time and space to think.”
“Sounds difficult.”
“It’s not fun. I’ll tell you that much.” Xander took a sip of his tea. “How did you know you were in love with Mum?”
“Are you questioning whether you’re in love with Mia?”
“I’m not. I just, I don’t know. I can’t explain how I came to the conclusion other than it popped into my head and wouldn’t budge.”
“Then you’re definitely in love.” His dad’s smile was even wider now.
“Just like that you deliver your diagnosis?”
“Just like that.”
“I love your self-assurance.” Xander smiled and took another sip. “Why is your tea so much better than everyone else’s?”
“It comes with age, I’m sorry to say. The self-assurance and the tea.”
“So? Oscar’s house?”
His dad nodded, seeming resigned. “It’s time to say yes. It’s time to move forward. I know I’ve dragged my feet, but you hit the nail right on the head. Your mum and I were trying to protect him and we have to let him live his life. I’m very fortunate to have a son who is so generous that he will pay for such an incredible thing for his brother.”
“It’s the least I can do.” Xander leaned over to give his dad a hug. “Thank you, Dad. I think it’ll be good for everyone.”
“Before long we’ll have a whole family compound.”
“Nothing wrong with that.”
“I completely agree. Also, I think you should prepare yourself to build something for Freya when the time comes. I’m afraid she’ll insist on it.”
They both laughed. “Of course she will.”
