Racing Heart, page 10
Nothing changes when I’m home. My mom has always been a kind and welcoming person, my aim is to bring Jordan back here to meet her.
Pulling on some jeans and a tee, I push my fingers through my wet hair and leave it. I slide my phone into my pocket and grab the keys to the rental, then walk from my room and go into Braydon’s.
“Hey, I’m popping out, I shouldn’t be long.
“Do you need me to come?”
“No, bro, I can handle it.”
“Okay, what do I say to mom if she asks?”
“I’ve gone to see a friend.”
With my hand on the doorknob, I close the door, head for the stairs, and out the front door.
Tapping my foot to ease my frustration as I stand at the oak door, I get impatient waiting for it to open. Lifting my balled hand, I get myself ready to bang on the door again, but it opens before I get a chance.
“Finn, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be in the UK?”
“Yeah, I should, but I needed to see you, can I come in?”
“Of course.” Her face lights up, and holding out her arm invites me in, “Please do.”
Stepping over the threshold of the large house, the same large house that I helped to secure, I walk into the open hallway looking around. The place hasn’t changed at all. It’s not quite a mansion, but it’s big, there’s been no cost spared on this place.
“We need to talk, Belle.”
“Okay…” she nods, but a small frown creases the skin between her eyes, “Would you like a drink?”
“No, thanks. I’ll keep this short…” Taking a breath in, I get straight to the point. “I want a divorce...”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Jordan
Dropping my phone to the mattress, I lie back dreamily thinking about Finn. I’m such a girl. When did I become one of those girls?
Nope, not doing it… Springing up, I brush down my short pyjamas and get up, standing in front of my mirror. I still don’t get why he had to leave so suddenly, but I’m not the suspicious type either. If he needs me to know, I’m sure he’ll say something. Until then, I’m going to wait impatiently, hoping he’s back sooner rather than later.
Bunching my wet hair from my shower into my hands, I grab a bobble and twist it around. Fuck this. I’m not tired, I’m definitely not going to bed, and I’m not at work for once tomorrow. I slip my feet into my Converse and grabbing my car keys from the table, I go to my car, starting it up. Without even thinking about where I’m going, I automatically head for Maria’s house. Hopefully, Charley will be in bed already; I know what a handful she is when she’s been with her grandparents.
Parking on Maria’s drive, I step from the car and lock it with the fob in my hand as I tap gently on the door.
With a shocked look from my feet up to my head, my best friend frowns.
“Slumber party?”
“I was ready for bed, but I’m not tired, so I thought I’d come see you and my favourite girl…”
“At ten thirty-five, are you crazy?”
“Maybe a little, now step aside and let me in.”
She does what I ask with a shake of her head and smirks. The girl loves me, what can I say.
“Oh my god, Jord… please keep your voice down though, she’s only just dropped off. She’s drove me mental for over two hours.”
Flopping down into the leather of the couch, I sit back.
“Maybe going with them isn’t such a good idea, babe. Maybe it’s confusing her?”
“Oh, I don’t know, I’m trying my hardest Jord. I’m trying to see it from their point of view and also see it from Charley’s. You know I have to do what’s best for everyone.”
Linking our arms, I draw her closer to me so I can lay my head on her shoulder.
“How about what’s best for you, doesn’t that count?”
With a shrug, she looks down at me with a sad smile.
“I have a bottle of wine in the fridge, are you staying?”
I notice she doesn’t answer my question, but I don’t take it any further. She feels guilty enough, which is why she lets them get away with treating her the way they do; I’m not sure how long I can sit back and watch it anymore, though.
“Yep, fuck it. Get the wine.”
“That’s what I like to hear.”
Maria grabs the chilled wine, two glasses, and sits next to me; she pours our wine then sits back, slumping into the same position as me.
“How did I get myself into all this, why didn’t I tell them no?”
“Because you’re a good person,” I tell her. “They should think themselves lucky that their granddaughter has a mother like you. If it was me, I’d tell them to fuck themselves. It wasn’t your fault Stuart died. That he turned to drugs and that the selfish bastard took an overdose. It was all on him. It was on his family because they never supported him. I swear to god babe, the minute you give me the nod, I’m gonna come down on those fuckers like a tonne of bricks.”
“You’re such a bitch, but fuck, I love you. You’ve been looking out for me so long, and I don’t give anything back but drama, I’m sorry. I promise if you ever need me, I’ll be here for you like you are for me.”
Circling her with my arm around her shoulders, I tug her against me.
“Love you too bitchface, now put a film on, I could do with a laugh.”
Once we’ve scrolled through Netflix for a while, we come across White Chicks. With a smirk at each other, we silently agree on that film; then we click play. Maria heads out to the kitchen for another bottle of wine.
“Jord.”
“Yeah…”
“I’m never going to find anyone, am I? I’m going to be punished for the rest of my life, all because I thought I was doing the right thing.”
The film begins, but before the first scene comes on, I pause it.
“Yes, you will.” Sitting next to her on the couch, I pull her into my arms, “You did do the right thing, and you will find someone, I promise. You’re such an amazing person, and you and that little girl up there deserve to be happy. Not surrounded by selfish fuckers who are making you live in the past. Fuck um, they don’t deserve you or my baby girl.”
Maria gives me a small smile and a hug back. Picking up my wine glass, I tuck my feet beneath my bum and get comfy against the arm.
“Now shush, I’m watching this.”
I haven’t said a word about Finn, and funnily enough, the nosy cow hasn’t asked, but I know she’s got a lot on her mind. She must have, to not want gossip, that girl usually sniffs it out. I’m going to show those bastards, and I’m going to make it my mission to find her someone - even if it kills me.
On the cusp of waking up, I feel the fleece blanket that’s been placed over me being dragged away from my face.
“Aunty Jordan.”
Upon hearing the small whisper of my little blonde headed princess, I open one eye just a fraction to see her face right in front of mine and her cute toothy grin greeting me.
“Charley, no. Leave Aunty Jordan; she’s asleep.”
Shaking my shoulder with her small hand, she whispers again…
“Aunty Jordan, wake up.”
The next thing I hear is the clanging of cups and the kettle boiling. I know I’m not going to get away with sleeping anymore, so that’s my cue to get my idle arse up. As I drag myself to sit up, I cradle the side of my head with my hand as it pounds. Maybe I had one glass too many last night, followed by a late night of laughing and comedies, I’m so screwed. I’ll be half-dead by nine pm tonight.
“Yay, mummy, Aunty Jordan is awake!” Charley shouts, an octave too loud for my liking.
Grabbing her around the waist, I lift her onto my lap and tickle her.
“I am now, you little devil. Come on, let’s go see what mummy’s doing.”
Keeping her in my arms as I stand, I head into the kitchen.
“Morning.”
“Morning. How’s your head?”
“Not good when you’ve got a five old shouting down your ear.”
“Sorry bout that.” Maria smiles… she’s not really.
Maria slides a mug of coffee across the kitchen side to me; this girl knows what I need.
“So, what’s happening with that bit of hot stuff, bike racer you were seeing?”
I was waiting for this; I knew she wouldn’t let it go for long.
“It’s still going. He’s had to go home for a few days though; he’s got business to handle. You should come to a meeting and bring the little madam, she’d love it. It’s an all-weekend thing, but we could make it a day trip on the Sunday, or we could even do the Saturday, maybe…?”
“Yeah, maybe I will. It’d be nice to do something different.”
Taking a gulp of my strong black coffee, I look up at the clock on the wall and see that it’s only eight thirty-five. I can’t even ring him because it’s the middle of the night where he is. I’m afraid to admit, but I’m missing him already. I don’t think I’ve ever fell for someone this quickly.
“Earth to Jordan…”
“What?”
“You want breakfast?”
“Just toast will do, please babe, then can I jump in your shower?”
“Course.”
“Aunty Jordan, can you help me wiv vis?”
Smiling, I nod. Charley drops the lid of the box on the table and tips over the other half, spilling jigsaw pieces everywhere. I don’t think my head will be up for this, but for her, I’ll give it a go. Picking up my phone, the screen is still blank, so I send him a quick message.
Morning babe. Hope you’re okay, just wanted to say good morning. See you soon. Xx
I delete the kisses from the end of the message three times before I settle on keeping them and click send, thinking to hell with it. I am kind of scared for him to know how I feel about him - I don’t want to scare him away, thinking it’s only been a short time we’ve had together, but keeping secrets too won’t help the matter. I’m brave enough to take it on the chin to know what he really thinks about us.
Pushing my phone away far enough that I can’t see the screen, I help the little monster with her jigsaw.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Finn
Looking at Belle now, I begin to compare her to Jordan. She’s on the opposite scale to her. She’s pretty, but Jordan is just so naturally beautiful. She doesn’t need makeup; her beauty and flaws are on show for everyone to see. I think that’s what I like the most.
The shocked look that’s resided on her face up until now has begun to turn to one of anger. Her face twists up into a scowl, and I know she was definitely not expecting this.
“Did you hear what I said, Belle? I want a divorce… Look, it was only ever an arrangement, and we were supposed to get divorced once you got your inheritance.”
“What the fuck do I tell my family, Finlay?”
“I don’t give a flying fuck Annabelle. When the fuck did we ever say this would be anything real?”
She turns away from the door and heads inside. Before I can follow her, she stalks back towards me like a bitch on heat, placing her hand in the middle of my chest.
“I thought there might be a day where we could get closer and see if this could work out. You know how I feel about you, Finn.” She admits in a fragile voice.
If Annabelle Carmichael is anything, it’s far from fragile; she just knows how to play the game.
“Yeah, and you know how I feel. It was an arrangement, and I made that perfectly clear from the start.”
Her hand drops between us as I step away from her.
“Look, I’m just here out of courtesy. I didn’t want to tell you over the phone, so I made the trip out here to let you know, but you’ll be hearing from my lawyer.”
“So that’s it? I get no say in the matter?”
“I did everything you asked me to. I helped you out; the least you can do is divorce me.”
“Is there a reason for this sudden want for a divorce because you’ve been fine with it until now.” She pouts childishly.
“That’s got nothing to do with you. Our arrangement was made for you to get what you want, and that doesn’t work for me anymore. You’ve got your thousands; you don’t need me or my name anymore. Any other correspondence goes through my lawyer.”
“I’m not sure I want a divorce; I mean, what grounds would we base it on?”
I’ve made the eleven-hour trip to come here out of common fucking courtesy, and she can’t even agree to one.
“Irreconcilable differences. I’m not having this conversation. On legal grounds, we never consummated the marriage, so I believe I’ll get what I want.”
Annabelle’s face drops when she knows I’m right.
“Don’t fight me on this Belle, because you’ll lose.”
Turning away from the vindictive bitch, I walk out the door for the last time.
“We’ll see.” She screeches, causing me to pause for a second before shutting the front door behind me. I don’t let her know that she’s gotten in my head. I won’t leave California until I’ve made my plan a reality.
I step through the door of the large office that holds one of the best lawyers in California. I’m pleased to say I’ve known this guy most of my life. He deals with everything for me. I jog up the steps and carry on through into the reception.
“Is Eli around?” I ask the blonde that’s sitting at the desk, filing her nails. She hasn’t even looked up to see who’s walked in.
“He’s at lunch.”
“But is he in his office?” I ask again.
I know Eli is in his office because I made the call before I even got here. I didn’t want a wasted journey, and this needed to be handled today. If he wasn’t here when I got here, I would’ve sat and waited for him.
“He might be…”
What the fuck?
Well, aren’t you delightful… I think to myself.
“Shall I take a look for myself then?”
I don’t wait for her answer, shaking my head in disbelief, I carry on through to his office. With a single rap to the door, I push down on the handle and enter the spacious room. Nobody’s office should be this big.
“I think it’s time you got a new assistant.” I imply greeting one of my oldest friends.
“Well, if it isn’t the mighty Finlay Cooper. How are ya doing, bud?”
“I’m good. Are you tapping that ass?” I motion with my thumb over my shoulder to the bimbo on front desk.
“Why else would I keep her around?” Smirking, he stands from his large leather chair and comes around the huge glass desk, greeting me with a handshake.
“What you doing here anyway, shouldn’t you be a few thousand miles away?”
“I need your help.” I sigh. Eli sits back down, the amused look that was once on his face, soon turns serious.
“Can you remember the little arrangement I had with Annabelle?”
“Ugh fuck me, that money-grabbing whore? Yeah, unfortunately.”
“I’m divorcing her, and I need your help.”
“Fantastic, let’s do this.” He rubs his hands together and pushes himself closer to his desk. “What you need, bud?”
“I need you to do your shit. I need you to tell her that I’m filing for divorce because of irreconcilable differences.”
“Have you seen her?”
“Yeah, today. She wasn’t happy about it; she tried to say she had feelings for me and wanted us to try and make it work… Fuck that, why would I, bitch must be fucking crazy.”
“So, just out of curiosity, why do you suddenly want a divorce? I mean don’t get me wrong, I’ve been waiting three years for this, but why now? I told you in the first place not to marry her.”
“I was helping her out, I didn’t think she’d go crazy on me.” I lean back in the leather chair, crossing my legs.
“Fuck off, she’s always been crazy.”
“She was a friend, and I was helping her out… I didn’t think… Okay, I didn’t think about anything at all.” I sigh, settling on coming clean. I decide to tell Eli why the sudden change of heart.
“I’ve met someone...” I say unexpectedly. Eli looks shocked.
“Like met someone? She’s not a crazy ass, is she?”
“No. Not this time.”
“Well, come on then, what is she like?” I swear he’s like a woman when it comes to relationships.
“She’s fucking gorgeous, sassy, and she’s the manager of a bar; she takes no shit.”
“When do I get to meet her?”
“Probably when the season is over.”
That’s my plan, anyway. I want to bring her home; I want her to meet mom and spend some time here. I know she’ll love it.
“Alright, it's all good, just leave it with me, and I’ll get papers served on her.”
“You’re a good man. Thanks.”
Stepping forward and shaking his hand, I pull him into me for a man hug, patting his back.
“Send the invoice to my email when it’s all done, dude.”
“So, you up for a beer before you go back?”
“Yeah, why not. I can fill you in on everything then.”
“Okay, about seven?”
“Sounds good.”
With those arrangements made, I head out of Eli’s office and out to my truck. With my business concluded, its time to head back to the UK and back to Jordan.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Jordan
So much for not falling. I’ve been counting down the hours and minutes until I’ve had to leave for the airport. Fucking hell, how did he creep under my skin the way he did?
Today’s the day Finn arrives back, and I can’t wait to see him. I mean, I haven’t been moping around, of course. I’ve had work to keep me busy, but still, it’s like everything’s changed in the blink of an eye.
