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Due to a cheating scandal, Julian’s former employer wasthe last team to go under. Jake won’t be so lucky. The double meaning is intended.
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“Who are you texting?” I ask Julian after finding him alone in the break room.
He takes a sip of his green smoothie and sighs. “The girl I’m seeing.”
“What’s her name?”
“It doesn’t matter.” He types another message. “I have to break up with her.”
“You’re breaking up with her via a text message? That’s appalling.”
“I’m a modern guy, and this is how we communicate nowadays.”
“Why?” It’s rare for Julian even to mention seeing someone. “She’s probably amazing.” I’m oddly defensive of her.
“Oh, she is. She’s in commercial real estate. Intelligent, pleasant conversation, better in bed. It was a fun week, but I have no choice but to end it.” He leans close and whispers, “She wanted to see where I live.”
“What’s wrong with that?”
“My house is a no-go zone.”
“That’s beyond ridiculous, Julian.” Some curiosity is natural, and I suddenly want to see where he lives.
Maddie says Julian’s approach to relationships is a cover for something, and she’s probably correct. Still, his commitment to the bit is impressive.
He eyes me. “That’s rich coming from the woman whowon’t even acknowledge she’s in the middle of a torrid love affair.”
“It’s not torrid.” It sounds lame, and even I don’t believe it.
“That’s not something you brag over,” he says, and I blush.
We sit in two of the chairs. Julian offers me some of his smoothie, but I refuse. My promised date with Jake is later in the evening, and I want to keep my stomach empty.
“Can I ask you a question?” It’s a great way to change the subject, and it’s also the reason I hunted Julian down. “Have you considered becoming an owner?”
He snorts. “Oh, hell no. It will never happen. Boone can enjoy the hard work; I’m content to enjoy the sport.”
Now, I’m curious. “Driving is enough for you, then.”
Julian leans back, considering. “There’s more than the Cup Series. I wouldn’t mind doing more in the other two. I also offered to spot for Matteo if he makes it far enough.”
Matteo worked for Boone last year as a mechanic until my brother discovered his driving talent. Matteo does ARCA and the CARS series, with the potential for more.
“You should tell Boone that.”
“Maybe.”
I’ll do it for him. Boone owes me for bringing Maddie into his life. “Have you heard any rumors lately?”
“That’s a strange question. I heard one of your brother’s rivals is seeing his little sister. Can you believe that?”
I shoot a mean glare at him. Julian ignores it. “I’m serious.”
“Okay, since you’re inquiring about your beau’s team,” he starts, and I cringe at using the word ‘beau.’ “That was on purpose, by the way. I heard his new rookie teammate only has a one-year contract. He’s already tried to extend it and was given a very emphatic no.”
That could explain Joey’s attitude toward Jake back in Phoenix and hint at other problems withinBP Racing.
