HARMONY

I am going to fucking murder him. My phone was clutched in my hand as I paced back and forth. I’d been texting Holden for an hour, and he still hasn’t responded. My patience, already thin, was hanging by a thread. I’d been tasked with handling him for a day since his assistant called in sick. Jason’s team manager trusted me to keep things running smoothly, but it was already spiraling out of control. 

My frustration grew with every passing minute. I glanced at the time on my phone, then at the empty chair where Holden should be sitting. I was already failing at something so simple. 

Of course he’d be late today of all days. It was just like him to disappear when he’s needed most, probably off fucking a bunch of girls without a care in the world. It was one of the many reasons I told him to leave me alone when he came to my hotel room. He’s screwing up and I’m going to take the heat for it. I hated feeling like I wasn’t in control, but every time I’m around Holden, I never am. After what felt like an eternity, my phone buzzed. 

Relax, darling. You’ll see me soon enough :)

You’ve got to be kidding me. 

My fingers flew over the keys as I typed out a sharp response, telling him to hurry up before I strangled him with his helmet straps. He replied swiftly. 

I knew you had a choking kink ;)

It took every ounce of restraint not to scream out loud. By the time he sauntered in, a good forty minutes late, my jaw was clenched so tightly that I thought I’d cracked a tooth. He strolled into the room as if nothing was amiss, his team shirt on with his faded jeans, hair slightly tousled, and a lazy grin. 

"Morning." He said, flashing a charming smile as if that would magically make up for his tardiness. 

“You’re late.”

He shrugged, unfazed. 

“Sorry, traffic was a bitch.” 

I folded my arms, anger boiling beneath my skin.

“Traffic? You’ve been dodging my texts for over an hour. I’ve been covering for you while everyone waits. You couldn’t even bother to answer?”

His smirk softened slightly, but he still didn’t look the least bit guilty. 

“Relax, I’m here now. Let’s get this over with.”

I rolled my eyes and motioned to the room where everyone was waiting for him. As soon as the door shut behind him, I walked out the paddock needing some fresh air and caffeine. 

I walked back to the garage, my coffee clutched in my hand, trying to shake off the nerves from the Holden disaster. As I passed Weston’s garage, I heard my name. I stopped in my tracks, my heart racing as he rushed after me. His face held a familiar look - nervous and apologetic. The same look he had when we broke up. I plastered on a false smile. 

“Hey.” I said, forcing myself to sound lighthearted. 

Weston hesitated, then let out a soft sigh, his gaze lowering for a moment before he looked back at me. 

"I was hoping we could work on being friends again. I’ve missed having you around."

My throat tightened, a painful reminder of how things used to be between us. However, I smiled through it, my mask never slipping. 

“I would love that.” 

He smiled back, visibly relieved. 

"I’m glad to hear that. And, uh... while I’m not thrilled about your new relationship," he continued, looking a bit uncomfortable, "I just want you to be happy."

My brows furrowed. 

“What do you mean?” 

"With Holden," Weston said, his tone neutral, but there was an edge beneath it. "You told me you’ve been getting to know each other.”

My eyes widened as realization hit - I’d let him believe I was with Holden. It was all spiraling out of control. But now, standing in front of my ex, I felt cornered. 

"Right," I said slowly, my voice tight. "I’m... really happy with him."

Weston’s smile was small, but genuine. 

"That’s all I wanted to hear. Look, I was thinking, you know, to extend an olive branch... maybe we could do a double date tonight. Ava and I, and you and Holden?"

My heart dropped. I opened my mouth to say no, to get out of it, but before I could respond, I felt a presence at my side. Holden appeared out of nowhere, his arm slipping around my waist as he flashed Weston a grin. 

"We’d love to," Holden said smoothly, his tone confident as if this was the most natural thing in the world.

I felt Weston’s eyes flick between us, as if trying to gauge if something wasn’t adding up. I forced a smile, feeling like I was suffocating under the weight of the lie. Weston nodded slowly, his jaw tight as he kept whatever snarky remark he wanted to say at bay. 

"Great. I’ll see you two tonight, then." He said, his voice a little clipped before he turned and walked back into his garage. As soon as Weston was out of earshot, I whirled around and elbowed Holden hard in the stomach. He doubled over, clutching his abdomen with a low groan.

"Ow! What the hell was that for?" he asked, his eyes wide with pain, though amusement still danced in them.

"You got us into this mess!" I snapped, my face flushed with frustration.

He straightened up, still rubbing his stomach. 

"Hey, you’re the one who told him we’re together," Holden said, folding his arms across his chest, his smirk making my blood boil even more.

I rolled my eyes, trying to keep my temper in check. 

“I lied, because I obviously don’t want to tell my ex that I haven’t moved on!” 

He raised an eyebrow. 

"Then go tell Weston it’s all a lie. I’ll even hold your hand for support."

I sighed, my anger deflating. He was right. There was no going back now without making things worse. The lie was spiraling faster than I could manage. Holden’s smirk deepened, sensing my defeat. 

“See you tonight, darling.” He said, shooting me a wink before strutting towards his garage, completely unfazed by the chaos he’d just created. 

I watched him leave, dread pooling in my stomach. What a disaster.