Rush: Part One & Two (The Pitstop Series Book 3)

The following day, I wake up early and decide to go for a run. I leave a note for Adrian on the fridge to let him know where I am, grab some water, and start running the same track the guys and I followed almost a week ago. The events of last night come crashing back when I sprint down the same path where Gabriel and I raced last time. The way he talked to me and called me ‘strong’ more than once replays in my head. I’m out of breath, my mind is running wild, and the cramps come back to my lower abdomen. The sound of the steady waves as they crash onto the shore relaxes me. The smell of saltwater fills my nose, as well as the sweet scent of chocolate from a crêpe stand not far from where I’m sitting.

For years, I wanted to hear Gabriel talking to me the way he did yesterday. Although, I would never have expected that he would only do it to distract me from the pain when he finally did. I get up and start running again out of frustration. I don’t know where I’m going, but I gasp when I arrive at Evangelin’s store. It is crowded, and she looks overwhelmed, which is why I quickly move toward her.

“Bonjour,” I say, and her face lights up when she sees me. Evangelin is holding thirty different articles of clothing, and the look of panic is even more evident on her face up close. “Can I help you?” She nods, and I glance at the lineup at the cash register. I readjust my ponytail to try and make myself look more presentable. Evangelin follows me and gives me a brief introduction to her system. Once I understand, I start cashing people out. After another hour of absolute stress, the store clears up, and only a handful of people are left.

“Thank you so much,” is the first thing she says to me when we finally have a second to breathe. “Danielle quit this morning, and my other employee has the flu. They left me to take care of the store all by myself on a Saturday!” The petite woman throws her hands into the air and shakes her head.

“Don’t worry, I don’t mind helping you at all. Here is my phone number. Whenever you need me, and I’m in Monaco, I’ll come in and help out.” Her small eyes study me, and a warm smile appears on her face.

“Thank you. I will, of course, pay you,” she assures me, but I shake my head.

“No, please don’t pay me.” I don’t want her to waste money on me.

“Okay, at least let me repay the favor someday.” I smile at her.

Evangelin shows me everything I need to know about the clothes, prices, sales, and so on. I pay close attention, hoping I will remember everything when more people come into the store again. I also notify Adrian where I am so he doesn’t worry about me.

At lunchtime, she disappears for a little while but holds up takeout in her right hand and coffee in her left when she returns. We eat and talk a little more about the store. Evangelin even offers me some clothes to change into, and I gladly accept. I don’t want to scare off any customers because of my sweaty workout attire.

“So, how are things going with the guy you like?” Her question is so simple, and I wish I had an answer like ‘good’ or ‘not so great’, but I have no idea what is happening between us. I tell her about yesterday and watch as an amused grin spreads over her lips. “It sounds like he didn’t say those things to you because he wanted to distract you,” she comments with a melodic tone in her voice before biting off a piece of her sandwich.

“Of course it was! Gabriel has no interest in me other than being friends. There was one time when we almost kissed, but it wasn’t the right time.” I play with the bread from my sandwich and tear off a small piece.

“It sounds like he did like you, but you rejected him, and he got into a relationship with someone, and so did you. The only difference is that you broke up with Luke when you realized there was someone else for you. He is still dragging the other girl along. Then, yesterday, he made another advance, and you shot him down again. It makes me think he truly does like you.” I want to shake my head, but it feels impolite. “Nowadays, love is something rare, as if it is something which only happens to people who understand what it takes. You can’t give up on someone you love after one fight, and you can’t give up when you drift apart in the slightest bit. If you truly love someone, you have to fight to make it work because these days, it is so rare to find a person who makes you want to breathe forever.” The wisdom flowing from her makes me speechless. I never looked at the world from her perspective, but I’m glad she gave me something to think about. Love is a lot more complicated than I could have ever imagined it.

“I want to say you’re right, but it is undeniable how I feel about him.” I let out a small sigh before I focus on the uneaten piece of bread in my hand.

“Oh, child,” she says and puts her food down. “Some people can be so blind when it comes to figuring out how the other person feels.” She cocks an eyebrow, obviously meaning me. “Communication is crucial. People tend to forget this. So, I am reminding you, tell him how you feel. It’s better done sooner than later.” If it were that simple, I would have admitted my feelings to Gabriel a long time ago, but it’s not. I only nod and force a smile onto my lips.

A couple of hours later, I walk home. It is still light outside, and the wind is pleasantly warm. I see a message from Jean asking if I want to hang out with him. We agree to meet at my house in half an hour. Jean arrives as I’m done putting on fresh clothes, and I run downstairs to open the door for him. Adrian is still with his performance coach, so we are all alone.

“Hello,” he says as soon as I open the door.

“Hi,” I reply, and he gives me a quick hug. “How are you?” I ask and lead him outside onto the veranda. I like to spend most of my days out here.

“Good, I wanted to check on you, though. Yesterday was a disaster,” he simply states, and I chuckle.

“Yes, it wasn’t the best.” We both laugh, and I enjoy the calm after the long day. Jean is smiling at me, and I can tell there is something on his mind.

“Can I ask you for a favor?” he eventually says, and I nod. “I haven’t seen my brother since everything happened last night, and I’m getting worried. Will you speak to him? I think he’s unhappy, but Gabriel doesn’t share his feelings with me, not like he does with you.” His eyes are pleading with me, and his hand is on the table, reaching out.

“If he comes to me, I will talk to him. Otherwise, it is his life, and I have nothing to do with it,” I inform Jean in a firm tone. He nods and leans back in the chair.

We play some card games before he has to head home. As much as I like spending time with him, I am also glad to be by myself. My cramps have worsened again since the painkillers are wearing off, and I sit down on the couch in the living room with a hot water bottle, some water, and a few crackers. I put on a movie and curl up into a ball on the couch. I wince when the pain gets worse and close my eyes to try and let it go.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

It feels as if a hand appears on my forehead and gently runs over my face. The softness of the touch reminds me of Gabriel’s. I must be imagining the way his index finger runs over my cheek, the way it drops to my neck and makes goosebumps spread over my entire body. His name leaves my lips uncontrollably, and I feel his thumb as it caresses my cheek. I want this to be real. His name leaves me for the second time, and I still don’t know if I’m dreaming.

“Chérie,” Gabriel’s voice says, and I shoot up on the couch. He is really here. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” he states, and I wipe my eyes, hoping I’m not hallucinating.

“What are you doing here?” I ask him when I finally find my voice. My eyes focus on his handsome face, and I notice he’s wearing a black long-sleeved shirt and jeans. His hair is messily neat, as always, and his lips seem fuller and pinker than ever before.

“I wanted to check on you. Adrian let me inside, and I found you sleeping on the couch.” I nod, but it doesn’t explain why he touched me and ran his fingers over my face. “You were saying my name in your sleep,” he whispers, and I blush instantly. Embarrassment washes over me, and I want to pull the blanket over my face. I don’t know if I should be honest with him like Evangelin told me to be.

“Why were you touching me?” I counter, putting him on the spot instead. He leans back and looks directly into my eyes.

“I’m sorry, I tried to wake you gently,” he explains, confusing me more. “How are you feeling?” he asks, completely changing the subject. Worry is evident on his face.

“I’m fine,” I lie. “Where have you been? Jean was concerned about you.” He looks away from my face as he answers.

“I needed some time to think,” he replies, and I frown. He’s acting so weirdly. “Okay, well, I’ve got to go. I just wanted to make sure you’re feeling better.” He gets up from the ground, and when he leans down to press a kiss to my cheek, I twist my head so his lips are only a centimeter away from mine. If he feels anything, he will kiss me. My eyes are on his, and it feels like time is standing still. I need him to do something, anything.

“Kiss me,” I beg without even thinking about it. For a second, I’m convinced he will.

“We can’t,” he whispers and rushes out of my home. I am left with my thoughts, and I let anger wash over me. This is getting ridiculous.