Chapter 79 The interview

Chapter 79 The interview
Kayla’s POV

The studio lights were brighter than I expected. They were the sort of lights that made your eyes water if you stared at them directly, and unfortunately, they were pointed right at me.

I sat on the high stool with my back straight, hands folded on my lap, pretending I was comfortable. The interviewer smiled at me like we were old friends, even though we had not spoken beyond a polite hello.

There were cameras on three different sides of the small studio and several people moving quietly around, adjusting equipment, whispering instructions, and signaling to each other. When the host turned toward me, I forced a relaxed expression even though my stomach felt tight.

“So Miss Kayla,” he began, his voice smooth and crisp for television, “you are returning to the tracks after weeks of your initial race. How does it feel to be back?”

I took a breath, not too deep so I would not sound nervous. “It feels good,” I answered, keeping my voice steady. “It feels familiar. I have been training for the past few days and I am actually excited to run again.”

He nodded and tapped his pen on his notepad. “A lot of people are curious about tomorrow. It is a fundraiser race, yet the competition is expected to be intense. What are your expectations knowing there is no winning prize?”

I smiled a little. “Winning will be my prize,” I said. “Not for a trophy or anything like that. I want to win to commemorate the last lap woman, Mel. She passed away and it feels important to honor her effort. For me, that is the prize.”

There was a small silence. I could see one of the camera men glance at the other like my answer landed the way they hoped it would. The host leaned forward.

“That is quite meaningful,” he said. “Now, there has also been curiosity about your ex husband’s wife, Vivian Ward. She is also participating. What are your thoughts on that?”

I kept my smile polite. I already knew this question would come. They always threw something spicy in interviews, something that would make blogs explode if I sounded bitter. So I kept my voice light.

“I do not know what her intention was for joining right after I did,” I said, choosing my words carefully. “But I hope it is the same reason I am participating. I hope she wants to help the children who need the funds.”

The interviewer waited as if expecting more, maybe expecting me to bite. When I did not, he cleared his throat and moved on to safer territory. 

That was exactly what I wanted. I refused to give Vivian any space in my head today, at least not publicly. The race required a clear mind. The cameras cut and the host extended his hand for a quick shake.

“Great job,” he said. “Very composed answers.”

“Thank you,” I replied.

The makeup lady stepped forward to dab powder on my face before I left but I waved gently. “It is fine. I am done,” I said. I did not want to stay a second longer.

Outside the studio, the cold breeze of the hallway was refreshing compared to the hot lights from inside. I pulled my hair tie tighter as I walked out of the building and toward the parking lot. My phone vibrated in my bag. I pulled it out and froze for a second when I saw the name on the screen.

Steven.

I had not seen that name appear in days.

I answered quickly. “Hello.”

His voice carried a lazy teasing tone. “So I just watched a very serious woman talk on TV. It looked like you were answering questions for a presidential debate.”

I rolled my eyes even though he could not see me. “Shut up. I did my best.”

“I know. You did well,” he said, and I could hear the sincerity beneath the teasing. “You looked composed. Very calm. I was impressed.”

That warmed me more than I expected. “Well, thank you,” I said. “Where have you been? You disappeared.”

“I was busy,” he replied.

I stopped walking beside my car door. “Busy,” I repeated slowly. “That is it?”

He sighed. “Fine. If you must know, I was digging up a little about that murder case. Mel, right?”

My grip on my phone tightened. “You what?”

“Yeah,” he said casually. “I called a few people, looked into some things, and I guess I ended up poking in the wrong places.”

My heart slammed against my chest. “What do you mean wrong places?”

He hesitated for the briefest second. “I really don’t know, but I was ambushed twice last week.”

I felt the world tilt for a moment. “Ambushed?” I repeated. “Steven what does that mean? By who? Are you joking?”

“Relax,” he answered. “I am alive. It was just two idiots trying to scare me, probably. They failed.”

“Steven,” I snapped, trying not to shout in the parking lot. “Where are you? I am coming.”

“No,” he replied instantly. “I do not need you to come here. I am fine.”

“I do not care,” I said. “Drop your address. If you do not, I will go to your office instead.”

There was silence. Then a soft annoyed exhale. “Fine. Sending it.”

When the text came, I entered the car and drove straight to his place. I did not care if he said he was fine. Ambushed did not sound fine. Ambushed sounded like danger.



His room was on the fifth floor of the hotel building. Not overly fancy. Something simple and quiet. He opened the door before I could knock twice. His hair was messy and he wore grey sweatpants and a plain T-shirt. He looked tired but still himself.

“I told you not to come,” he said as he stepped aside.

“I did not ask for permission,” I answered, walking in.

His room was neat. His laptop is on the table. The windows were slightly open so the room smelled like cold air and laundry soap.

“Sit,” he said, pointing at the couch.

I sat but my eyes stayed on him. “Tell me everything.”

He scratched the back of his neck. “There is not much. I got attacked twice. I found a number in the assailant's phone and I tried to track it. The first time my car was rammed into from behind, the second time, I was followed from the restaurant and I managed to get away after much fighting. That is it.”

“That is not it,” I said sharply. “How did you get away? Did you report them? What did you get from tracking the number? Are they still following you? Steven what the hell?”

He raised his brows. “Relax. I said I am fine. And no, I am not going into details. I am not going to make you panic because there is no point.”

“There is a point if you are in danger,” I said.

He waved his hand dismissively. “If it makes you feel better, yes I tracked the number. No, there is no progress right now. No, I do not think they will attack me again because I am not stupid.”

He was saying words but not explaining a single thing. That irritated me and relieved me at the same time.

“Now let’s talk about you,” he said, leaning back. “How have you been? And do not tell me nothing has been happening. I saw your face on the news today.”

I looked away. “I have been training. And preparing. And answering annoying questions. And dealing with Vivian.”

“Vivian,” he repeated, narrowing his eyes slightly. “What happened with her?”

“Nothing,” I lied quickly. “Just training drama.”

He studied my face for a second, probably knowing I was hiding something, but he let it go.

“So when are you inviting me to your race?” he asked suddenly.

My head jerked up. “What?”

He shrugged. “I am asking. Should I come or should I pretend to be supportive from a distance?”

I froze for a moment because that question suddenly felt heavier than it should. Before I could form an answer, he grinned a little and said, “Relax. You do not have to if you are scared I will judge the way you run.”

That made me laugh. “Shut up,” I said, shaking my head.

He leaned slightly forward. “Seriously though. I want to be there.”

My heart skipped in the most ridiculous way. I opened my mouth but nothing came out. Before I could get myself together, he stood up slightly and leaned closer to me.

I did not know who moved first. Maybe him. Maybe me. But the next second, his lips were on mine. Warm. Sure. Not rushed but not hesitant either. 

My fingers curled into his shirt before I could stop them. The kiss was not long but it was enough to make every thought dissolve.

When we pulled apart, he looked directly into my eyes and said quietly, “I will be there.”

My heart skipped at the sound of that.