Chapter 79 79. Expensive hire
Tabitha’s POV
“Hmm, that dress is cute, but if the circuit’s outdoors, you might want something less flowy. The wind won’t be kind to that. Go with the halter top instead, it fits the whole racing vibe better.”
Evelyn raises a brow. “You think so? Or is too revealing?” She stands in front of a full-length mirror while holding up the halter top. “Forget it, let the world see some cleavage.”
I snicker. “And I think the color of the fabric compliments your skin tone too.”
“Yeah?” She hums while stroking the cream-colored fabric that perfectly matches her complexion. “It does look good on my tan.” She grins, clearly pleased. “Then halter top it is. What about accessories? Sunglasses or cap?”
“Both,” I answer quickly. “It’s going to be sunny, and the cap will keep the hair out of your face. Plus, you’ll look effortlessly cool.”
“Effortlessly cool,” she repeats, flipping her hair. “I like that. Maybe I should hire you as my stylist.”
“On top of being your shopping buddy? I expect a raise and some good benefits.”
“You’re such an expensive hire!”
I grin while staring at the screen, watching Evelyn twirl in front of her mirror as she models the outfit. Talking to her is easy and fun. We haven’t known each other for long, but she has this relaxed energy that makes me feel comfortable around her. I never really had many friends, especially girl friends, so it’s nice to finally have someone to talk to about random things. The only real friend I had before was Andrew, but he’s back on the mainland now, and we barely keep in touch. At least now, I get to start over and make a new friend here.
Evelyn hums while folding the sundress and tossing it back into her closet.
“You know, I’m really excited for the circuit. It’s such a shame it only lasts two days, though. The main race doesn’t even happen until the second day.”
“So, what happens on the first day?” I rest my chin on my hand, watching her shuffle between hangers.
“Oh, that’s when they do the qualifying race,” she says, her voice buzzing with excitement. “Since this year’s event got a bunch of big-shot sponsors, they’re finally opening the race to participants outside Kaelara. The first day’s all about filtering them out. Only the best make it to the championship the next day.”
“That’s not normally the case?” I ask, raising a brow.
“Nope.” Evelyn shakes her head. “For the past four years, only locals could join. But now, it’s different. I think they’re trying to boost the island’s tourism, which is smart if you ask me. My dad says his business has never been better. The hotels are full, the ferries are booked solid, everyone’s cashing in on it.”
I smile faintly, picturing the usual quiet island suddenly buzzing with racers, engines, and tourists. Well, Kaelara has always been a tourist spot, but mostly only during summer or spring break. But I bet this event will open more tourism opportunities for the island.
Evelyn grins, leaning closer to the screen. “Looks like it’s not just our brothers and Arthur fighting for gold this year. If the rumors are true, we might get a few wild cards in the mix.”
“What’s so special about the gold medal anyway? You sound more hyped about something else.”
“Oh, I totally am,” she says, clasping her hands dramatically. “Sure, the medal’s great, but I’m more interested in who’s going to get the golden wreath.”
“The what now?”
Evelyn gasps, her eyes widening like I just said I’d never heard of the moon.
“Right! I forgot you’re totally clueless about the circuit.” She laughs, grabbing her phone and repositioning it so I can see her animated face more clearly. “Okay, so the winner doesn’t just get a trophy, medal, and cash prize. They also get a golden wreath of flowers. And get this, the winner has to give it to a fine maiden of his choosing.” She raises her hand dramatically like she’s narrating an epic legend. “A fine maiden, Tabi. Can you believe that?”
I laugh so hard my stomach hurts. That’s very silly.
“I’m sorry, are we in the medieval times now? That sounds like something straight out of a period movie.”
Evelyn giggles. “I know, right? It’s supposed to be a nod to the old traditions. But it’s kind of romantic if you think about it. Everyone in the audience waits to see who gets the wreath. The suspense is half the fun.”
She plops onto her bed, eyes glimmering.
“Reed won the first two circuits, you know. He gave the wreath to my sister, Elsie, both times since they were dating back then. This year though… if he wins again, I wonder if he’ll give it to her again. Well, I’m not even sure if they got back together anyway. Though if Luca wins, I’m curious who he’ll choose too.”
The laughter dies in my throat. Her words dig under my skin before I can stop them. The image of Reed walking through a cheering crowd and placing that golden wreath on some girl’s head—Elsie, maybe, or someone else smiling up at him like he hung the moon, makes me want to throw up.
Ah, damn it. Why should I even care who they give it to? It’s just a stupid wreath, a silly little tradition!
But my chest feels tight anyway, as if it cannot understand the logical argument in my mind that tells me to calm down. Just the idea of them flirting with other women after the race makes me feel irrationally angry, like some bitch who wants to mark her property.
I clear my throat, trying to shake the image away.
“So uh… you still have those extra VIP tickets, right?”
Her head snaps up. “Wait, have you decided yet? You’re gonna attend the circuit?”
I shrug, pretending to sound casual even though my heart is still racing. “I might be free on Saturday, so…’’
“Oh my god, yes!” Evelyn squeals so loudly I have to pull my phone away from my ear. “You’re coming with me, then! I was saving one ticket just in case you changed your mind. It’s yours!”
Her excitement pulls a smile out of me despite everything still swirling in my head. “Alright, alright. I guess I’ll see what all the hype is about.”
Evelyn grins, clutching a pillow like she’s already planning everything. “You won’t regret it, Tabi. This year’s circuit is going to be legendary.”
I laugh softly, but a part of me can’t help wondering if she’s right, just maybe not for the reasons she thinks.