Between Lines and Lanes

PART XIV : AVA SINCLAIR

Ava woke up to the crisp Saturday morning air, the golden sunlight spilling into her bedroom. After yesterday's eventful day, she had already decided—no answering any Leo related questions today. Her three staff members had interrogated her like she was a wanted criminal. She shook her head at the memory.

Yesterday 's Interrogation

"How do you know Leo? I mean, where did you meet him? Wait—how did you meet him?!" Maya bombarded her with questions, eyes wide with excitement.

"I don't know, it just happened," Ava replied casually.

"Leo hasn't been to Milan! He's been staying at Fairmont Monte-Carlo for two weeks now," Milo chimed in, his brows furrowed. "When did you go to Monaco?" That made Maya even more excited.

"Oh my God! You met him there, didn't you?" Maya gasped. "And you' ve met him a few times already? And I just knew about this?" Maya frowned.

"Yes, I met him there. And no, we just crossed paths, nothing more." Ava admitted, hoping to end the conversation.

"Then why didn't you bring me? It's Monaco!" Maya demanded. "And where exactly in Monaco did you meet him?" Maya relentlessly asked.

"Enough with the questions," Ava huffed, crossing her arms. "I'm not dating him, okay? He annoyed me, so I made a bet. If he wins, I'll go out with him—once. That's it. If he wins."

Milo let out an amused chuckle. "You have no idea what you just did, do you? You bet against the wrong driver. He's almost always in the top five. If his team had been just a little faster on pit stops, he would have won twice already."

Ava shrugged. "Whatever. Right now, let's focus on finishing Mr. York's garden. Dismissed."

Maya and Milo exchanged glances before heading to the pantry, still whispering. Only Alessia remained, watching her carefully.

"I also think Leo wasn't such a good match with you," Alessia murmured. "You deserved so much better. Maybe Ethan" And with that, she walked away.

Ava was shocked. Alessia rarely gave personal opinions—it wasn't like her. 'Ethan, huh?'

Ethan is quite the opposite of Leo. He wasn't the kind of man who asked for forgiveness. He had been raised to be a boss, to take control. But so does she, and that wasn't an excuse.

The next morning on the weekend, she sat in her living room, sketching while sipping since 6am. She thought back to yesterday. Today was qualifying day for Leo, and after Milo's comment, she had changed the terms of their bet last night. If he really was a top contender, she had to make it harder. Instead of just qualifying, she told him he had to win the Monaco Grand Prix.

She expected him to be shocked, maybe protest. Instead, he had only said, "Okay." So confident.

A sudden ringing interrupted her thoughts. Her office phone. She let it ring three times before picking up.

Ava: Ava's Impression Firm. How may I help you?

Unknown Caller: Hi, hello. May I speak to Ava Sinclair?

Ava: Speaking. Who is this?

Unknown Caller: I'm Imogen Rossi from Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa Milano. Do you have time to come over? I'd like to discuss a business opportunity.

Ava: Uh—sure. Would 10ish work?

Imogen: Brilliant. See you soon.

The call ended. Without wasting time, she dialed Maya's.