Pedro was nothing like Matteo’s father.
Pedro was an expert.
He trained for this, slept for this; every morsel that passed his lips was to better himself for this and Pedro kept to the rules.
And so, too, could Matteo.
Matteo wasn’t his father either.
All those thoughts buzzed louder than the engine as Matteo found out firsthand just how fit you had to be to deal with the G-force and heat and demands on the body as the vehicle cornered, as well as that Pedro had to focus.
Yes, it was terrifying but exhilarating and it was one of the best experiences of Matteo’s life, and as he climbed out it was to a world that looked different.
‘I feel like I’ve laid a ghost to rest,’ he admitted to Abby as he took off his helmet.
Abby nodded.
Last night, so, too, had she.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
AS MUCH AS he had wanted to stay and join in with the celebrations, Matteo really did need to leave and head back to New York.
Even more so than before now.
With time differences and flying time, it felt odd that it was still Sunday, albeit late in the evening when he drove towards the Di Sione estate.
Giovanni had appointments all week and, if Matteo wanted to speak with him, then it had to be tonight.
Matteo had told Giovanni that he was coming and he knew that the old man would be hoping it was because Matteo had good news for him.
He wondered how his grandfather would take the news.
Alma let him in and said that Giovanni was in the lounge and Matteo thanked her and walked through.
Giovanni was sitting, staring out to the lake, and Matteo knocked on the open door to alert him that he was here.
‘Matteo!’ He turned and gave a smile of delight and went to stand but Matteo waved him down and went over and kissed him on the cheeks.
A pang of guilt hit Matteo when he felt the frail shoulders beneath his hands and saw his grandfather’s tired, lined face.
‘You’ve been busy,’ Giovanni said.
‘Yes, I have to say I like the motor racing world.’
‘I see your team won the cup. I got up early and watched the race.’ Then Giovanni’s face grew serious. ‘It’s not good news, is it?’
It felt like good news to Matteo.
He was crazy about someone for the first time in his life but, no, there was no need for Giovanni to know all that.
‘Not really,’ Matteo said and he took a seat. ‘I tracked down the necklace. It had been bought by...’
‘Ellison!’ Giovanni rolled his eyes. ‘I guessed that much when I saw you with his daughter. I don’t think you’ve ever been with a woman that long.’
‘Her name’s Abby,’ Matteo said. ‘And I’ve been sponsoring her team. When I first met with Ellison he said that he wanted me to get his daughter to a function that he’s holding this Friday. If Abby’s wearing the necklace, then it’s mine.’
‘And?’ Giovanni frowned. He didn’t see the problem. ‘Surely she can wear it for just one night?’