James, our number one mechanic and my direct boss is waiting for me when I head into the office on Monday morning. ‘Guess he’s read the papers then.’

“Kyle mate, come with me, we need a to talk.”

I don’t say anything. I was expecting this, but I did think they’d give me the chance to get my coffee down my neck throat and the clock to tick over into the official work day before I was accosted. ‘Not so lucky.’

Instead of moaning though, I follow James’ lead into one of the small side spaces that we use for a meeting room.

“How can I help?” I ask, closing the door behind me. ‘As if I don’t know.’

“We’ve seen the papers, and we know about Elliott. Is there something you want to give us?”

“Like what?”

“Like your notice?”

‘Here we go.’ “No.” I bite the word off, there’s no need to expand.

James isn’t sure how to deal with this, I expect he’d come in here today fully anticipating I’d be handing him a pre-typed letter.

“Oh, er, but you know it’s a conflict of interests, don’t you?”

“No, it’s not. I’m not involved in what Elliott does. We decided it would be good for us to work independently, we’ve spent so much time together, separate concerns will help to keep things fresh.” We’ve discussed this, and I reel my spiel off word perfect.

James’ hand flies to his mouth where he fingers his top lip, taking a moment to process the situation. “But that’s the point, you can’t discuss your pursuits, because you’ve signed a non-disclosure.”

“Sure I have. That’s fine, it is in fact the point. We’ve spent way too long discussing work in our home life. We need to strike a balance and so, this new venture is the start of Elliott and the two of us being a couple in the true sense of the word. We don’t want to be colleagues anymore, it takes over.”

I’m starting to get on a rant and if he’s not careful, I’ll throw out there that we’ve had a few tough years since he had an accident caused in part by his and Chase’s petulant negligence. I stare him down and I know I’ve made my point when his eyes flick back to the blank pad and pen on the desk in front of him. He fiddles with the pen, pulling off the lid and chewing it.

“Are we done?” I rise, knowing full well this standoff is not done, but for now, I will be released.

“Sure, I’ll have to speak with Chase though, you know that.”

“No problem.” I smile, it’s one that doesn’t reach my eyes and I make no effort to disguise my disgust that once again I’m being pulled up on issues that are outside of my work as a mechanic for the team.

“Just out of interest. If I had come in here ready to leave today, how would you have filled my space so close to the start of the race calendar. It’s a bit risky for you isn’t it? I’m assuming you weren’t expecting to carry out my contractual duties and stay to the end of the season?”

“We’d have made a plan. We have to protect our interests here; our investors spend millions on keeping us at the top of the race. We have to be certain that you’re going to keep our plans confidential.”

“That’s understandable, but check out the paperwork. This really is Elliott’s baby. I’m not involved, and I’d really appreciate it if this doesn’t affect my job here.”

“No, no, no, of course not.” He’s flapping now.

I close the door as I exit. The truth is, this has already affected my position here. I have no idea how I’m going to get through the next season with the man I love racing for a different team.