chapter 4

I messed up. The payment screen showed my real name and Isabella just stood there staring at me like she'd seen a ghost.

I pulled off my helmet and flashed her a bright smile. "Surprise. It's me. Let me reintroduce myself—I'm James Caldwell."

Everyone around us was stunned. Zachary couldn't believe it and yelled from where he was sitting on the ground. "No way! There's no way you could beat me!"

I turned and looked right at him. "Was beating you supposed to be hard?"

The whole crowd burst out laughing. "Come on, Zachary, anyone can see this guy's a pro!"

"Yeah, that technique—definitely a pro rider!"

Isabella looked stunned. "You... I never knew you could do this."

I smiled slightly. "Isabella, you don't know me at all.

"Let me reintroduce myself. I'm James, world champion of the Global Motorcycle Festival Championship!"

The crowd erupted!

"I know him! He's James, the world champion from five years ago!"

"Yes, I remember now! Holy shit, it's really him!"

"Can you sign something for me?"

All the riders surrounded me, asking for autographs. Annie stayed right beside me, not leaving my side.

Isabella got pushed to the edge of the crowd, staring in shock. Zachary looked completely humiliated.

I walked over to him and said quietly, "Nice look, but your basics need work. Practice more when you get the chance."

I turned and walked away. As I left, I caught the jealousy and hatred in Zachary's eyes. He couldn't handle just this? I had more tricks up my sleeve!

Annie took me out for late-night food. By the time we got back, it was already past midnight.

"It's getting late. You should head home," I said.

"Jamie, can I... can I get your phone number?"

Her eyes were full of hope. I couldn't bring myself to say no. After I gave it to her, she finally left.

When I got to my door, I saw cigarette butts scattered all over the ground. Isabella was standing there waiting for me.

When she saw me coming, she took a deep breath, her face dark with anger. "Do you even know who that woman is? Where did you two go?"

She grabbed my wrist right away. I yanked my hand free. "What's it to you?

"Isabella, let me remind you—we're done. Oh right, your one true love lost to me tonight and you're not even comforting him. How do you have time to come find me?"

I crossed my arms.

Isabella's face twitched a little. Then she said, "He's not some delicate little boy. I came because I wanted to remind you not to just hook up with random women because we broke up!"

I laughed. "Isabella, you sure like to meddle! What gives you the right to say that to me?"

I snorted. "It's getting late. Leave now or I'm calling the cops! What kind of ex keeps chasing after someone like this!"

I pushed her away. Isabella froze. She was about to grab me again but I glared at her hard and she pulled her hand back.

Just as I was closing the door, Isabella shouted, "James..."

The door shut her out. I couldn't hear what she said clearly. Not that it mattered to me anymore.

When I got back inside, I crashed immediately. When I woke up, there were over ten text messages on my phone.

They were all from Annie.

"Good night!"

"Good morning! Nice weather today—got any plans?"

"Let's go on a trip together! I know this great place!"

"It's okay if you don't answer. I talk too much anyway!"

"Are you up yet?"

This woman really talked way too much.

I looked at the clothes on my chair and got up to throw my jacket in the washing machine. After I took care of that, I finally texted back.

"Yeah, I'm up. Let's go eat!"