Page 69 of Narrow Margins
I get my head down and look through the press cuttings of his last race season, working out who is pro Griff and who likes to dish the dirt. I need a strong pro list of journalists for the press conference: I know the haters are going to be there, too, and some of them will be all over the ‘gay’ issue rather than his return. It’s hard work but it’s good to see him in his comfort zone. He was at the pinnacle of his career for four years in a row, I want to see him back there. I know we can do it and if it means long, hard hours of testing and training, I know he will do it. Griff doesn’t believe in half-assed efforts and certainly doesn’t believe in failure.
A tap on the door sounds and Ryan looks in.
“What’s up?” I ask, still pouring over the papers.
“It’s time for the meeting, it’s gone one.” He smiles and walks in. “How are you getting on? I know, when I first started all this with Nico, I thought I’d never grasp it. Let me know if you need a hand.”
I check the time in the corner of my computer screen and sigh. Leaning back in the chair, I scrub my hands through my hair before dragging them down my face. “I can’t believe it’s this time already.” I shake my head to try and clear my mind then pick up my iPad with my notes and stand up. “Okay, let’s go. Where’s Griff?”
“I’m here, baby, just bringing you some lunch.” Griff strolls up and kisses me then passes me a sandwich from the coffee shop in the gym.
“You’re a lifesaver.” I take the food and follow Ryan down to the conference room. Troy is seated at the head of the table with Nico and Raff, then Ryan takes his seat. The guy, Swanson, is also here and he’s got his hand over a thick, white envelope. He gets to his feet to shake Griff’s hand and then mine and smiles what seems a genuine smile.
“Okay, gentlemen, let’s get to work. We need that man over there to shine, and to win. So, bring me up to date with the press conference, Corrie.” Troy is all business and sounds and appears every part the multi-millionaire he is.
The next three hours are spent getting every aspect of the launch and press conference together. It’s going to take plenty more, but it won’t be all of us around the table every time. A deep-rooted feeling settles in my bones: this is going to be good and it’s going to work. Griff will be world champion again.