“I’ve seen a few of the engineers, but no Harold.” I shrugged.
“Maybe he decided to give this one a miss?”
I cocked a brow. “A celebration marking the beginning of the summer breakanda McLaren 1–2?”
“Yeah, you’re right,” Sophia laughed. “It’s not like him to miss a party. I hope he’s alright.”
Before I could say another word, one of the minders scurried to Sophia’s side and crouched down to address us.
“You will never guess who is here!” she squealed, not even giving us a chance to reply. “Maddie Michaels!”
My stomach flipped over. Maddie Michaels was a goddess – one of the most successful drivers in the history of the sport and a personal heroine of mine.
“No!” Sophia gasped, looking around. “Where? Imustmeet her.”
We followed the minder’s gaze as she turned back towards the bar. Maddie Michaels, a blonde bombshell, stood a short distance away, champagne glass in hand and talking animatedly with a small crowd of adoring fans. I downed the last dregs of my drink, wiping my mouth off on the back of my hand before getting to my feet. I tugged my dress down a little and Sophia hastily hopped up to join me. We made our way across the bar towards Maddie, lingering beside her only a moment before the blonde noticed us and a bright smile illuminated her face.
“The McLaren girls,” she said. “I was hoping our paths would cross. Congratulations on the 1–2.”
Sophia and I both mumbled our thanks nervously, completely starstruck. Maddie was an icon, a trailblazer. I’d grown up with her face plastered all over my bedroom wall. She was the driver I had modelled myself after, and the reason women like Sophia and I had been welcomed into the sport. Without her, we wouldn’t have been where we were. I wanted to tell her all of this, but instead I just smiled, completely lost for words.
“You both did an incredible job out there today,” she continued.
“Th–thanks so much,” Sophia spluttered. “It was an amazing result. We definitely didn’t predict this win in our strategy meeting this morning, but y’know, the car was feeling awesome.”
“I can’t believe you made that one–stop work. You’d better believe I wasscreamingmy head off in the box watching,” Maddie laughed.
“I kept saying ‘I think we can do the one–stop, I think we can do the one–stop,’ and the strategy was just really on the money.”
I pursed my lips, irritation eating at me. Sure, Sophia had done a good job today, butIhad led that race. If it hadn’t been for that last minute decision to attempt the one–stop, I would have been today’s champion. Sophia glanced across at me, sensing my gaze as it burnt into her. She cleared her throat.
“I couldn’t have done it without Bianca, though. She controlled that race and if circumstances were slightly different, I am sure she would’ve got the victory instead.”
Maddie’s attention turned to me. “It can be tough out there sometimes, I get it. You guys were such an amazing team today. A 1–2 for McLaren is such an awesome result. What a great way to go into the summer break.”
“Thank you,” I replied. “That means so much coming from someone of your calibre.”
“Ah, you’re too sweet.” Maddie flapped her hand dismissively. “Have you guys got anything special planned for summer break?
In truth, other than some well–deserved rest and relaxation, I didn’t have much on my calendar. I planned to spend most of my time beside the pool, working on my tan lines. Before I could even open my mouth, Sophia interjected.
“Oh, well, I’ve got lots of—”
“Sorry to interrupt, ladies.” A voice came from behind us, and I knew without turning that another of my idols was standing at our backs. I should have known Maddie Michaels wouldn’t have come to this party alone. The blonde’s face lit up as Nick Larson, seven–time world driver’s championship winner, made his way to her side. He leant in and kissed her, confirming immediately that the pair were still very much an item. I’d only been nine or ten when Maddie had won her first world driver’s championship with Ferrari in 2024. For years afterwards, the passionate kiss Maddie and Nick, her then teammate, had shared on screenlived rent free in my head. It made me want to swoon and sigh just thinking of it. Maddie and Nick had set the bar for everything I ever wanted for myself one day, and I was beyond elated to meet the famous couple themselves.
“Sorry, have you met my husband, Nick?” Maddie asked.
“I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure, though of course no introductions are needed,” Sophia replied, practically simpering. “It’s great to meet you, Nick Larson.”
“You too. Great job out there today.” Nick’s dark eyes turned to me, and I about shit my pants. “Especially you. That one–stop was something else, but you held that race together right to the end. A few more laps and I think you’d have regained your lead.”
“Thanks so much,” I squeaked, suddenly bashful. Nick had to have been in his late forties, maybe even early fifties now, but he was still as devilishly handsome as ever. In truth, I’d always had a thing for older men. It was clear even from their brief kiss that Nick was still very much head over heels in love with Maddie – honestly, who wasn’t? – but my pulse quickened regardless as I forced myself to hold his eye contact.
“Great party, too,” he continued, taking a sip from his glass. “I was always so relieved when it was time for summer break. I bet you pair are exhausted.”
Sophia and I simply nodded and laughed like a pair of flustered schoolgirls. As he finished his drink, Nick took Maddie’s hand in his own.
“It’s been great to meet you both,” Maddie said, a glamorous smile in place. “I hope we cross paths again soon. I’ll be keeping a close eye on your races. I’ve got a good feeling about McLaren this year.”
