Page 14 of Falling Fast
Describe your ideal partner …
@LaraLovesF1, 28 May
FIVE
DESPITE BOTH EMIKA AND Charlotte’s reassurances, I was expecting a phone call from Vienna all yesterday evening, telling me my trial period was cancelled and not to bother coming back. I’d even worked out what I was going to say in response, that I understood, I knew I’d acted unprofessionally and I was sorry for offending Leif, etc. I even waited until 9 p.m. to post my first-day video in case it proved too ironic. Only no call, email or text ever came, and my security pass – I hold my breath as I scan it across the pad in reception – still works.
Phew. I fling myself through the door, hyperventilating with relief. Which looks weird, I realize, when two men dressed in overalls pass by and give me curious looks, so I hurry upstairs to the communications office to get started.
‘Hey.’ Yuto does a double-take when he arrives at 8.45, dressed in grey shorts and a black North Face hoodie. ‘You’re here early.’
‘I have a meeting with Leif at nine,’ I explain, feeling even more overdressed than yesterday in tapered trousers, a navy blazer and my spikiest heels, with my hair in its usual highponytail. But Ineedto look professional today. Power dressing makes me feel in control, and hopefully this way I’ll avoid making a fool of myself again.
‘Morning!’ Charlotte comes in behind Yuto. ‘There, didn’t I tell you?’ She smiles brightly at me. ‘I said Leif wouldn’t get you fired.’
‘Have I missed something?’ Yuto looks between us. ‘Why would you think that?’
‘There was an incident,’ I say, clasping my elbows. ‘I said some things.’
‘What sort of things?’
‘Just about how he can come across as a bit … terse.’ I lower my voice and glance at the door because the last thing I want is a repeat of yesterday. ‘Though obviously I wouldn’t have said so if I’d known he was standing in the doorway.’
‘It was pretty funny.’ Charlotte giggles. ‘I mean, he must have been standing there for a good thirty seconds before you noticed him, but honestly, it’ll be fine. He’s one of the loveliest guys I’ve ever met. Even Andre, my fiancé, says so, and he thinks most drivers are total divas.’
‘Leif has met your fiancé?’ I ask in surprise.
‘He came to our engagement party.’ She nods happily. ‘Anyway, good luck in your meeting. I have a press release to write, but Emika and I are going to the canteen for lunch at one if you want to join us?’
‘Sounds great. I’d love to.’
‘Don’t ask her anything about the wedding –’ Yuto whispers as Charlotte heads for her desk – ‘or you’ll be trapped all afternoon.’ He fixes me with a pained look. ‘Doyouknow the top five most popular colours for bridesmaids’ dresses?’
‘Um … no.’
‘I do.’
‘Right,’ I answer sombrely. ‘Thanks for the warning.’
I pour a cup of water from the cooler and head into the conference room to get my thoughts in order before Leif arrives. On top of power dressing, I’ve had a long, stern talk with myself and I’m determined this meeting is going to go well. I intend to be extra polite and efficient. That means no more weirdness or tension andabsolutelyno thoughts of attraction. I refuse to let him affect me any more.
It also occurred to me, after replaying my comments from yesterday at least a dozen times during the (thankfully dreamless) night, that I never actually said sorry. Even if Leif doesn’t like me, which is pretty obvious, I need to persuade him to trust me, to see me as a professional person who’s trying to do the best for his career, which means an apology is the first order of business.
The one positive about yesterday is that at least now I know hecansmile. That should make my job a little bit easier. Especially when that smile is so powerful in a slow burn, sexy kind of way … I tense as I realize I’m trailing a finger along the edge of my blazer in the direction of my cleavage. I really need to snap out of this.
I set out my things, placing my laptop in front of me, my notepad and papers to the left and three pens (black, green and red) to the right, beside my cup of water. Next, I take a quick peek in my compact to make sure there are no crumbs on my face from the wholewheat blueberry muffin I ate for breakfast, then place my hands, palms down, on the table and wait.
It’s 8.59 when I hear Leif’s voice in the office outside, accompanied by the sound of Charlotte’s laughter. Obviouslyhe’s being ‘adorable’ again, though I’m 99 per cent certain he’ll be frowning by the time he enters the room.
It takes approximately five seconds to have my theory confirmed. Leif looks like he’s about to have an interview with the taxman. He’s even wearing a shirt, a short-sleeved Rask polo with a collar, like he wants to keep this professional too.
‘Hi.’ I stand up from the table as his eyes lock on to mine. In the morning light, they look even more quicksilver pale and intense than usual. I get the sudden feeling that if he were to focus on me for too long he’d see everything, right down to all my deepest, darkest secrets. Nervous energy runs down my spine at the thought. I’ve never felt so acutely self-conscious with anyone in my life.
‘Come in. Can I get you –’ I glance at the mug in his hand and shake my head. ‘Never mind. Please take a seat.’
I wait for him to sit before doing the same, folding my hands together and putting on my most professional expression. ‘So before we start, I’d like to apologize for yesterday. I should never have said what I did and I’m truly sorry. It won’t happen again.’
‘OK,’ he answers flatly.
