Page 37 of Falling Fast
‘Amazing,’ Leif answers, rubbing a forearm across his brow. ‘We knew this would be a challenging weekend, thanks to the heat, but it’s a great result for the team. Our upgrades have made a huge difference and hopefully we can keep building on that momentum.’
‘So you’re confident of a good result in Austria in two weeks?’
‘We’ll do our best.’
I keep my phone raised to record everything, but from the sound of it I don’t need to worry. Leif is being engaging and polite and … I draw my brows together as I feel myself sway again. Even worse, dots are beginning to swarm in front of my eyes.Oh no.No, no, no. I blink rapidly, trying to clear my head, but it’s like a blind is being slowly drawn over my vision. The combination of sun, lack of sleep and at least five cups of coffee is too much for me.
I look around for Emika because I need help, someone to take over without drawing too much attention, but I can’t see her any more. I can’t focus on anyone. The room is spinning and I don’t know how much longer I can stay upright. A wave of panic sweeps through me. This is how I felt six years ago, disoriented and frightened, completely out of control and vulnerable.
‘Ava? Do you need to sit down?’ Leif’s voice murmurs in my ear.
‘What?’ I mumble, turning my head in confusion. I wasn’t aware of the interview ending, but it must have because we’re facing away from the cameras now. Meanwhile, one of Leif’s hands is beneath my elbow, holding me up. I can feel his fingers warm against my skin. ‘I … don’t know. I just need a moment.’
‘You need more than that. Come on, I’ll take you back to the motorhome.’
‘No.’ I dig my heels in. ‘You have … interviews … to do.’
‘Screw them. You look like you’re about to collapse.’
‘You have to …’ I protest. ‘They’re for the team.’
‘You’re part of the team too. Here –’ he hands me his water bottle – ‘drink this. The electrolytes will help.’
‘I can’t.’ I shake my head, but the movement makes me feel even worse. ‘Kelsey will kill me.’
‘For fuck’s sake!’ He sounds exasperated. ‘Who’s going to tell her?’
It’s a fair point, so I give in and chug half the bottle in one go. It tastes awful, but it works. My vision starts to clear and I begin to feel steady on my feet again. ‘I’m so sorry,’ I gasp, wiping a hand across my mouth. ‘I feel so unprofessional.’
‘Don’t. This heat is tough on everyone.’
‘You’ve just driven a two-hour race!’
‘I’m used to it. Plus, I had a nice bath to start.’
I snort a laugh, then throw a quick look around. We’re still in the press pen but huddled close together, so hopefully it looks like we’re discussing a team issue. ‘OK, I’m better. I can do this.’
‘Are you sure?’ He still sounds concerned.
‘How much will you be fined if you don’t do any more interviews?’
‘It depends. Twenty thousand maybe.’
‘Pounds?’ I almost faint again at the number. ‘You’redoingthe interviews.’
‘Ava –’
‘You can give short answers.’
‘All right.’ He lets go of my arm slowly, like he’s afraid I might fall over without any support. ‘But give me a sign if you need to leave. Step on my foot if you have to.’
‘Thanks. And, Leif?’ I’m the one touching his elbow this time. ‘If you don’t mind, could we keep this between us? I’d rather nobody else knew.’
‘Knew what?’ He gives a small smile, walking beside me back to the cameras.
As I re-open my Voice Memos app, it occurs to me that maybe Charlotte was right. Leif might just be ‘adorable’ after all.
Jaxon Marr may have won in Hungary, but Rask’s upgrade success was the talk of the paddock this weekend. A top-ten finish for both their drivers would have been inconceivable just one month ago.
