Page 50 of Falling Fast
‘Has it?’ I look at her in surprise. I’ve been so busy recently I haven’t been paying my usual amount of attention to F1 gossip. I just assumed Rask would be re-signing Leif. Nobody’s so much as hinted at anything else. Although, now I think of it, if that was the case, why hasn’t he signed already?
‘All I’m saying is, why tell him about your future plans when his are still up in the air?’ She winks at me. ‘And hey, maybe he’ll be moving to Quezada too? Everyone says he’s talented enough, and it’s an open secret that Shimizu’s retiring at the end of the year. That could be the perfect situation for both of you, right?’
I catch my breath because actually … yes. If things work out between us, then it really could be. I wouldn’t have to change my own plans at all. And if they don’t work out … Well, I’m sure we could both still behave professionally.
‘OK, that’s enough relationship advice for one day. I need to register.’ Maisie reaches for her bag. ‘Wish me luck?’
‘Good luck.’ I smile. ‘Don’t break anything.’
‘I’ll do my best.’
I wave her goodbye before walking over to a picnic area and spreading my blanket out on the grass. I feel like a weight has been lifted. I can’t believe I didn’t consider the possibility of Leif switching teams before! Because, of course, Quezada will want him. He’s one of the most talented drivers on the grid, and now that they’ve seen what he can do with the new upgrades, they’d be mad not to try to poach him. It’s a shame for Rask, but he has to do what’s best for his career. Just like I do. Maisie’s right. There’s no need for me to tell him my plans yet, especially when he hasn’t mentioned his to me.
I pull my iPad out and log into my TV account, just in time to catch the Austrian national anthem. As if on cue, the camera pans past Leif. He’s standing with his hands clasped behind his back, his chin in the air and a look in his eye that says he’s ready to race. The thought of him in yellow Quezada overalls makes my temperature soar.
I come to a decision. I’m going to go on a date with Leif Olsen. I’m going to explain my need for secrecy and then I’m going to explore this connection between us, whatever it is. I’m not giving up on my life plan – I’m only embellishing it slightly. I’m going to take a chance, for the first time in six years.
Because really, how much harm can it do?
Interviewer: Bastian, as team principal, you must be thrilled with this weekend’s result.
Bastian: I’m extremely happy with the performance of our drivers and the team overall.
Interviewer: What does this mean for the future? Have Corey or Leif signed for next year yet?
Bastian: We’re still in negotiations, but we’re keen for them both to stay.
Post-race interview with Bastian Aalto, 7 July
SIXTEEN
‘I BOUGHT A HOUSE.’
I’m so engrossed in my laptop, trying to arrange liability insurance for a charity football match, I almost jump out of my chair at the words. It doesn’t help that my heart leaps at the same time, leaving me completely disorientated. Hearing Leif’s voice again so suddenly makes me realize just how much I’ve missed him.
‘Hi!’ I look up to find him standing right in front of me, hands braced on the edge of my desk.
‘Hi.’ The corners of his eyes crinkle with amusement. ‘Sorry if I scared you.’
‘You didn’t.’ I throw a quick look around the office, but we’re alone. Emika and Yuto have the day off after Austria, and Charlotte’s in a meeting. ‘What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be resting?’
‘Technically, yes, but it’s Montreal next weekend so my official excuse is that I’m getting a head start.’ He leans closer, his voice deepening. ‘Unofficially, I wanted to see you. Yuto’s a good minder, but he sucks at playingDestiny.’
‘Poor Yuto.’ A thrum of warmth ripples through me atthe words. Leif missed me too! And we’re alone. Maybe I could show him how pleased I am to see him again? If I’m quick …veryquick. I push myself upwards, lifting my lips to meet his, just as Charlotte comes through the door.
‘So I’ve been looking at your socials,’ I say loudly, dropping back down into my chair with a thump. ‘You’re at two million followers on Instagram.’
‘What?’ Leif looks briefly confused before he catches on, straightening up and rubbing his chin like he’s processing this information. ‘Is that good?’
‘In less than a month, absolutely. Your fanbase is growing.’
‘You know they’re calling you the Arctic Fox?’ Charlotte comes over to join us. ‘Congratulations for yesterday, by the way. The way you held off Quaid for the last ten laps was amazing. I was on the edge of my seat.’
‘Thanks.’
‘Hang on.’ I give a start as the first words he said finally sink into my brain. ‘Did you say you’veboughta house?’
‘Yes.’ His face splits into a grin. ‘I’ve been looking for a while and the deal went through last week. I moved in right before Austria.’ He pauses, glancing at Charlotte and then back to me. ‘So I thought we could do that video you talked about, the “at home” one?’
