Page 57 of Falling Fast
‘I guess that makes sense.’ I squeeze her arm. ‘You know I support you whatever you choose. And I’m so pleased you and Gio have worked things out.’
‘So am I. The past couple of months have been tough, but we’re going to stay with his family in Italy over the summer break and I can’t wait. We’re both desperate for a holiday.’ She lowers her voice. ‘What about you and Leif? It’s such a shame you can’t invite him to your graduation on Thursday.’
‘Mmm,’ I answer noncommittally. To be honest, I’m relieved my graduation clashes with a promotional event in London ahead of the British Grand Prix. Bringing a Formula 1 driver to a university ceremony would have provoked way too much attention, not least from my grandmother, who’s coming with Dan. My parents have repeatedly offered to come home from New Zealand – where they’re spending the next two months with my aunt Janice – to attend, but I’ve toldthem not to because it would cost far too much. They can always stream it online anyway.
‘You’re still meeting him after the race today, though, right?’ Maisie asks.
‘Yes. If you’re sure that’s OK?’
‘Of course! I’ll cover for you and bring your bags to the airport. Just go and have fun.’
‘Thanks.’ I feel a spring in my step as we continue along the grid. I’m so excited about today, and not just because of my sightseeing tour with Leif this evening. We also had a team meeting at HQ on Tuesday and everyone was in an optimistic mood. Bastian’s certain we’ll get points, and my imagination is already conjuring up social media posts to celebrate our imminent achievement. Maybe a photo of Leif on the podium, holding the trophy above his head, the sunlight glinting off his golden hair …Or, if the podium is a little far-fetched, Leif celebrating fifth or sixth place again. In which case, a photo of him afterwards, striding through the paddock or maybe leaning against a wall, looking sexy in sunglasses and a racing suit rolled down to his waist …
Or Corey could do it, I remind myself. Because we have two drivers.Two. I need to remember that before anybody notices our social media is getting a little one-sided. In fact, no matter what happens today, my next project will be all about Corey.
‘Who’s that with Leif?’
‘Mmm?’ I follow Maisie’s gaze to where my secret date for the evening is standing beside his car, talking to a woman with impossibly long balayage hair to match her impossibly long legs to complement her impossibly tiny waist. I recognize herinstantly, although despite my surprise I don’t feel even the tiniest bit jealous. I guess I really do trust Leif.
‘She looks familiar.’ Maisie purses her brow.
‘Ava!’ Yuto waves us over. ‘You can’t keep away from me, can you?’
‘I guess not.’ I laugh. ‘Yuto, this is my friend Maisie. Maisie, this is Yuto from the office.’
‘Good to meet you.’ He lifts a hand to high-five her. ‘I’ve heard lots of positive things.’
‘Ditto. Ava’s always saying how much she loves her job.’
‘So …’ I clear my throat. ‘Ashley Hart?’
‘Yeah.’ Yuto lifts his eyes skyward. ‘Nathan invited her despite what Leif said. She’s a guest of Rask’s today.’
‘That’s who it is!’ Maisie clicks her fingers. ‘Hey, why don’t we say hi? Leif!’ she calls out. ‘Hello again.’
‘Maisie.’ He turns his attention away from Ashley.
‘P7.’ She grins. ‘Congratulations.’
‘Thanks.’ His gaze shifts to me, intensifying like he’s trying to convey some message. ‘Hi, Ava.’
‘Hi.’ I give him a professional nod and then turn to Ashley. ‘Sorry to interrupt. I’m Ava, a communications officer for Rask, although I’m off-duty today.’
‘What an amazing job. I’m keeping everything crossed for you guys.’ She smiles between us. ‘I’ve told all my followers to support you.’
‘That’s great.’ As a communications officer, my heart lifts. Asme, I actually kind of like her too. I get the feeling we could probably have a decent conversation about Formula 1.
‘Oh no, you’re Gio Bauer’s girlfriend, aren’t you?’ Ashley’s eyes widen as she notices Maisie. ‘I’m so sorry. I totally love Fraser too.’
‘That’s OK.’ Maisie laughs, for once not objecting to the description. ‘Rask are my second favourite.’
‘It’s not a date,’ Leif murmurs to me as Ashley and Maisie fall into conversation. ‘I had no idea she was coming.’
‘I know.’ I give him a reassuring look. ‘Yuto told me.’
‘I’m going to wring Nathan’s neck.’
‘Don’t.’ I swing my arm so that it nudges gently against his. ‘He’s only doing his job and we have more important things to think about. Like our first official date tonight. I’m going to catch one of the shuttles into the city when the fans start leaving.’
