Page 83 of Falling Fast
‘For your contract. You already aced the interview, remember?’
‘Oh … that’s … I mean …’ I stutter incoherently because I can’t deal with this right now. My mind is too full of Leif and Rask. ‘Sorry, I’m just so tired. It’s been a rough week.’
‘I get it. The situation with Corey. Poor guy.’ Jasper shakes his head. ‘If you see him, give him my best, and I’ll see you soon, OK?’
‘Yes. Great.’ I nod emphatically. ‘Thank you.’
My phone buzzes again as I walk away. It’s another message from Emika telling me to hurry up, but I definitely can’t celebrate now. If I see Leif, I won’t be able to stop myself from confronting him and I don’t want to spoil the party for everyone else.
Instead I text to say I’m too tired, then turn my phone off and head back to the hotel. The paddock is still bustling with people, but I keep my head down, weaving my way determinedly through the crowd. Now the first shock has passed, I’m left with anger. I thought Leif was devoted to us – to Rask, I mean. After everything he’s said about Bastian giving him a chance in Formula 1, about loyalty and family, how can he just walk away? Maybe my behaviour hasn’t been the best either, but I thought he was the kind of guy who could be trusted.
Now, it turns out I didn’t know him at all.
With a podium finish for both their drivers, Bastian Aalto and the whole Rask team have silenced their critics – and Philip Sawyer – once and for all. They must be on top of the world!
@MotorsportEchoNews, 19 October
TWENTY-SEVEN
I HONESTLY INTENDED TO pack. Only when I passed through the casino on the way back to my hotel room I decided that losing some money at blackjack was a much better idea, after which I felt compelled to continue my streak of poor life choices by raiding the mini bar and brooding.
So now it’s 5.30 a.m. and I finallyampacking, stuffing my belongings into my bag with no regard for my usual system. I’m not even folding. Me, Ava Yearwood,notfolding! If Dan could see me now, he’d call a doctor.
‘There you are!’ Emika bursts into the room. ‘I can’t believe the airport bus gets here in thirty minutes. You missed such a great party! I haven’t slept all night!’ She swaps her Rask T-shirt for a clean one and then starts flinging clothes into her suitcase, running back and forth between the wardrobe and the bathroom. ‘How are you feeling? You must have been really exhausted yesterday.’
‘Something like that.’ I sit down on the edge of the bed. ‘I had a private party. Very exclusive. Just me and the mini bar.’ I hiccup. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll pay.’
‘Wow.’ She stops to look at me, her fingers making a circular motion in the air. ‘It seems like we ought to talk about this – whateverthisis – but there’s no time right now.’
‘Don’t worry about it. I’ll meet you down in the lobby.’
‘Are you sure?’ She gives me a suspicious look.
‘Yes! I haven’t drunk that much, honestly.’ I hold a hand up. ‘Look, five fingers!’
‘OK.’ She picks up her suitcase and heads for the door. ‘Don’t make me come back up here!’
‘I won’t,’ I promise as I lie back on the bed and close my eyes. She’s right – I should get my shit together and go down to the lobby with everyone else, but this is so much more comfortable.
I twist my head sideways at the sound of a knock. I’d prefer to ignore it, but since it’s probably Emika again, back to collect the oversized denim jacket she’s left hanging on the chair, I get up and drag my feet to the door. I’m already there by the time it occurs to me she could have just used her key card.
Cautiously, I place my eye to the peep-hole and then wrench the door open.
‘You!’ I glare at Leif.
‘Yes, me.’ He doesn’t wait for an invite, pushing his way into the room and slamming the door behind him. ‘Ava, where the hell have you been all night? I’ve been up here at least half a dozen times, looking for you.’
‘Not that it’s any of your business …’ I thrust my chin into the air, vaguely remembering some knocking. ‘But I’ve had things to do.’
‘Oh, really?’ His jaw clenches. ‘You know, I get that you don’t care aboutmeany more, but I thought you’d at least come and celebrate with the team. It’s our first win.’
‘Ourfirst win?’ I repeat scornfully. ‘Our?’
‘Yes! Bastian booked out a whole restaurant. Everyone was there.’
‘Not everyone.’ I waggle a finger in front of his face. ‘Robbo went to bed.’
‘Robbo?’ He looks confused. ‘From tech?’
