Page 89 of Falling Fast
‘I’ll start.’ He puts a hand on my arm and squeezes. ‘Now, let me make that tea.’
I’m incredibly grateful for the offer, but I’ve decided to stay with Rask
Ava Yearwood to Jasper Ramirez, 21 October
TWENTY-NINE
BECAUSE MY BODY CLOCK is a mess, I wake up at 5 a.m. on Tuesday morning in Dan’s spare bedroom feeling like I’ve just had a triple shot of espresso. On the plus side, a day of sleep, followed by an evening of pizza and video games with my big brother, followed by yet more sleep, seems to have brought clarity, because suddenly I know what I have to do.
I drive home, get showered and changed, and then drive to Quezada HQ. The journey takes a little over an hour, but I have just enough time to get there and back before work and this is something I should do in person. Unfortunately, it turns out I can’t even enter the driveway without an appointment, so instead I stop my car by the side of the road, where a low hedge allows me a view of the building in the distance.
Even from a mile away it’s impressive: bright and gleaming like a beacon in the early morning light. Gazing at it reminds me of being fifteen, watching as Salvador Torres took the win for Quezada in Melbourne. That was the first time I’d taken an interest in anything for months and I remember how it felt so clearly, like a faint tendril ofsunlight was peeking through the grey clouds fogging my brain. Quezada got me through the worst time of my life. It gave me focus, something to aim for, a reason to get up off the sofa and go back to school. I’ll always be grateful for that, but it’s also served its purpose. Because now I know with every fibre of my being that if I leave Rask I’ll regret it. Whether Leif forgives me or not, no matter how painful it is to be close to him, I want to stay.
I reach for my phone, write a short email to Jasper, take a long breath and then hit send. Quezada will always have a special place in my heart. It’s just not where I want to be right now. Maybe some day, but not yet.
THE FRONT DOOR OF Rask is locked and the reception looks empty, which is weird because I’m half an hour late, thanks to traffic, so I have to use my security pass to enter through one of the side doors. I’m still buzzing with energy and purpose, and my pulse is racing. Now I know what I’ve got to say to Leif, I want to find him as quickly as possible.
But all the corridors are deserted. Ditto the factory. Ditto every single room I walk past. I’m beginning to think I’ve missed a memo telling everyone to take the day off when I hear the sound of shuffling feet and loud murmurs coming from the canteen.
‘What’s going on?’ I ask the first person I meet.
‘It’s Leif.’ The man – Matt? Martin? Mike? from IT – tips his head towards me. ‘He’s called a meeting and this is the only place big enough to fit all of us.’
I start tapping my foot at hearing Leif’s name. I was half afraid he might not come in today, but if he’s called a meeting he must be here. Matt/Martin/Mike is right, though, itseems like every single Rask employee is crammed into this one room. ‘Did he say what it’s about?’
‘The contract rumours probably.’ He makes a scornful sound. ‘I heard that Fraser have offered him five million.’
‘I heard it was six,’ the woman next to him chimes in.
‘Sixmillion?’ I gasp. Loyalty or not, how could anyone turn down that kind of money?
My companion looks like he’s about to say something else when a hush falls over the room and I turn to see Leif climb up on to one of the counters. My heart somersaults at the sight of him, though for a man who won a GP two days ago he looks pretty terrible. There are dark smudges around his eyes and he clearly hasn’t shaved, but his jaw is set with determination.
‘Thank you for coming.’ He clears his throat. ‘I’m sorry to interrupt your work, but I wanted to address the rumours about me moving to Fraser. I’m told there’s been a lot of speculation, so I wanted you all to be the first to know that I’ve just signed a two-year contract with Rask. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far this year and I want to take us even further. I think we can be the best team in F1. So I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying here with you, my Rask family.’
There’s a huge cheer, a spontaneous outburst from every corner of the room that gets even louder as he reaches a hand down and pulls Bastian on to the counter beside him.
‘I also thank you for coming.’ Our team principal looks embarrassed to be the centre of attention. ‘And I have another piece of news. I spoke to Mark Haddon yesterday evening and I’m delighted to announce that Quinn Sommers will be staying with us for the remainder of the season.’
There’s another even louder cheer. I’m starting to think that Leif should have called this meeting outside because we’re in danger of bringing the roof down. As bad as everyone feels for Corey, having a permanent female driver is a big –really big– deal.
‘So let’s keep fighting!’ Bastian concludes, a mischievous smile spreading across his face. ‘I know we can win again and we’re sure as hell going to try. Now get back to work, all of you!’
I don’t join in with the laughter. Instead, the moment he and Leif jump down off the counter I fight my way forward, pushing my elbows out and wriggling through the throng of people. Everyone is happy and smiling, but I’m full of butterflies. This is the moment. It’s now or never.
‘Leif!’ I burst through the crowd in front of him, panting with the exertion.
‘Ava?’ His eyes widen at the sight of me.
‘I’m staying too,’ I blurt out.
‘What?’
‘I’ve turned down Quezada’s offer. Not just because of you,’ I add hastily, as his brow tightens. ‘I want what you said as well, to stay and build a winning team. And if you say our relationship is over, then I’ll understand and we’ll keep things totally professional, but I’m really hoping you’ll give me a chance to explain before you decide.’
‘Relationship?’ Vienna appears at Leif’s shoulder, accompanied by Bastian.
‘Yes. I’m sorry.’ I lift my chin. ‘Leif and I have been seeing each other for a while and I convinced him not to tell anyone. It’s totally my fault, and if you need to discipline me I’ll understand, but if you could give me a secondchance too, that would be great. I’d really love to stay, if you still want me?’
