Page 91 of Falling Fast
‘Really?’ A combination of relief and joy and desire bursts to life inside me. ‘Does that mean you want me to stay?’
‘Only if it’s what you really want.’ His expression turns serious again. ‘If Quezada means so much to you, then I don’t want you to give it up. We can find a way to make thiswork, even if it means being at different teams, in different countries.’
‘Quezada does mean a lot to me,’ I admit. ‘But you and Rask mean more.’
‘Then I guess we’re both staying.’ He lowers his mouth to mine and our captive audience goes wild.
This must be what winning a world championship feels like.
It’s the final race in the season, and with Giovanni Bauer already a double world champion, all that’s left to decide is the Constructors’ championship. With Quezada currently in first place and Fraser in second, the big question is whether Rask Racing can take third place from Gold Dart. There’s only six points in it, and given the performance of their two drivers, Leif Olsen and Quinn Sommers, over the past four races, most pundits are backing Rask. It’s hard to remember the last time a team turned their fortunes around so spectacularly within a season. Let’s see if they can get their fairy-tale ending today.
@MotorsportEchoNews, 7 December
THIRTY
‘WISH ME LUCK.’ LEIF slides an arm around my waist and pulls me against him, kissing me goodbye at the entrance to the garage.
‘Good luck,’ I murmur, pushing my hands through his hair and lacing them behind his head. It’s the last race of the year and I’m here in Suzuka as a spectator for once, as ‘Leif Olsen’s official, absolutely-not-secret girlfriend’, as Emika, Yuto and Charlotte now insist on calling me. The day after my big announcement in the canteen, I arrived at work to find the words engraved on a plaque on my desk. I have a feeling it’s going to be a long time before I live that speech down.
‘You know, this time in a week, we’ll be on a beach.’ Leif smiles against my lips. ‘I can’t wait.’
‘Mmm.’ I respond by rubbing my nose against his. ‘Usually when people say that, they’re talking about somewhere warm, not the side of a fjord. How many layers do I need to pack again?’
‘Lots. Think thermals and wool. You’ll need them for watching the Northern Lights.’
‘And husky sledding?’
‘And staying in an ice hotel.’
‘It sounds amazing.’ I sigh blissfully. ‘I can’t wait to meet your foster family too. I just hope they like me as much as my parents love you.’
‘It’ll be tough. I mean, I’m prettyadorable.’ He rubs a hand over his chin and I regret, yet again, sharing Charlotte’s description of him.
‘Hey, cut it out, you two!’ Yuto’s voice interrupts us. ‘I thought I spoke to you about all the PDAs yesterday.’
‘You did.’ I step back and attempt to look shame-faced. ‘I’m sorry.’
‘I’m not.’ Leif pulls me back again.
‘Just get us more points than Gold Dart and I’ll let you kiss as much as you want.’ Yuto grins. ‘Get on the podium again and I’ll carry her up to you.’
‘Ahem, what about me?’ Quinn appears from the other direction, accompanied by Emika. ‘What will I get in exchange for a podium?’
‘Will undying respect and gratitude be enough?’ Yuto lifts an eyebrow.
‘It’s a start.’
‘Good luck today,’ I say to Quinn. ‘And congratulations again on the contract for next year.’
‘Thanks.’ Her smile is strained. ‘I only wish the circumstances were different. I can’t help feeling like I’ve profited from Corey’s misfortune. It must have been terrible, being told his career is over because of nerve damage. He must be devastated.’
I exchange a quick glance with Leif. According to him, devastated isn’t the half of it, but there’s no need to tell Quinn that.
‘If anyone can bounce back, it’s Corey.’ I try to sound reassuring. ‘I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if he’s back next year as a pundit.’
‘I hope so.’ She tips her head towards the garage. ‘Now I’d better get in there. Are you going to stay here and watch?’
‘No, I’m meeting Maisie in the Media Centre. Neutral territory.’
