‘I’ve lookedeverywhere. It’s not here!’
Something in her eyes changes. ‘Well, you need to leave now, and that’s your only option. Make peace with it.’
I cover my face with both hands and drag it down. This is anightmare. How did it even happen? Six race suits have been sitting in my driver room since Wednesday. Six! I used one yesterday; another for the sprint earlier this afternoon. Fourpairs of socks should be left. Where could they be? Think, Jack,think!
‘While you have an existential debate with yourself, I’ll find another pair,’ she mutters, and slips out.
‘Please find Georgie,’ I squeak after her.
I take a deep, measured breath and flop on the couch. I’ve got to calm the fuck down. This is no way to start qualifying. I’m an absolute state. I’ll come plum last.
In the middle of splashing cold water on my face, Georgie bursts in without knocking. I’m about to explain when she hands me a brand new pair of socks, the packaging removed. They look exactly like my old pair.
‘These are your socks,’ she says, and points to my left foot. ‘This is not yours anymore; it’s rubbish. Put it in the bin.’
I do as she says.
‘Now your kit’s exactly like every other race,’ she goes on. ‘I’ll make sure you’re there on time. Just focus on getting ready.’ And with that she turns and closes the door behind her.
I’m still unspooling as we speed-walk to the garage. I’m practicing my count breathing, box breathing, visualising starting on pole. I’m not stressed, I’m pumped. I’m not shaken, I’m excited. I can do this. I’m more than capable. This track is mine.
Fucking hell I’m screwed.
My balaclava, helmet and gloves are exactly where they should be. My sock was a blip; qualifying will go smoothly. I have the power to make it so.
‘Hey Jack,’ Micah says, and I pause putting my balaclava on. What does he want? He never comes over to my side of the garage before a race. In fact, he never comes over period.
‘Yeah? What is it?’ I say, my face searching to find the head hole.
‘I found an extra sock in my room. Figured it might be yours.’
I stiffen.
That little?—
‘It’s still there if you need it.’ He shrugs like it’s no big deal, whilst beingextremelyaware what size of a deal it is. ‘I’ll give it to you later if not. Have a good quali.’ And with that, he returns to his side.
What. The. Actual. Fuck.
Why didn’t he ever cross my mind? I’m such a flamingidiot.
I’m still staring after him when Georgie returns. ‘Helmet, Jack. It’s time.’ She scrutinises me. Scowling into thin air has that effect on people. ‘Are you ok? Did those visualisations help?’
I don’t know how to tell her without descending into a full-on panic attack, or dragging Micah out the car and beating the living shit out of him. I settle for chugging down electrolyte water. ‘Yeah.’
‘Great. It’s time. Gloves on. Helmet on.’
How could he stoop that low? I’d never do that to him. He’s always been more into mind games than me – a strategic ‘good luck’ here, a casual knock-down during a press conference there – butmessingwith myritual?
He thinks a stunt like that will give him a shot at pole.
Not today, pal. Not today.
Chapter 10
MINNIE
I’m riding so high on the walk from the media centre to the Team Village that I almost skip. Mum’s plan is already yielding excellent results. I secured some incredible interviews today – RaceX’s team principal, Eilo’s engineer, Étienneandhis teammate Tom.
