“Jessica, just be careful, okay?” he tells me, and I nod with a reassuring smile.
Even though I can’t tell him, Luke Hastings and I were done before it even started, so he has nothing to worry about.
Chapter 15
LUKE
After I’ve passed by the Star News spot too many times without seeing Jessica the entire weekend, I start to wonder if she quit.
But then why would Andrew tell me she was out with Audi just a few days ago?
Either she’s avoiding the paddock and me like the plague, or she’s doing something else.
It’s not like I can ask around more about her without raising even more suspicion. Andrew is already looking at me like I’m up to no good, and he can’t decide what to do with me. He’s probably seen me more times than ever during a race weekend, hanging around, hoping I’ll run into her sometime during the weekend.
So far, I’ve had no luck, and now I’m running out of time.
I’ll soon start getting ready for the race, and then I’m jetting off this evening, not by my choice. My agent already planned the flight, and it’s not like I could tell her we needto wait since I’m busy stalking a reporter who wants nothing to do with me.
Once again, I have to give in on seeing Jessica in the media zone. With all the time I’ve spent here this weekend, I’ve never given so many interviews.
I had to make at least it seem like I had a purpose for being there.
This weekend has been tough on our team, but luckily, it’s been even worse for Audi. We’re aiming for a top five finish, while they struggled to even make it into the top ten in qualifying.
I’ll start in P5, with Hayden in P7 and Peter all the way back in P10. If I keep that guy behind me, I should be able to close some of the gap between us.
It won’t give me the championship lead, but hopefully Japan will be a better track for us, and I’ll get my revenge then.
I accept my defeat of not seeing Jessica again before I head back to my garage and start preparing for the race.
???
When the lights go out, I go all out down the straight. I check my mirrors and see Hayden battling with the driver behind me.
I stay focused ahead and push down on the gaspedal. During the first few laps, I struggle to control the tire temperature and manage only to gain one position, moving up to P4. The three drivers ahead of me have managed to build a few seconds’ lead, which will be tough to close.
After about twenty laps, the teams begin making their pit stops. My pit stop is decent, and by around lap thirty-five, when everyone has pitted at least once, I’ve managed to hold onto my position.
I struggle with the tires, not getting a good feel of the car throughout the whole race. Hayden seems to be doing well, and my race engineer updates me over the radio that he’s up to P5, right behind me.
When I pass the checkered flag and finish lap 57, I let out a breath of relief.
This race was a constant battle with the car, leaving me tired and aching all over. After cooling down with the team and taking a quick shower to relax my muscles, I head to the interview zone.
One last chance to see her before I catch my flight.
Hopefully, she’ll be there.
When I arrive at the interview zone, there’s total chaos.
Apparently, Peter caused a scene after the race, being his usual asshole self, so now everymedia outlet is rushing around, trying to get comments from anyone and everyone. I try to look over to Star News, but the crowd between me and their spot is endless.
I start making my way over there, determined to at least try and talk to Jessica if she’s here.
When I finally get within sight of their team, my shoulders drop.
She’s not here, just like every other time I looked all weekend.
