I’m not sure if I said the words out loud, too, but they echo my thoughts exactly. I turn to Johannes beside me and we both laugh at the same time, shifting so our knees clack together.
‘Oh, no. Now there’s two of them,’ Harper mutters, shaking his head at us across the booth.
‘I didn’t know you liked country music,’ Johannes says, and I can’t stop the grin that’s splitting my face. I’ve only had three beers, but there’s a thrum of excitement racing through my veins.
‘There’s probably a lot you don’t know about me.’ I don’t mean for it to sound as flirty as it comes out, but the words fizz in the very small space between us.
‘I’m sure.’ The energy between us is suddenly charged like I’ve never felt before with anyone. What I thought was going to be awkward drinks with colleagues and the enemy, now has sweat collecting at the nape of my neck. ‘What got you into country music?’ he asks.
‘Well, I was born and raised in Tennessee. I used to spend weekends getting the train to Nashville with my dad to see live music in bars and it was always country music. What about you?’
‘I actually have no idea. Neither of my parents are fans but I remember hearing Carrie Underwood for the first time and I was hooked.’ He’s smiling, his whole body turned into the conversation, shoulders hanging loosely once more. It’s so good to see him like this after witnessing him being so broken on the plane to Hungary. ‘God, Nashville though. I can’t believe how many times I’ve been to the US and never visited.’
‘I’ll have to show you the sights one day, all the local hangouts.’
‘I might just hold you to that.’ And I want him to. I hope he does. I hadn’t realised how much I wanted to see him smiling again and enjoying life.
He holds my gaze for a beat– two, three– then bites his lip and turns away.
I can’t believe the way the energy suddenly seems to crackle between us. There’s a churning feeling in my stomach and it’s not down to the ridiculous amount of ribs and wings we just consumed. I don’t remember the last time I felt like this. I’ve practically made myself immune to chemistry.
Johannes’s knee settles casually against mine and he doesn’t move it away. He’s speaking to Nils and Harper across the table, not even looking at me, but I feel every inch of that touch. I know I’m not reading too much into it. I know he feels it, too.
This is not a good idea, but I don’t move my leg away.
I shouldn’t have come tonight– and still I don’t pull my leg away.
My attention is thankfully pulled by Ash on the other side of me. I take a big gulp of beer and focus on what he’s saying. I’m intrigued by how these guys are all such good friends, despite being fierce competitors on the track.
‘How long have you two been at Hendersohm?’ I ask as Cole leans in across the table to be involved.
‘Like, six years now I think,’ Ash answers. ‘I was Elijah’s race engineer and now I’m Harper’s.’
‘Dare I ask who you prefer?’ The three of us chuckle before he mocks zipping his lips.
‘That would be like choosing a favourite child, which is weird considering I’m only a couple of years older than Elijah. They both have their qualities– Elijah’s easier to talk to in high-tension moments, but Harper offers a ton of insight. It surprises people when I tell them how smart he is about the car and race.’
He’s gone from being a rookie to being on top of the racing world in such a short amount of time, and that’s simply not possible unless you truly understand the drive.
‘I’ve been with Hendersohm for longer than I care to admit, but I can’t imagine not working there. I started the year the team was formed– Kian’s rookie year,’ Cole replies.
I can’t even imagine what it would be like to be a part of Kian’s story. He’s going to forever be one of the biggest legends in this sport.
‘I bet you were sad when he decided to retire?’ Even I remember the little clench in my chest as I watched his final press conference.
‘Yeah, but it was his time. I wouldn’t have wanted him to race if his heart wasn’t in it anymore. Plus, who doesn’t want to go out on a high?’
‘Yeah, his last season was incredible. I’d say the sport isn’t the same without him, but the potential of the kids coming into this level of racing right now is astounding.’
I’m thinking of drivers like Nils, who’s having a career-changing season so far. It’s like he’s finally comfortable in the car and is just shining.
‘No kidding,’ Ash chimes in. ‘I look at our academy team and I can’t believe how well they perform. It’s insane. There’s so much promise. Not that I think we’ll ever get Elijah out of a car. When his leg was broken and he couldn’t race, it only ramped up his love for the sport.’
I can see that. The way he’s been performing since that season out, it’s like he’s even hungrier. He’s yet to win a championship, but he warms the other podium spots like no other driver.
We start discussing our reserve drivers, then the new regulations that are being whispered about, and then the fact that both Cole and Ash have lived in the US at some point in their life. We share amusing stories from being on the radios with drivers, and someone keeps bringing rounds of drinks. Ihaven’t even got a single round in yet– I have no idea who’s paid for everything we’ve had so far. When I look down at my smart watch, I see it’s just past midnight and I can’t stifle the yawn that comes out.
‘Past my bedtime,’ I say to the pair. I turn to Johannes to ask him to let me out but he’s not there and my path is clear. ‘Going to the bar. Be back in a second.’ They both nod at me but are quickly distracted by Harper and Nils.
