Kaiand I travel back to the hotel together, and I am grateful that we haven’t been swamped with fans as of yet. It normally kicks in a few days before race weekend, so it’s nice to be able to get out without being swarmed. I love my fans—they make the sport—but sometimes it is nice to go out without not being spotted.
“How’s it going at RedForce? Are you looking forward to the new season?” I ask as we walk through to the bar of the hotel. We’re sat over the back, tucked away as I order two black coffees.
“Yeah, it’s good. The car is different and I’ll be honest, I struggled in testing for a while. I just hope they don’t regret their decision to sign me.”
“You? Never.” I smirk and thank the waiter as he places the coffees down. “It takes time, you’ll find your feet.”
He nods, taking a sip of his black americano. “How about you? How’s the car feeling?”
“Good, I think we’ve cracked it. Do I think it’s a World Championship car? No. Can it be? Yes. Just got to find the sweet spot,” I murmur.
Sitting back, I press a finger to my lips as I look around the room. Most of the teams are staying here, which makes it feel comfortable in a way. Homely, I suppose, if that makes sense.
“When is the shadow arriving?” Kai catches me off guard and I slowly look at him.
“She’s here. Her name is Athena, but she goes under Opal Bloom.”
“Opal Bloom?”
I nod.
“What’s she like? Is she fit?”
I chuckle. “I don’t know, I haven’t looked at her like that. Is she pretty? Yes. But we had a brief meeting, and I didn’t give her the best first impression, if I’m honest.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah,” I say on an exasperated sigh.
“Did you fuck up?” He laughs.
Sighing, I give him a look and he laughs louder.
“What did you do?” he asks, edging himself on his seat, eyes playfully bouncing around my face.
“Nothing, it’s not a big deal, but yeah… wasn’t the greatest start.”
“Did you apologise?”
“Yeah.” I nod, curling my hand around my cup and bringing it to my lips as I take a large mouthful. “Said I would take her out tomorrow, make up for my douchiness.” I smirk. “Then, hopefully, we can start on the right foot.”
“Makes sense.” He nods, slowly sitting back in his chair, a boyish grin tugging at his lips.
“What?” My brows knit as I glare at him.
“She may be the one.” He winks and I roll my eyes in an over the top manner.
“Give over, will you.”
He chuckles to himself, his brows raising when something catches his eye. I follow his gaze and see Nora, Anaïs, and Athena walk in.
“Woah.” His eyes bug out of his head and I scowl at him.
“Stop that.” I lean across the table and dig my fist into the top of his arm, giving him a jab.
He laughs, rubbing where I my fist touched. “I bruise like a peach,” he mutters.
I smirk as I lower my gaze to where the three of them sit. They haven’t noticed us. They all look good.
