“Mind if we try again and switch things up a bit?” I ask, scanning the outputs and recommendations.
I love technology.
Elio looks at me doubtfully. “Why? I keep doing the same thing and getting the same result. Didn’t Einstein say that’s the definition of insanity?”
My eyes flash up, colliding with Elio’s. I didn’t expect someone likehim—basically a grown version of a preppy jock—to know who Einstein is, let alone one of his most infamous quotes.
Something tells me there’s a lot more to Elio than what he shows the world.
“I was running the team’s built-in strategy for you. I can run my own.” I pause when Elio brightens a bit.I should get something out of this.“My condition is that you give Asher a chance.”
His expression shuts down. “No,” he emphasizes.
“Yes,” I volley back. “This feud between the two of you is ridiculous.” I lean forward. “The fact that you usedmeto rile him is personally insulting. I’m letting that slide because I understand he’s been an asshole, but he’s trying to turn a new leaf. You want my help? I’ll give it.”Some of it.“If it works, I’ll pass everything I learn and all mysuggestions to your team. But only if you give me your word that you’re going to keep an open mind with Asher.”
Elio’s jaw clenches. He inhales a few deep breaths, shaking his head. “You don’t get it, do you? Lawrence has only exhibited two behaviors consistently; cruelty and unreliability. He might be different because he’s trying to get inside you, but—”
I stand from my seat, incensed. “Finish that fucking sentence, golden boy,” I hiss. I grip the edges of the table and lean forward. “Idareyou.”
Elio wisely shuts the fuck up. Guilt flashes through his expression. “I’m sorry,” he says after a beat. “That was… beneath me. I’m sorry.”
Maybe he’s not a complete sellout and jerk. Anger buzzes beneath my skin at his insinuation, mixed with worry over how obvious Asher and I must be foreveryoneto already be catching on. That needs to be addressed in the near future.
In the interim… “People change. They evolve. If you want me to help your evolution as a driver—something I think I can do—you’ll help Asher’s evolution as a person. And if you ever,eversuggest something so lewd again, you can forget about any assistance or comradery from me.” And if I’m feeling super vindictive, I’ll also mention the situation to Sterling and suggest he switch sponsorships. He might ignore me, but he did show adeepinterest in my program at the gala. There’s a chance he’ll be inclined to listen to me.
Elio clenches his jaw. Looks down at his shoes. “Do you really think he’s changed, Victoria?” he meetsmy eyes. “Or is he just acting that way for temporary personal gain?”
A seed of doubt plants itself in my stomach, spreading discomfort throughout my body.
“I don’t know.” I dislike the ring of honesty in my tone. What if Asherisjust temporarily acting nicer to get what he wants? “In either case, the bullshit between you two needs to end. Agree to help end it, even if that’ll only be temporary, and I’ll spend the rest of my afternoon doing what your team has failed to for years.”
“Which is?”
“Building a strategy aroundyouinstead of the concept of success.” The only leverage I have is that I helped Asher make massive strides overnight, but that’s because he already had the skills and just needed to pull his head out of his ass. Hopefully that’ll be enough to entice Elio.
The ideal scenario is helping thisteamrise through the ranks and gain points instead of just Asher. That’s only possible if the two drivers start working together as they should instead of competing against each other.
“Fine.” Elio nods. “Put me back in.” He pauses, gazing at me. “You know… I don’t think I ever apologized.” He clears his throat. “For my behavior on that first flight. For grilling my PA and then mentioning your surrogate father.” His lips thin. “And for being harsh at the club.”
“You didn’t,” I agree. “I appreciate that you’re doing it now. Apology accepted. Now please get back in the simulator so we can actually do something productive with our time.”
The next three hours are spent in painstaking tests.
By the end of it, Elio rises from the bottom of the ranks to P16. Not the best, but not the worst—and I give him a series of tests and practices to run on his own to hone his skills.
After that, he agrees to give Asher an actual chance. But, no matter how good I feel about the progress, I can’t help but think on what he said. Whetheranyof us can trust the sudden changes in Asher to hold… and what might happen if he reverts to the person he’s been for years.
“Bitch,spill,” Keith hisses that night.
He, Delilah and I have finally found a time to connect and chat after a while of me blowing them off… and now I feel like I’m in front of the firing squad.
Delilah, as always, is marking up case files with a red pen, but I know she’s still paying attention.
Keith is waving a tube of ridiculously expensive lipstick as he rants about me not regarding my best friends as the sacred people they are.
“You two act like you’re entitled to know everything about my love life.” My tone is coated in a thick layer of exasperation.
“Weare!” Keith half-shouts. “What else are best friends for?”
