Ollie’s smile was knowing.“Look, I get it.Lily is brilliant.She’s beautiful and a catch.”
I said nothing.
“Which is why we’ve been hanging out,” he continued, examining his nails casually.“Last night, we were at her hotel until past midnight, chatting away about old times.Tonight, I’m taking her out to dinner.”
My hands clenched at my sides, but I kept my face neutral.
“Something you can’t do.”His voice was light, conversational, even if the intent was anything but.“But me?I’m not a driver anymore.Lily and I can do whatever we want.So maybe step back.Let her be happy with someone who won’t tank her career.”
Ollie took advantage of my inability to speak, patting me on the back with mock sympathy.“Good luck this weekend, mate.Weather forecast says rain for qualifying.Hope you can keep it together out there.”
The blood drained from my face.He knew.Somehow, he knew about the fear, the hesitation, the way my hands shook every time the track got wet.
But I shouldn’t have been surprised; he’d watched me have an accident before.
“Get out.”
“Touchy.”He raised his hands in mock surrender, backing toward the door.“Just trying to be supportive.”
“Get.Out.”
He left whistling, the door clicking shut behind him with infuriating softness.
I stood there in the silence, gripping my bag so tight the strap cut into my palm, before pulling out my phone, checking the weather app.
Rain for qualifying.My hands were already shaking.
I grabbed my jacket and left before anyone else could find me.
Chapter Sixteen
Lily
The restaurant Ollie chose was tucked away in a quiet street, far enough from the circuit to feel like an escape.Warm amber light spilled from tall windows, and inside, white tablecloths and flickering candles created an intimate atmosphere that felt worlds away from the harsh glare of the studio.
A hostess led us to a corner table, menus already waiting.The low murmur of conversation mixed with soft classical music playing from hidden speakers.
Ollie pulled out my chair.“I figured we both needed something a bit nicer than the paddock cafeteria.”
“You’re not wrong,” I said, settling into the seat and accepting the menu from the hostess.
Once we’d ordered, Ollie leaned back, candlelight playing across his features.
“Thanks for coming,” he said.“I know today was rough.”
“That’s putting it mildly.”I took a sip of water, trying to wash away the bitter taste the interview had left.“Those questions were patronizing at best.”
“I know.Production really pushed for that angle.I fought them on it, but for the pilot episode—”
“It’s fine,” I said, picking at my salad.“At least it’s over.”
Ollie nodded.
“So, how did the interview with Henri go?”I asked, trying to shift the conversation to something a little easier.“For the Hermes documentary?”
He was quiet for a moment, swirling the wine in his glass.“It was… difficult.Or, at least, he was difficult.”
“Really?”That surprised me, considering it was essentially a press piece on how Hermes was F1’s most beloved team.Felix had done nothing but rant about it in the office since it’d been announced.
