“It shows poor judgment.”She thrust the tablet at me again.“47,000 likes.Every single comment speculating about you two.This is exactly what Rennen and your sponsors don’t want.”
I checked my reflection in the mirror.“I’m allowed to have a life outside of what Rennen wants.”
“Not when that life threatens everything I’ve worked for.”She gathered her things, her disappointment filling the room like exhaust fumes.
“We’veworked for,” I corrected.
“We?” My mother’s laugh was nothing short of amused.“Did you negotiate your first sponsorship at fourteen?Did you convince Valkyrie to give an unknown British girl a chance?”
I didn’t bother looking at her, just continued to apply my makeup.This was an argument we’d had over and over again, and there was no winning it.
“Speaking of putting in work,” she continued.“Ollie’s live taping for theHome Stretchpodcast is tonight.Eight o’clock at the studio.”
My stomach felt sick.I’d managed to forget about that commitment; pushed it so far back in my mind it had almost disappeared entirely.But there was no getting out of this one.Home Stretchhad become a staple in the paddock, and the fans loved it.
“Hopefully he doesn’t ask me about my beauty routine this time,” I said sarcastically, capping my mascara with more force than necessary.“TheRacing in Heelssegment was a disaster.”
“You’re being overly dramatic.”My mother waved her hand dismissively.“Tons of people loved that segment.”
“Have you actually read the comments?”I turned from the mirror to face her.“Because they’re calling it sexist.There’s a petition with thousands of signatures demanding the segment be canceled.”
“Those are just people looking for something to be offended about.”
“Those areracing fanswho wanted to hear about my driving, not my makeup choices.”I grabbed my paddock pass and bag, slinging it over my shoulder.“Ollie made me look like I care more about fashion than Formula 1.I’m tired of being treated like a novelty act instead of a championship contender.”
My mother crossed her arms, letting her fingers tap in slow progression.“Then maybe you should start acting like one instead of joyriding with Henri Dubois.”
That one hit hard, and my mother took advantage of the silence.
“I’ll send a car at seven fifteen.”She scrolled through her tablet, all business now.“Please wear the black Rennen polo dress I packed in your suitcase.It photographs well under studio lights.And for God’s sake, do something with your hair.That ponytail makes you look twelve.”
The closed softly behind her, leaving me alone with the weight of tonight’s podcast.Usually I was excited for theHome Stretchlive taping, as it signified the start of Silverstone, but this time I was dreading it.I picked up my phone, Henri’s text still glowing on the screen.
Henri:
Archie misses you.
Lily:
Tell him I miss him too.
Henri:
Can’t wait to see you tonight.Got the whole crew coming, you’regoing to kill it.
I smiled at that.
A knock interrupted my thoughts.Andy entered with two protein shakes and his usual easy grin, his presence immediately making the room feel warmer.
“Saw your mother in the hallway,” he snorted.“Always a pleasure.”
I rolled my eyes, taking the protein shake from his hand.
“Just visiting to remind me about my duties.”
He let out a short huff.“Wish she remembered her duty as a mother.”
I gave him a look that said, “Don’t start,” and he put his hands up.
