Trust me.
“Lily, you’ve shown exceptional racing this season, particularly your overtake on me in Monaco.That corner entry required precision and commitment.”I paused, letting the serious tone settle.“But I’m curious, when you’re making those split-second decisions at 200 miles per hour, do you ever worry about chipping your nail polish?”
For a split second, the studio was silent, save for some uncomfortable snickering from people sat behind me.
After another brief pause, Lily’s hand flew to her mouth, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she dissolved into genuine laughter—the first real, unguarded expression I’d seen from her all night.
There she is.There’s my Lily.
She gave me a shocked, questioning laugh before answering.“Constantly, Henri.It’s my biggest fear out there.”She wiped at her eyes.“That’s why I only use gel.Regular polish can’t handle the g-forces.”
Éliott was already on his feet, catching on immediately.“I’ve got one.Lily, serious question about Silverstone’s high-speed corners.When you’re pushing through the corners at full speed, do you worry that the g-forces might cause some… premature aging?And if so, what’s your skincare routine to combat that?”
“Éliott, the only thing causing me premature aging is racing you.”Lily’s face lit up with genuine amusement.
“Follow-up question then.Do you use different products for qualifying versus race day?You know, for optimal aerodynamics?”
Lily promptly spat out the sip of water she’d just taken, laughing.“Race day requires SPF 50, minimum.Can’t have sun damage affecting my downforce.”
Éliott nodded.“Excellent, I also use SPF on my skin to protect it from the sun.Turns out, that stuff is for men too.”
Lily just snorted at that.
Luca stood next, not bothering to wait for permission.“My turn.Lily, you mentioned earlier about preparation and execution.Can you walk us through your mental preparation process before a qualifying session?And more importantly, doesracing in heelsaffect your brake pedal pressure, or do you switch to flats for that?”
The entire front row of drivers erupted into laughter.Georgia buried her face in her hands, shoulders shaking.Ollie’s face had almost gone white.At least I knew he’d got the point, as had the audience members in the room.
“I find stilettos give me better feel through the pedals, actually,” Lily deadpanned.“The extra three inches helps me see over the halo.”
“Brilliant strategy.”Luca nodded sagely.“I should try that.”
“I think you’d look excellent in heels, Luca.I believe your fiancée can loan you a pair.”
“Fat chance!”Georgia snickered.
After that, Ollie reeled the questions back in, making sure to pick out fans sitting way in the back.
Once the final question was answered, Ollie thanked everyone for coming and then promptly left the stage, not pausing to bid farewell to Lily or anyone else in the room.The door swung shut behind him with a loud thud, leaving an awkward silence.
Lily glanced over, a playful smirk in her eyes.“Well, that went differently than planned.Thanks for the assist.”
I chuckled.“Anytime.Maybe next time they’ll think before cramming a bunch of silly questions into an interview with another female driver.”
After another ten minutes with the group, I noticed Lily yawning.“Hey, you want an escort back to your hotel?”
Lily nodded, and we stepped out into the cool evening.The streets were quieter than I expected, most people already home for dinner.We walked in comfortable silence for a block, our shoulders occasionally brushing.
“You know, Max hasn’t shut up about you.Says you drive like someone stole your lunch money.”
“High praise from someone who took out three hay bales.”
“Four, actually.He went back and counted.”
I paused like I was waiting for an opportune moment to ask my real question.“Those betting questions tonight bothered you,” I said finally.Not a question.
She wrapped her arms around herself despite the jacket.“I shouldn’t have given Ollie that last quote.My sponsor is going to be pissed—I just know it.”
“I wish you’d tell someone—”
