Falling Fast

PROLOGUE

I’m so impressed I can’t move. I just stand and stare, pulse racing, until the lift doors start closing again and I have to quickly wriggle through the gap to avoid missing my floor.

It’s not the most dignified start to my interview, but thankfully nobody is looking in my direction.

They’re all busy, doing important Quezada-related things, so I smooth my hands down my black blazer, check that my long auburn hair is still neatly restrained in a sleek ponytail and allow myself a moment to breathe in the atmosphere.

I want this job so badly I can taste it.

Since it’s going to look weird if I don’t move soon, however, I straighten my shoulders and head for the nearest desk.

All the furnishings are yellow, making the office look like the interior of some gigantic beehive, buzzing with activity.

But then Quezada isn’t just a racing team; they’re a global brand.

Even people who don’t like cars have heard of them.

‘Hi.’ I greet the receptionist. ‘I have a ten o’clock appointment with Jasper Ramirez.’

‘That’s me.’ A man of around forty, with green eyes and shoulder-length dark hair, answers from a few feet away, standing up from where he’s perched on the edge of a desk. ‘You’re right on time.’

‘Ava Yearwood.’ I give him a firm handshake.

‘Also known as Single Seat News.’ He smiles as he says the name of my podcast. ‘Welcome to Quezada, Ava.’

I smile back because the words sound like music to my ears. ‘Thank you. I’m happy to be here.’

‘The feeling is mutual. Let’s get the formalities over with, shall we?’ He waves a hand, gesturing for me to follow him. ‘Come this way.’

Jasper’s corner office is glass on all four sides – two of which have views of landscaped gardens – with an impractical white carpet and minimal decor.

There are only three pieces of furniture in the room: a shiny curved desk that looks space age, and two yellow leather chairs on either side.

Everything looks expensive and spotless, just like I always imagined it would.

‘I’m afraid I haven’t had a chance to look over your CV properly yet.’ Jasper sits down at the desk and opens one of four laptops, his eyes flitting over the screen for a few seconds before turning back to me. ‘But your name was passed to me by Giovanni Bauer. You two are friends, is that right?’

‘Yes.’ Technically, I know Gio through his former fake, now real, girlfriend, Maisie, but even if their situation wasn’t a secret, it would be way too complicated to explain.

‘And you want to work in Formula 1?’

‘I do.’ I answer emphatically because it’s impossible to overstate this. ‘As well as my podcast, I’ve done some volunteering at local motorsport events and I’m in a lot of online forums. I’m basically obsessed.’

‘I know the feeling.’ Jasper chuckles. ‘Although I have to ask, if you’re friends with the current world champion, why doesn’t Gio get you a job at Fraser?’

‘Because he knows I support Quezada. It’s been my favourite team ever since I watched Torres beat Sullivan in Melbourne.’

‘Torres?’ Jasper leans back in his chair. ‘When was that, six seasons ago?’

‘Yes. It was his last year before he retired. That was the race that hooked me. I’ve been loyal to Quezada ever since.’

‘But your podcast is on F1 in general?’

I nod. ‘I try to be objective and fair.’

‘Good. Fair is important.’ He looks down at his laptop again. ‘So, like I told Gio, we have an entry-level position in our Communications department, but there are lots of opportunities for progression. I see you have an A-level in Spanish?’

‘I do. I thought it might be useful some day.’

‘And your degree is in Media Studies?’

‘It will be. I sit my final exams in May.’

‘Ah …’ His brow knits. ‘May?’

‘Yes.’ I’m afraid to ask what his tone means. ‘Is that a problem?’

He hesitates, drumming his fingers on the desk. ‘I’ll be honest with you, Ava. I think you’d fit in perfectly here.’

‘I would.’ I shuffle forward to the edge of my chair. ‘I know I would.’

‘Unfortunately, I need people right now, and I definitely can’t keep a position open until May. The season begins next month and there’s still a lot of preparation to do. We’re launching the new car on Valentine’s Day.’

I swallow hard as my vision of a bright yellow future starts to fade before my eyes. I can’t let this opportunity slip through my fingers. ‘Would it be possible to work remotely or part-time until my exams are over? I’m confident that I could do both. I have excellent time-management skills.’

‘I’m afraid not.’ He shakes his head. ‘F1 is a way of life; you need to be all in. If you want the job, you’ll need to start immediately.’

I tense because one thing I’m not half-hearted about is this.

I’m already all in. I just need five more months to finish my degree.

Unless … My breath hitches as it occurs to me that I could leave university, abandon my finals.

Who needs qualifications anyway? I could simply walk away and come here …

My entire being rebels at the idea. I have a life plan, and the prospect of changing any part of it – even in pursuit of my end goal – causes an immediate flare of panic.

If I give up my degree now, all I’ll have to show for hundreds of hours of study is thirty-five thousand pounds’ worth of debt and two extremely disappointed parents.

If I even suggest leaving university, they’ll instantly assume I’m having another breakdown and come rushing home from the eleven-month round-the-world holiday they’ve been planning for literally decades, to take care of me – and they’ve only been gone a week.

But this is Quezada!

I’m so conflicted I can’t even articulate an answer. I just sit, tapping my three-inch stiletto heels against the carpet as I stare wordlessly at Jasper.

‘Look, I’m not asking you to abandon your studies.

In fact, I insist that you don’t.’ He seems to understand my hesitation.

‘There’s obviously been a misunderstanding between Gio and I.

I thought he meant you were available now.

’ He snaps his laptop shut. ‘So call me at the end of the season and we’ll talk again. ’

‘Thank you. That’s very generous.’ I clear my throat. It’s obvious there’s nothing further I can do to change his mind right now, but I’m determined to make one last request. ‘And if anything comes up over the summer …’

‘I’ll keep you in mind.’

I force a smile as I reach for my Monos Metro tote – a recent birthday present from my brother. I seem to be moving in slow motion, like I subconsciously think if I give Jasper more time he’ll reconsider.

This is a setback, that’s all , I tell myself.

I need to hold on to the fact that Jasper’s invited me back.

I’m still in control and I can’t – won’t – let this stop me or get me down.

If I stick to the plan, then everything will work out.

I’ve waited this long to get into F1, so I can wait a little longer. Eleven months, to be exact.

It sounds like an eternity.

‘I appreciate your time, Mr Ramirez.’ I push myself to my feet, though it takes all my willpower to do so. ‘See you in December.’