THREE #2
‘In here is Strategy.’ She sticks her head through another door, barking out another quick introduction, before moving on the moment the last name is out of her mouth.
All I can do is smile, wave and try to make mental notes as we repeat the same process with the design office, model shop, operations room, engineering office, workshop, canteen, break room and Finance department, but after ten minutes my head is spinning.
‘This place is like a rabbit warren –’ Vienna declares as she bolts off down another corridor – ‘but you get used to it. Give it a week and you’ll be fine.’
‘I actually have another question.’ I pant, as I scurry alongside. ‘You said on the phone that a colleague recommended me?’
‘That’s correct.’ She throws me a quick look and then somehow accelerates. ‘Anyway, last stop for today …’ She stops beside a sign that reads ‘Simulation Room’.
My pulse jumps as we climb some steps into a large, dark space filled with screens of various sizes.
I’ve always wanted to see an F1 simulator.
Being in the control room is like standing on the deck of a spaceship.
The volume of data being continuously recorded and analysed is mind-blowing – there are limitations on the amount of time teams can spend testing on tracks or in a wind tunnel, so simulators are vital for training.
Even if I hadn’t just got a job, it would have been worth coming in for this.
I have a thousand questions, but everyone looks busy.
‘Over here,’ Vienna whispers, leading me towards a balcony. Below I can see a replica of a racing-car chassis, bumping and twisting from side to side as the driver responds to the image of a race track on a huge 180-degree screen.
‘Usually the drivers get Monday off after a race, but since everything’s so hectic at the moment, they had to get straight back to work this morning,’ Vienna explains.
‘Right now they’re preparing for Barcelona.
Mostly trying out different ways of approaching the track, seeing which lines to take and how the braking responds.
The engineers will be throwing some tricky scenarios at them to see how they cope. ’
‘It looks so realistic.’
‘It has to be. This is where the drivers spend most of their time when they’re not on the actual track. Although, from the look of things, they’re just finishing. Good timing.’ She screws her eyes up. ‘I can’t tell if that’s Leif or Corey, though.’
‘It’s not me,’ a voice behind us says, as the car below reaches the chequered flag.
‘Corey? Hi.’ I turn and smile. ‘We met yesterday,’ I explain to Vienna, though I can hardly believe that was only last night. So much has happened since.
‘In Monaco?’ She presses a hand to her forehead. ‘Please tell me he behaved.’
‘He was a perfect gentleman,’ I say, laughing at Corey’s aggrieved expression. ‘Not to mention a pretty good dancer.’
‘Well, that’s a relief.’ Vienna gives him a sceptical look. ‘Ava’s coming to work with us.’
‘Really? That’s awesome! Welcome to the team.’ Corey grins. ‘I’d offer to show you around, but it’s my turn in there.’
He waves in the direction of the simulator and my stomach plunges. Because if Corey’s here, then the other driver, now removing his helmet as he heads up the steps towards us, must be …
‘Leif?’ Vienna calls out. ‘Come and meet the newest member of the communications team!’
I lift my chin, trying to summon up some enthusiasm, but I’m seized with a powerful urge to run out of the room.
‘Hi.’ I offer a tight smile because Leif looks about as thrilled to see me now as he did last night, which is to say not at all. Judging by his stony expression, I wonder if he even recognizes me? I reintroduce myself. ‘I’m Ava.’
‘I know.’ He stops in front of me and plants his feet wide apart.
I feel my hackles go up all over again. So I guess his objectionable behaviour last night wasn’t just a one-off.
He remembers me and he’s still being an asshole, which is why he can’t be bothered with basic manners.
Although, I have to admit, it’s kind of a relief.
It makes it easier to forget any feelings of attraction I might have experienced and go back to straightforwardly disliking him in return.
‘Right.’ I keep pasting a fake, close-lipped smile on to my face and thrust a hand out. Suddenly I’m determined to make him acknowledge me properly. ‘Nice to see you again.’
He looks down at my hand for a long moment, his shoulders visibly stiffening before he puts his helmet aside and peels off one of his leather gloves to take it. ‘You too.’
I glance down at our joined hands. It shouldn’t be a surprise that his is warm after an intense simulator session, but the way it sends electricity up my arm definitely is. Shit . That wasn’t supposed to happen.
‘Are you OK?’ His fingers twitch against mine.
‘Yes!’ I let go and take a step backwards. I don’t know what my body is playing at, but it needs to stop it right now. ‘Why wouldn’t I be?’
His gaze lingers on my blushing cheeks for a few seconds before he turns to Vienna. ‘I should go and debrief.’
‘And I should get in there.’ Corey grins, shooting pistol fingers at me as he heads for the stairs. ‘Welcome to the team, Ava!’
‘So, what do you think?’ Vienna asks the moment we’re outside. ‘You’ll be working pretty closely with the drivers. Corey’s easy to get along with, obviously, whereas Leif takes a little more getting used to, but he’s a complete teddy bear underneath that stern exterior.’
I almost snort with incredulity. I can hardly think of anyone who fits the description less.
Possibly because I’ve never felt either attracted to or enraged by a cuddly toy – not that I’m prepared to accept either of those reactions.
If Leif and I are going to work together, then I can’t let him affect me.
I need to stay calm and control my feelings.
Put them in a box and bury them deep in my subconscious.
‘Trust me,’ Vienna goes on. ‘Plus he’s an incredible driver.
Better than the car deserves at the moment, but hopefully …
Wait!’ She stops walking so abruptly I’m several paces ahead before I realize.
‘I have a brilliant idea. You should film a “First Day at Rask” segment tomorrow, a sped-up version of the tour I just gave you. It doesn’t have to be long, but it means we can start posting content as soon as possible. ’
‘You mean, with me in it?’
‘Of course! You’ll be our poster girl.’
‘Oh …’ I hesitate because it sounds like jumping in at the deep end. Then again, why shouldn’t I? If Rask are going to have my (temporary and dual) allegiance, why not go all-in? ‘OK. That sounds great.’
‘Perfect. In that case, I’ll let you go for today, but I’ll email the contract over later and there’ll be a security pass waiting for you at reception first thing tomorrow.
’ She marches me to the main doors and holds them open.
‘I’m relying on you to start brainstorming tonight. I can’t wait to hear your ideas!’