THIRTY
‘WISH ME LUCK.’ LEIF slides an arm around my waist and pulls me against him, kissing me goodbye at the entrance to the garage.
‘Good luck,’ I murmur, pushing my hands through his hair and lacing them behind his head.
It’s the last race of the year and I’m here in Suzuka as a spectator for once, as ‘Leif Olsen’s official, absolutely-not-secret girlfriend’, as Emika, Yuto and Charlotte now insist on calling me.
The day after my big announcement in the canteen, I arrived at work to find the words engraved on a plaque on my desk.
I have a feeling it’s going to be a long time before I live that speech down.
‘You know, this time in a week, we’ll be on a beach.’ Leif smiles against my lips. ‘I can’t wait.’
‘Mmm.’ I respond by rubbing my nose against his. ‘Usually when people say that, they’re talking about somewhere warm, not the side of a fjord. How many layers do I need to pack again?’
‘Lots. Think thermals and wool. You’ll need them for watching the Northern Lights.’
‘And husky sledding?’
‘And staying in an ice hotel.’
‘It sounds amazing.’ I sigh blissfully. ‘I can’t wait to meet your foster family too. I just hope they like me as much as my parents love you.’
‘It’ll be tough. I mean, I’m pretty adorable .’ He rubs a hand over his chin and I regret, yet again, sharing Charlotte’s description of him.
‘Hey, cut it out, you two!’ Yuto’s voice interrupts us. ‘I thought I spoke to you about all the PDAs yesterday.’
‘You did.’ I step back and attempt to look shame-faced. ‘I’m sorry.’
‘I’m not.’ Leif pulls me back again.
‘Just get us more points than Gold Dart and I’ll let you kiss as much as you want.’ Yuto grins. ‘Get on the podium again and I’ll carry her up to you.’
‘Ahem, what about me?’ Quinn appears from the other direction, accompanied by Emika. ‘What will I get in exchange for a podium?’
‘Will undying respect and gratitude be enough?’ Yuto lifts an eyebrow.
‘It’s a start.’
‘Good luck today,’ I say to Quinn. ‘And congratulations again on the contract for next year.’
‘Thanks.’ Her smile is strained. ‘I only wish the circumstances were different. I can’t help feeling like I’ve profited from Corey’s misfortune. It must have been terrible, being told his career is over because of nerve damage. He must be devastated.’
I exchange a quick glance with Leif. According to him, devastated isn’t the half of it, but there’s no need to tell Quinn that.
‘If anyone can bounce back, it’s Corey.’ I try to sound reassuring. ‘I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if he’s back next year as a pundit.’
‘I hope so.’ She tips her head towards the garage. ‘Now I’d better get in there. Are you going to stay here and watch?’
‘No, I’m meeting Maisie in the Media Centre. Neutral territory.’
‘Maisie doesn’t need your support. Her boyfriend’s already a world champion,’ Emika objects. ‘We’re the ones going for third place in the Constructors’ Championship.’
‘You don’t have to remind me.’ I place a hand over my stomach. ‘I’m nervous enough.’
‘It would be pretty amazing, wouldn’t it?’ Yuto sounds hopeful. ‘No pressure on you two, obviously.’
‘We can handle pressure.’ Leif fist-bumps Quinn.
‘Hell, yes.’ She squares her shoulders. ‘Let’s do this.’
‘Three minutes.’ Yuto waves a finger between me and Leif as he follows Quinn and Emika into the garage. ‘Or I’ll be back to drag you two apart.’
‘You know, you and Quinn make a pretty good team,’ I say, looping my arms back around Leif’s neck.
‘Yeah.’ He rests his hands on my hips. ‘But I’m worried about Corey too. He was always the positive one, but now … Hopefully, we’ll see him at Charlotte’s wedding, but I doubt it.’
‘He needs time to process. If he doesn’t come to the wedding, then maybe we could go and visit him?’ I suggest, leaning in to give him one last lingering kiss. ‘I know it’s hard, but just concentrate on racing today.’
I start to move away, but he slips his fingers through mine, circling his thumb around my palm. ‘Hey … tell me who your favourite driver is again?’
‘Isn’t it obvious?’ I laugh, then throw a kiss over my shoulder as I head off through the paddock. ‘You are!’
I’m still smiling to myself when I pass the giant yellow Quezada motorhome, just as the door opens and a group of men emerge, Jasper Ramirez among them.
As I watch, he glances in my direction, does a swift double-take, and then raises a hand in greeting.
I wait for the pang in my chest, but it never comes, so I smile and wave back, and then carry on walking to meet Maisie.
Life goes on; plans change. Whatever happens in the race today, I know I’ll be back at Rask next year with Leif, working to build the best, strongest F1 team we possibly can.
I’m excited about what the future might hold.
But after today, and for the next few weeks, I’m going to enjoy being on holiday with the man I love.
And absolutely no plan at all.