Chapter Thirty-One #2
“I want an upgrade package on my car.” No point in beating around the bush.
I might be able to dominate midfield with the car I have, but there’s no way I’m getting to a podium in that thing, and I am getting a podium this season.
That’s the only way to guarantee that when I get re-signed, it’ll be with a better contract than my last one.
If I podium, Gaston won’t be the only team knocking, and I’ll be in a strong position to negotiate.
Ilya opens the door to his office. “No.”
“Excuse me?”
He motions for me to follow him inside. I stalk after him, reminding myself that punching him wouldn’t put him in a better mood.
“I said no,” Ilya repeats. “After a string of failures, I imagine you’re familiar with the concept of not getting what you want, immediately when you want it.” He pauses to think. “Then again, you haven’t even been trying to succeed, so I suppose that argument might be null.”
“I could be the best driver in F1 history and still be stuck in midfield with the piece of shit you have me driving!” I snap.
“True, but you’re not the best in F1 history, and you’ve only done well in one race.
” Ilya drops into his office seat. “One single race stacked up next to dozens upon dozens of piss-poor performances. So, after scraping by to P13 once—and only with the help of an intern—you’re demanding I pour our team’s limited resources into helping you?
When Elio’s performances have consistently been better?
” his raised eyebrows question my sanity. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
At another time, this might be when I turn into a complete asshole and start insulting him, the team, the car, and everything I can think of.
But that’s not going to get me what I want.
Ilya’s no doesn’t quite ring with the finality it might if it were a permanent no, which means there’s room for negotiation.
“What do you want in return for upgrading my car?” I growl.
“So glad you asked. Have a seat.”
I drop into the chair, incinerating him with my glare.
“If you want an upgrade this season, there are several benchmarks you will hit before I give it to you. First, you will start listening to your support team on the track—”
“I will not listen to Ethan!” I snap.
“I’m putting Victoria as the unofficial head of your support team, since she’s the only one you seem to want to work with.
I hope you understand this will significantly increase her workload.
” He gives me a pointed stare that tells me he knows there’s something going on between us, but he won’t mention it.
I give him a flat look in return. I wouldn’t touch that minefield if someone paid me a million dollars. Right now, all he has are guesses, and he can keep guessing.
“Second, you will form a relationship with Elio. He wanted you to be a mentor to him when he got here. Instead, all you’ve done thus far is drag him, and the entire team, down.”
“Elio and I have a relationship. We dislike each other.”
“Which is doing no one any favors.” Ilya leans forward. “You are on the same team. You are both fundamentally good drivers. You will at the very least get along with him, or I won’t lift a finger to help you—and I will start watching you very closely.” Again, the subtle threat is clear.
“I’ll try,” I hiss. “It probably won’t work. He’s a dick.”
“He’s rude because you’re rude. You might be amazed at what happens if you decide to be decent.
Third of all, you will make an effort to get more sponsors.
Talk to the press. Attend non-mandatory conferences and photoshoots.
Don’t make me force you to speak with investors; take initiative.
If you want more team money to go to you, then we need money in the first place. ”
I’d rather get fucked with a rusty spoon, without lube, than initiate human contact, but if this is what it takes… “That better be the last one.”
“Fourth, you will stop dragging down team morale.”
My head jerks back. “How the fuck is it my fault that you hired a bunch of talentless imbeciles?”
Ilya points at me. “That right there. That’s your goddamn fault, Asher.
You’re needlessly cruel. You judge before you start paying attention.
You did that with the intern, and missed several growth opportunities.
No longer. I don’t require you to be nice—God forbid I push for that miracle—but you will cease going out of your way to ruin people’s days. ”
“Do you want me to give you the moon, as well?” I quip… but I know he’s right. There’s no excuse for being my level of asshole. I’m surprised I haven’t been kicked off for violating the moral section of my contract by being such a complete dick.
“No. But you will be at the top of midfield for three more consecutive races. That should give you enough time to see to my other conditions. If you succeed in meeting my terms by Montreal, you’ll get your upgrade the following race. Are my terms clear?”
“Crystal,” I bite out.
“Excellent. You’re free to go. And, I’ll warn you, if I see Victoria slacking, I will hold you directly responsible.”
Again, his pointed gaze tells me all I need to know.
“Can’t make any promises,” I grunt. “Dealing with me is a full-time fucking job.”