2. Mabel
Mabel
Oh, my FUCKING goodness, it’s my first fucking day and I am late.
Everything is going wrong, and I can’t catch a break.
I was staying with my parents before coming here, and it fucked with my entire schedule and rhythm.
I shouldn’t have stayed with them, but they guilted me into it, saying because I’ll be away so much this year with this new job, I need to put the time in with them before I went away.
Fat load of good that was. They nitpicked and badgered me to no end.
I should have just left, but that would have caused a scene.
Instead, I am paying the price and running so fucking late.
I opted to skip dropping my luggage at the hotel and head straight to meet with my new boss, Rayna Ellsworth, at the track and get the first day going.
I’ll check in at the hotel at the end of the day.
The track is in view as the cab drives along the road leading to the entry, and I reach for my luggage by my feet.
My phone died as I left the airport and, since I treated myself to some new luggage that had a charging port, I hooked my phone up for the cab ride.
Unzipping the section my phone is charging in, I lift it up and…
it’s dead. My eyes grow wide as I run the smooth cord through my fingers and notice the zipper of my suitcase ha s chewed it up.
Shit, shit, shit, SHIT!! How am I meant to find Rayna?
! I am not familiar with the track, and all my security clearance documents for the track are on my phone.
Arrgghhhh, ffuuuccckkkkkk! My head falls backwards, hitting the headrest.
Reaching the track entry gates, I scout around in my carry-on for money to pay the cab driver. I’ll deal with one thing at a time. Pay the driver, done. Getting by track security will be the next task.
I make my way to the entry, and the security guard is already looking at me suspiciously.
“Hello,” I warmly open with. Let’s get my likeable PR side out. “I’m starting with Infraction32 today, and my phone has died. Any chance Rayna Ellsworth can be reached for me, please?” I put on my best smile, resting my hand on the top of my luggage, stopping it from rolling away.
“Name?” the security guard asks gruffly. Like he has heard this all too often.
“Mabel Bowman. I’m the team’s new PR Director.”
“Give me a moment,” he replies. He turns away and puts some distance between us so he can talk in his earpiece, out of my earshot. I don’t care what he says, just get me in there.
Exasperated, I exhale and look around. It’s pretty quiet outside.
You wouldn’t think there were people inside the track working.
Guess I am late. I can't see anyone else outside going through the gates.
Another cab pulls up and a cute guy rolls out.
Sweeping his blonde hair up and out of his face, he smiles at me with a wide grin that could melt panties off and walks towards me.
“Hey, Jerome on a break?” he asks as he looks around for Jerome , whoever that is. He catches the eyes of the security guard, and they exchange nods as Jerome, as it would seem, is still on his earpiece. Allegedly.
“You’re new?” the cute guy asks, side-eyeing me, trying to work things out.
“Yeah, first day today,” I reply. I won’t completely dismiss him. He might be in my team.
“Ohhhh! Are you the new PR Director with Infraction32?” he asks as he snaps his fingers.
“Yes! Are you in the team?” I ask.
“Nah, but that’s my best mate’s team, Javi. Sorry, you’ll see a lot of me. I like hassling him.” He winks at me. “Hang on, you’re late!” He picks up on the time problem I’m having and checks the time.
“I am! And my phone’s dead, so I can’t ring Rayna or pull up any of the paperwork she sent me to give to security.
He said to give him a moment to sort it out, but I think he’s just biding time, hoping I’ll give up and go away.
” I look back at the cute guy, who suddenly holds his phone up, getting us both in the frame as it rings.
Rayna picks up the phone call. “Hi, Riley. And Mabel! Where are you two?” Rayna and I have video called a few times during the recruitment process, so she recognises me on the screen .
“Hey, Rayna, Mabel’s having a crap start to the morning. Obviously, she’s late, but her phone is dead, and she can’t get through Jerome. You know how much of a stickler he is,” Riley answers.
“Ah, no problem. Is Jerome close? Flip me around and I’ll clear Mabel with him,” Rayna offers.
Riley turns the phone around to Jerome and calls him over.
Rayna and Jerome chat, and she approves my clearance into the track. She then asks if I want her to come collect me. Riley answers, “You stay put, Rayna. I’ll bring Mabel to you.”
“Thanks, Riley. See you soon, Mabel,” Rayna says, and the screen goes black.
“Thanks for your help,” I offer as we walk deeper into the track, Riley guiding the way.
“No problem. Looks like you needed a helping hand.” He extends his hand to me. “Riley Fortuna. Rider for Ghostly Flux.”
“Mabel Bowman. PR Director for Infraction32.” I grip his hand in return.