Chapter 22 Rosa
ROSA
Iwake up a couple of hours later to kids playing on the beach. I slowly open my eyes. The sun is still shining bright, though now it’s much lower. I grab a sweater and pull it over me in case it’s colder out there.
I sit down on one of the chairs, admiring the view and smiling at the kids playing below.
One of them spots me and waves, and when I wave back, he grins and moves to tell another kid, who also waves at me.
Is this God’s way of telling me to finally go to the doctor?
You have cruel ways of telling stuff, sir.
I pull out my phone to check for any updates. My messages are full of questions about my well-being. Well, good to know I chose good friends. I write all of them back that I feel better now, and I’ll try to make it tomorrow.
I really am excited about tomorrow. I really got to like going to races, but I still feel tired.
Lilah and Isa asked if I’d like to go out for drinks, but there’s no way in hell I’m lifting my ass up for any other reason than going back to bed.
Suddenly, Mateo’s name pops up on the screen, like he sensed I’m on my phone.
Mateo
But we really do. You’re coming to the race tomorrow?
Rosa
But we really don’t. And yes, but don’t worry, I won’t wander around rival’s garages.
I can practically see him roll his eyes. Or at least I hope he did. I meant to rile him up.
Make an exception. I’ll find you after the race.
What, skipping interviews? Had enough?
Yeah, it’s getting boring. They’re still asking about the girl I had sex with once, then decided to lie in my face the whole time.
At least now you know what you lost by calling me a liar and declaring me your rival.
With that, I put my phone aside with a scoff. He’s got some nerve. Still not letting this absurd thing go. I wish I knew when he’ll stop acting like a damn child throwing a tantrum. God, I knew I should’ve never gotten involved with him. Red flags all over, even his racing suit. Stupid me.
Next day, I wake up feeling better, no sign of cramps yet. Hopefully, it’ll stay that way. I start getting ready, choosing blue and white clothes on purpose. Maybe not the best idea to wear light colors at this time, but I’ll take the risk.
If for some reason I’d run into Mateo in the paddock, it’ll surely piss him off. Blue has never really been my color, but if it makes him annoyed, I’ll change my whole wardrobe.
I pack the important stuff into my handbag, the cosmetic bag full of pads and tampons, filling it up.
I was always like this. I'd rather pack two more of each thing I already have rather than risk not having one. You never know when you’re going to shit yourself.
Period necessities are no exception. I take one last mental check before stepping out the door and make my way to the track.
When I step out of the car, I’m hit with Spain’s awfully hot air. Not that I’m complaining, I’d choose to have my dress melt off me over freezing my ass off any chance. I’m a Pisces, and my symbol is a fish. I can’t swim in ice. I was made for summer.
As I approach the entrance, I reach into my bag, searching for the paddock pass, but it’s nowhere to be found. For fuck’s sake. I stop to pack out my bag, because I am 101% sure that I’ve put my passes into the bag. Oh! Maybe I’ve left it in the car. If not, then I’m fucked.
As I turn to go back to my car, a lady walks my way, holding two passes in her hand.
“Excuse me, senorita, I think you’ve dropped these.” She holds them out, her eyes moving back and forth between the picture on the card and me.
“Yes! Oh my god. Thank you so much. I knew I had them a minute ago.” I take the two cards and hang them around my neck, making sure not to lose them again.
“I saw them fall out of your pockets. Thought you’d need them.” She smiles at me, and I smile back at her. She’s such a nice person.
“Thank you again, really. I appreciate it.” I look over her more closely, noticing the cap on her head with the name ‘Acosta’ next to the wolf embroidery, Mateo’s symbol. What a coincidence. “Oh, you’re a fan of Mateo?”
“Well… Maybe I shouldn’t tell you about it, but he’s my son.” My eyes widen, trying not to show the shock on my face. How the hell did I manage to run into Mateo’s mother? Am I cursed? “I came to cheer on him for his home race.”
“I’m sure he’ll do well.” And I mean it. I might be mad at him right now, but there’s no reason to deny he’s one of the best drivers on the grid.
“I hope so too.” She sighs and starts fidgeting with a small wolf plush in her hands. That’s so adorable. “It was lovely to meet you, young lady. I’ll see you around.”
“Yeah. See you around.” I wave as she walks past the gates, waiting until she’s a couple hundred steps before me. I don’t want to risk bumping into Mateo, and I bet she’s making her way right to the Moscardi garage.
I check in at the gates. Hundreds of guests are walking around the paddock, enjoying the sun, hunting down drivers, and taking pictures. I’ve never understood this whole “let’s invite influencers as VIPs and have them promote our team”.
I think Formula 1 is popular enough. I don’t get why people who don’t even care about the sport have to be here instead of inviting true fans, who perhaps can’t afford to buy a ticket.
Some weekends nowadays count as a privilege; the prices of the tickets have increased so much.
But unfortunately, it’s not my job to tell them who they can invite.
When I arrive at Atlas, everyone’s buzzing around, signaling that the race starts soon.
There were a couple of surprises this week so far.
Huck and Asher finished around 10th place on the free practices, but they managed to snatch pole and second position in qualifying.
Mateo finished only fourth, in a sandwich between the Velocity drivers, and Nathan qualified in 8th position with Liam following behind. It’s going to be an exciting race.