I knew that question had been coming, and I didn’t like to guess how many times I had already answered it, but with Davina it was different. My shoulders sagged.
“It’s been tough. Harold was like a father to me in many ways. He was my coach and mentor throughout my debut… I haven’t spoken to him since the news of his embezzlement got out.” I paused, willing my voice to remain steady. “I miss him.”
Davina’s face crumpled with sympathy, and she stroked my arm. “I’m sure. Everyone was shocked to hear it. I’m sorry you’re having to deal with the aftermath of Harold’s actions.” Her dark eyes flitted up to the barman as he handed us our drinks – what appeared to be some form of mojito – and she smiled in thanks. I eagerly took the glass from her, sipping a large mouthful. The drink was strong and burnt my throat, but I was glad for the distraction.
“And how are things panning out with Kristian Wright?”
I inhaled my drink and coughed. “How do you mean?” I spluttered.
“Well, he’s a bit of a dark horse, is he not?” Davina replied, her eyes glinting. “I’ve done my research and couldn’t find out much about him. How is he as a team principal?”
“He’s… fine.”
“Yeah,he is,” Davina all but growled and we both burst into giggles.
“Well, yes, he’s certainly easy on the eyes too, but he’s also a good team principal. Better than I’d expected from someone who’s only managed up to F2. He’s got a bit of a stick up his arse on occasion, but he’s survived my mood swings and tantrums so far.” I grinned.
“A real feat,” Davina teased, taking a sip from her drink. She glanced out across the room. “He’s like an oasis in the desert here, that’s for sure.”
I followed Davina’s line of sight, spotting Kristian amongst a group of the aforementioned crusty, old men. He had to be the youngest man in here by at least a decade. I fought a smile, hiding it by taking a drink.
“The Maddie Michaels years seem such a long time ago, and yet not much has changed, hm?” Davina sighed. “Not quickly enough, at least. Sure, women are finally on an even ground with men in motorsports, but our male counterparts don’t have to deal with…this.”She gestured to the room. “I wonder if change would come swiftly if it weremenwho were being pawed at in such a way.”
“Youknowit would,” I grumbled. “I’ll keep fighting the good fight for women in this sport, you know that.”
Davina smiled and took my hand, squeezing it. “Oh, I don’t doubt it. You’re a little firecracker. We could benefit from more women like you in the world.”
I laughed. “Be careful what you wish for!”
Davina quickly drained the last of her glass. “Listen, it’s been wonderful catching up, but I need to schmooze. My editor will have my head if I don’t dredge upsomesort of story tonight.”
“Sure, great to see you too.” I slipped down off my stool and allowed Davina to drag me into an embrace.
“You take care of yourself,” she said. “Only a few hours longer, then you can escape this hell hole… Until the next one.” She rolled her eyes.
I smirked. “I can handle myself. See you around, Davina.”
“You too, Bianca.”
I waved goodbye to my friend as she slipped away through the crowds and suddenly felt exposed, almost vulnerable. My stomach churned, just waiting for the next stranger to introduce himself and invade my personal space. I turned to the bar, holding up a hand for the barman’s attention.
“A shot of tequila,” I said and a moment later, a tall shot glass was placed before me. I threw it back. Taking a second to steady myself before striding back into the crowds.
I was really tipsy now, the room around me growing fuzzy. I wanted to see Kristian. I ached for him, desperate to press my body against his. Sponsors attempted to garner my attention, but I politely refused, eyes scanning the crowds for the only person I had any interest in speaking to. I eventually spotted him a short distance away, deep in conversation with a group of middle–aged men. An almost feral grin crept onto my face, and I flipped my hair over my shoulder, striding across the room with the kind of confidence only alcohol could provide. Kristian hadn’t noticed me approaching yet and my gaze dropped to his shapely behind.God,I just wanted to bite it… but I doubted that would go down very well. Instead, I settled for the next best thing.
“There you are,” I all but purred, sidling up beside him. I rested my hand against the small of his back, just as every decrepit, leering old man had done to me this evening. Kristian stiffened, though instantly relaxed a little as he laid eyes on me and realised who was touching him.
“Ah, hello. I wondered where you had got to.” He gestured to the men he was talking to. “Bianca, let me introduce you to—”
Before he’d managed to finish his sentence, I allowed my hand to drop to his arse, grabbing a firm handful. I somehow managed to maintain my poker face, but internally I was cackling with glee. Kristian’s body tensed beside me, and he cleared his throat.
“I, uh, this is Mr Thomlin from OKX,” he said, voice tight.
“Pleasure to meet you.” I smiled politely.
“And you too, Miss Rossi. I hope the remainder of your season is more fortuitous than the last few races have been.”
Kristian reached behind his body and grasped my wrist, tugging my hand away from his behind. I smirked, but held Mr Thomlin’s eye, nodding along as he talked at me about my own career. I wasn’t listening to a word, my thoughts fixed solely on the team principal.