Page 28 of Racing for Redemption
But I’m not kidding when I say I want to befriend her. First, because we seem to be similar in a way. Second, because I worrythat if I don’t befriend her, she’ll be more keen on sacking me mid-season if something bad happens, or I make a mess of something. If we’re close, then she’ll ponder if it’s worth it or not to fire me, and I can keep my pretty ass in F1 for a tad longer, just enough for other teams to notice me. I’m playing my game, so I don’t intend to lose at it.
My gaze falls on the racing trophies lining my shelves—karting championships, Formula 3 victories, even my F2 runner-up cups. Each one a stepping stone that finally led me here.
But there’s an empty space at the end.
A space I’ve been saving for years.
“Soon,” I murmur, picturing a Formula 1 World Driver’s Championship trophy there. It might take time, it might be with a different team, but I’ll get there. Right now, Colton Racing is my shot, and I’m not throwing it away.
And, deep down, I want to win it with them.
Chapter 10
Extra pretty, extra fresh
William
Ipull up to La Trattorica at 7:55 PM, determined to be on time. Stepping out of my car, I smooth down my midnight-blue, button-down shirt and run a hand through my curls, wearing my favorite black jeans. I may have joked about looking “extra pretty”, but I did make an effort to clean up nicely. Wanting to smell fresh, I went with a gentle aftershave and perfume, and even styled my hair. My beard is neatly trimmed and fluffy to the touch.
Oh god.Maybe I cleaned up way too much. I don’t even go this far for dates.
The restaurant is warm and inviting, with soft lighting and the aroma of Italian cuisine filling the air. I scan the room, looking for familiar faces.
“Mr. Foster?” A hostess approaches, smiling. “The Colton Racing party is this way.”
She leads me to a private room in the back. As I enter, conversations pause, attention turning to me. I spot a few mechanics, some engineers, and Blake near the head of the table. But no Violet.
“Foster!” Blake calls out, waving me over. “Usually, we have to send out a search party for the drivers, so I’m glad at least one of you could make it. Grab a seat.”
I laugh, settling in next to him, nodding greetings to the others. The chatter resumes, a mix of technical jargon and good-natured ribbing. Nicholas isn’t here, either. But seeing as I’ve yet to meet him at the factory, my gut tells me he won’t be here tonight.
“So,” I say to Blake, keeping my voice low. “Is the boss joining us?”
He chuckles. “Violet? Oh, she’ll be here. Probably working until the last minute, as usual.”
I’m about to reply when the door swings open. Violet strides in, and for a moment, I forget how to breathe.
Good lord.
She’s traded her usual tailored suits for dark jeans that hug her form perfectly, and a red-wine blouse that brings out the warmth in her softly tanned skin. Her hair falls in loose waves around her shoulders, softer than I’ve ever seen it. But it’s her smile—relaxed, genuine—that really catches me off guard.
Someone is testing me. I want to get up and wrap my arms around her, feel how soft she must be.
Oh fuck. Why did I think wearing tight jeans was a good idea?I'm suffering right now.
“Sorry I’m late,” she says, sliding into the seat across from me. “Traffic was a nightmare coming from downtown.”
Downtown? But the factory and headquarters building is in the countryside… Oh, maybe she lives downtown in one of those fancy high-rise apartments. Sheisa hard worker, so it's good that she's got a fancy house for herself. It's deserved.
As conversation flows around us, my gaze is continually drawn to Violet. She laughs at a joke from one of the engineers, and the sound sends a jolt through me. I’ve never seen her this… unguarded before.
“Earth to Foster.” Blake’s voice cuts through my thoughts. “You with us?”
I blink, realizing I’ve completely missed the last few minutes of conversation. “Sorry, just… thinking about the car.”
Blake raises an eyebrow, glancing between Violet and me. But before he can comment, our food arrives.
As we eat, the talk turns to the upcoming season—predictions, goals, concerns. I contribute where I can, but I’m hyper aware of Violet’s presence across the table.
