Page 1 of Red Queen
1
ROSA
You know the feeling when your day is going great, you look spectacular, and you’re just in time for your meeting? Yeah, me neither.
My day couldn’t have been worse. I put my dying phone on charge before I went to bed, but it was no use. My old clock’s batteries, of course, had to die sometime throughout the night, so it definitely didn’t wake me up.
Then, as I was running out of the hotel, my shirt got stuck on the door handle, and of course, it ripped. Maybe I shouldn’t buy the thinnest blouse just because it’s the cheapest. But, it’s not like I have many other choices as a young, emerging event planner.
So, yes… That’s how my day is going so far. I’m super late and about to demolish an unborn deal. Please, write me up on that list of the ten stupidest people on Earth.
I start walking faster, still hoping I’m somewhat on time. As I turn onto the right street, my phone rings.
“Miss, can we expect you any time soon? Mrs. Lowe doesn’t have all day.”
“Hi! I’m sorry. Yes, ma’am, I just need…five more minutes, please!” I reply out of breath.
“We’re leaving in two.”Shit.
“I’m… I’m not going to make it, Joanna. I’m so sorry. Could we postpone the meeting? I promise I won’t be late next time.” I have to negotiate. I really need this job.
Mrs. Lowe would not only pay well, but I could form deals that would help my career. She has many connections as she’s the CEO of two really successful companies; if she could refer me to some of them, I’d have my path laid out.
But instead of an answer, she cuts off the line. She hung up on me! What the… I give up. This is the worst day ever.
I slump on the giant stairs of the building behind me. For my whole life, I’ve been forcing myself out of my comfort zone. I was an introverted kid, I barely had friends, and I was afraid to talk to people. But as I grew, I started to open up. I started to have more friends who were all extroverts, making me more outgoing too.
Then I was on the doorstep of University, and I knew what I wanted to do. I was always the one throwing everyone’s party, whatever kind it was. I finished studying communications more than two years ago and so far, I’m not doing so bad. Of course, there’s still so much to learn and improve, but I’m getting there.
My phone rings again, and for a second, I think it’s Joanna calling me back, but it’s just my uncle Chris.
“Hey, kid! What’s up? Ready for the afternoon?” he asks, sounding busy as always.
“Nada. I messed up my meeting. And yeah, I’ll be there.” Today is Sunday, which means in about three hours, the race is starting.
“Chin up, kiddo. You’re great at it. One meeting is not the end of the world. You’ll tell me about it later, alright? Have to go now. See you soon!” He doesn’t even wait until I say goodbyeand hangs up. I guess being the team principal of one of the most successful Formula 1 teams has its perks and downsides.
It’s only the sixth race of the season, and we’re in Miami. Meaning it’s hot and humid. And I’m starving. Can’t be sitting here depressed all day now, can I?
My uncle has been nagging me to go to the races, not just because I could make important connections but to get me more involved in Formula 1. He doesn’t have a son, and I was the first kid to be born between my cousins. We basically grew up together. He spent plenty of time with me, even though he was traveling a lot. He’s the best uncle I could ever ask for.
I arrive at the restaurant and order some food to-go for my uncle and me. I know he’s busy and likes to forget about eating so I’ll surprise him today. The track is not too far away, so maybe it’ll still be warm when I arrive. Miami is quite hot during this time.
I pay for the food and head outside to get a taxi. Not much later, I reach the track. It’s full of people running around, which makes me a little anxious. Maybe I arrived a little later than I should’ve. I quickly go in with my pass, avoiding the large crowd standing in front of the teams’ garages.
There’s an exceptionally large crowd in front of the red-painted garage, Moscardi. They’ve been in the sport for a long time, and they had one of the best drivers. Now, they’re trying to bring themselves back on the top with Mateo Acosta and Aiden Gastrell.
I walk past Blaze’s garage, fans chanting Nathan and Liam’s names, hyping them up for the race. The gray and blue colors can be seen everywhere, red almost disappearing next to them.
I spot the vivid orange colors of Velocity Racing as I continue walking. Man, these fans are loud.
When I peel myself through the crowd, I walk toward Atlas Autos, where Georgia—or Gia, as most of us know her—one of the team’s PR employees, meets me.
“Hey there, sweetie. Long time no see.” She greets me with a quick hug and grabs me by the arm. She’s like an aunt to me. She usually takes care of the guests, and she does a great job at it. Not to brag, but I was her favorite. Still am, hopefully.
Getting closer, I spot my uncle. He’s buried in work, but Georgia informs him about my arrival, and he immediately turns towards me. Just as Gia, he greets me with a hug, too.
“Hi! So, how are we looking today?” I shove the food in his hands before he can refuse.
