Page 43 of Red Queen
“It might not be, but he’s not perfect, and he has opponents too. Just focus on recovering now, alright?” Rosa starts rubbing my arms, a faint smile appearing on her lips.
“Easy for you to say. You’re not the one having to sit on your ass when you’re used to driving at the speed of light. And since when are you so nice to me, hm?” I remove my arm from her touch, and her eyebrows shoot up in surprise. I hate when people pity me.
“I’m just trying to cheer you up. But if you’re gonna be a dick about it, I won’t try,” she replies, scooting slightly backward to keep a little distance.
“I don’t need you to try anything. I’ll feel better when I’m back behind the steering wheel,” I spit out, and her eyes widen once again.
“Don’t act like it’s my fault you crashed, Mateo. But if that’s how you’ll behave, then I’ll head back to the hotel. I stink, and my neck hurts. I’ll see you later, if you’ve calmed down.”She grabs her purse and then leaves through the door without looking back.
“Can you please try to like her at least? It won’t help your fake dating if you two don’t get along,” Enzo comments, but I just growl.
“Why can’t no one leave me alone today? You were pushing me to convince her. Now you have it. I know what I’m doing, I’m just not in the mood for her pity.”
“She’s just being nice, man. And uh… Now that you can’t race, Milo’s going to take your place, as he’s the reserve driver. The team’s bringing him up from F2 until you come back.” I should’ve seen it coming, but my heart drops. I can’t drive for god knows how long, and I’m stuck sitting on my ass until then.
“Okay. Great. Good luck to him.” I don’t look at Enzo. I hate these shameful looks. I feel like I’m a little boy standing in a deep hole.
“And… Since it’s Monday, we posted a picture of the two of you. So it’s official now. And you should make a post as well, that you’re okay.” Increíble. Just what I need right now.
“Sure. Will do.”
He nods, then mutters a goodbye and leaves, too.
I check my phone, its battery is almost dead and holding on for dear life. I quickly check my social media, curious about the picture Enzo was talking about. My heart skips a beat when I spot it. He must’ve taken it while we were sleeping earlier. Rosa’s face is hidden by her hair, resting peacefully on my arm, just like when I woke up.
She’s not tagged, but people are buzzing in the comments; they’re interested in knowing who’s the girl clinging to me while I’m lying on the hospital bed.
I take a photo of the room, write a short paragraph, and thank people for asking about me, stating that I’m okay andwill get back with more updates. Man, this is going to be a long summer break.
28
MATEO
Three days. Three whole days have passed and I had to stay in bed and do nothing. This is goddamn torture. Five and a half weeks left until they take off the plaster from my wrist.
Rosa hasn’t really checked in since then; she only replies with one word to my texts, and it’s making my blood boil. I know I was a dick to her, but I’d expect some sympathy, given that I basically won’t have a job for the next couple of weeks.
Enzo’s helping pack my stuff, as the doctors finally allowed me to leave the hospital. Next week the race is gonna be in Hungary, but I have to remind myself that I can’t be there as a main driver.
I had an online meeting with Barney and the team; we had an idea, and agreed that I would follow them. I’ll be there at the races helping with strategy and the rookie, Milo. He’s stepped in before; last year, I had food poisoning in Mexico and I could barely finish the free practices on Friday, I felt so sick.
“Alright. We can go. Come on.” Enzo’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts, and I nod as he opens the door for me. I sign some papers at the reception, and we head towards the parking lot.
“It’s weird sitting here,” I say as I slide into the passenger seat.
“You’ll be at this side again in no time,” Enzo says with a smile as we drive out of the hospital.
As we arrive back at the hotel, Enzo helps take my stuff up, and then leaves me to rest, as I haven’t gotten much for the past four days now. I plop on the couch with a loud sigh, but I don’t stay there long when I hear a knock at the door.
“Who is it?” I ask, not wanting to open the door if I don’t have to.
“It’s me,” a female voice replies, but it’s not much of a help.
“Who’s me?” I ask with my furrowed eyebrows.
“Rosa, you idiot.” Ah. My sweet girlfriend. I sigh and stand from the couch.
“Hey, bonita,” I say as I open the door, smirking at her, but she doesn’t appreciate my words.
