ALICE Ch 136

Alice is pretty sure that Lewis was just teasing her. 85% sure. She turns and leans on the railing, queasily swigging her water. All she has to do is set a good time tomorrow; overtakes are rare in Monaco. P1. No problem.

“You aren’t going to throw up, are you?”

Valeria Flores joins her at the railing, radiant in her patriotic red, white, and blue Freedom racing suit. It’s a testament to her prettiness that she can look this good when literally covered from head to toe in advertisements.

“What?” Val asks, seeing Alice’s look. Alice had just been picturing Faye a few minutes ago, hopping around trying to squeeze into her suit. Then there’s Val. Alice just shakes her head.

“Nothing. I just thought of something funny. How are you?”

“Better than you. You hate this place, don’t you?”

“I’d like it better if I could relax.”

“That was always the weird thing about you. Always so scared of crashing.”

“I’m not scared of crashing. I’m scared of people blaming me for crashing. We can’t all be as secure as you,” Alice says dryly.

“You think I’m secure? I guess I’ll take it.” Val bites her lip and casts a quick glance over her shoulder toward Faye and Glynda. Alice knows what’s coming next. “So. Redheads, huh?”

Alice rolls her eyes. “What are you talking about?”

“Oh, like you didn’t have a thing for Coach Riley?”

“I don’t think I even knew I was bi until we saw those two boning,” Alice mutters.

“Yeah, but then. You were always checking her out.”

“Was I?”

Val nods.

Alice sighs. “Probably. Sorry, I guess.”

“For what? She was like the thirst trap icon for FUTA for like years. Were you talking to Lewis? Lucky.”

“He was actually being really nice,” Alice says.

“Too bad he didn’t bring his dog. They’re married now.”

“What? Who?”

“Coach Riley and Coach Adella. They have kids.”

“Do you stalk them on Insta or something?”

“They came to the race in Miami.”

Alice gasps. “They visited you in Miami? And not me? The actual FUTA driver?”

“I’m sure they tried. Glynda probably told them no.”

Alice shakes her head. “How many kids?”

“Zero.”

“Awww. Can you imagine Coach Adella changing diapers?”

“She would make Coach Riley do it. How’s that work, by the way? You’re like them. Can you have kids?”

Alice snorts. “You couldn’t Google this?”

“I was afraid to Google it!” Val’s a little pink.

“We can. We have a little operation to connect it up,” Alice says, gesturing with both fingers. “Outpatient. Not a big deal.”

“Have you had that operation?”

“No. I’m trying to enjoy life,” Alice says grumpily.

Val’s quite red now. She covers her mouth and looks away. “Sorry. Personal questions. I’m just curious."

Glynda’s watching. Alice probably shouldn’t look too chummy with her main rival.