ALICE Ch 218

Max has the most wins on the Red Bull, and however spicy the season is being in some respects, he’s still the favorite from most angles.

F1 always swells to climax with a race, and then it’s time to go. Travel would be exhausting enough by itself, but the amount of details and the scope of the logistics are staggering. It’s not sexy, high-speed fun. It’s work.

And Alice’s wrist has been cleared for her to drive, so it’s back to business for her as well.

Of the cities she’s visited for races so far, Spielberg is by far the least impressive. It’s also the least intimidating and arguably the cutest. So, of course, she isn’t getting to spend her nights there. F1 people have to be in huge hotels in urban centers; Alice doesn’t make the rules.

After what happened with Sasha and Irina and then the bad vibes that came with the poor results in Canada, Alice could use some support. What she gets is weirdness.

Kylie’s weird when they’re doing a workout; she’s so fake and uncomfortable. Alice thought that what happened between them was behind them, but is it? Or maybe people are talking. It would be weird if there weren’t rumors about Alice and the Orlovas. Maybe Kylie’s heard them and has opinions that she’s keeping to herself.

And Faye’s being even shyer and more lovey than normal. Which is something, because she’s very lovey.

At least Alice can understand why Colby’s all twitchy; it’s Glynda. Glynda’s being incredibly chill, which can only mean that her stress level is through the roof. Everyone’s walking on eggshells except Mio.

Mio’s just enjoying life. In a sense, it checks out. She did well in Canada; getting points on her debut, overcoming the car’s issues, and finishing before Faye. By any reasonable measure, she slayed it. To Alice, there’s something off-putting about her, but no one else seems to have that impression. It’s not like she’s done anything bad. Faye’s kind of weird around her, but when is Faye ever normal?

There’s a beep from the door. It’s Alice’s room, but Glynda just lets herself in. She finds Alice and Kylie on the mat doing their cooldown.

Glynda isn’t alone.

Alice and Kylie look up curiously at the newcomer: a girl Alice’s age who wears classy slacks and a cute, blindingly white blouse. She is perfectly put together. There is more professionalism in this woman’s little finger than there is in Alice’s whole body.

“Alice, this is Meri. She’ll be working admin,” Glynda says brusquely. “I just needed you to see her face. She’s American.”

“Whoo!” Alice throws her hands up in triumph. “Murica!”

“Hi,” Meri says with a big, practiced grin. She offers her hand. “I’m a fan.”