ALICE Ch 302

The paddock outside Amsterdam is bathed in perfect sunlight. It’s bright, glossy, and busy. The Netflix people eat their hearts out, collecting plenty of gorgeous b-roll that emphasizes the glamor of the sport.

“Whoa!” Annette says, stiffening as Glynda’s fingers squeeze the back of her neck.

Glynda brings her in close, nose to nose. The girl serving coffee and croissants behind the counter in the FUTA motorhome freezes uncomfortably with her tongs. The dining area quiets; all eyes are on the two women.

“You’ve done what?” Glynda asks quietly.

“Jesus, Glynda. I invited her. I gave her a pass. She’s a legacy shareholder; she was there on the ground floor. I’m the owner, but she owns me,” Annette says with a nervous little laugh. “So, yeah. What she wants, she gets. And if she wants to show up here and screw around, that is, uh, among her entitlements.”

“You think this is the time to add more nonsense to this madhouse?” Glynda’s icy voice is almost a whisper. Her hand tightens.

“Glynda, the nonsense is more profitable than good racing. And I will make sure you feel that,” Annette adds hastily. “You and Faye both.”

Glynda’s eyes flash, and then she seems to remember where she is. She lets go, and Annette pulls back, red-faced. Glynda glowers down at the blonde.

“Wow. Glynda. So forceful,” Annette says with laughter in her eyes. “I don’t hate it. That’s actually kind of the energy that we need here, I guess. Thanks, sweetie.” She takes a Danish from the girl behind the counter and raises her coffee in a little mock toast to Glynda, then heads off.

Seething, Glynda turns to lean on the counter.

“Are you OK, Ms. Darcy?” the girl asks.

“Yes, dear. Let’s have some tea and lemon, please,” Glynda says.

FF1

Meri stands on the tarmac in a white pantsuit, admiring the private jet that has just landed. The door opens, and Vivien Corbin appears. The actress is Glynda’s age, but she looks half that. She wears a light blue sundress with a silk scarf and designer sunglasses. She’s a natural brunette, but today she’s trying on raven-black hair. It’s long, glossy, and Meri can only dream of her hair ever looking that good. Strappy wedges show off perfect toes painted teal, and the glitter visible at her ears can only be diamonds.

Meri does her best not to lose her shit. Vivien Corbin is by no means one of her favorite actresses, but she is a legendary A-lister all the same. Since joining FUTA’s F1 division, Meri’s caught glimpses of celebrities around the paddock, but this will be a first.

Viv glows angelically as she descends, beaming at Meri.

“Well, well, well. Annette knows me better than I know myself,” Viv says. “What’s your name, beautiful?”

Viv’s reputation precedes her, yet it still takes Meri off guard how brazen she is. Viv is well-known as a ruthless skirt-chaser.

“Um,” Meri replies. “I’ve got your car here,” she says quickly, gesturing.

“That’s a funny name,” Viv replies.