ALICE Ch 44

Alice’s last obligation before race day is the usual promotional party, and naturally, she’s not allowed to drink. The bigger teams have their own parties. FUTA, Freedom, and Williams are at this one, mingling with wealthy fans, investors, and other F1 notables. Most of the A-listers are at the Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull parties, although Alice did catch a glimpse of Taika Waititi talking to those weird old guys who run Williams now.

Lots of people are seriously dressed up because the party’s happening on a large, fancy yacht. Alice is grateful that she just has to wear normal FUTA-branded clothes and a FUTA cap. Dresses don’t look good on her lanky frame anyway. This is only a party for the guests. Everyone else is stressed beyond belief and trying to pretend as though they aren’t. Alice is truly grateful that she’s not as popular as people like Lewis. Just the modest amount of attention that she receives here is overwhelming.

She finds that if she moves around and doesn’t look bored, people engage her less and they’re more likely to keep it quick. All the glossy stuff, bright lights, and nice clothes make her edgy. It’s hard not to envy the people who are free to have a drink to calm their nerves.

She pauses, looking through the crowd.

Valeria Flores is easy to spot in her Freedom livery. It’s just a cute little collared shirt, but the patriotic color scheme is unmissable. Alice is used to being taller than Val, although the years have only added to the gap. Just like when they were kids, she seems effortlessly elegant and pretty. And just like when they were kids, aloof. She doesn’t even try to be friendly to her fans. She’s not impolite, but there’s this sense of patience about her. Just the sight of her makes Alice feel like a clumsy giant.

Val notices her looking and returns her gaze. She can act cool, but like Alice, she never expected to be in this situation. Or maybe she did. It’s a little scary.

“What are you doing by your lonesome?”

Alice turns to find herself face-to-face with the Woodcock sisters, grinning up at her impishly.

“Are you guys ever alone?” Alice replies.

“Not really,” the sisters reply in chorus.

“Suppose I should say that was a pretty good… lap time,” Missy says playfully.

“We should have a closer look at that lap.”

Alice snorts. These two know that she isn’t allowed to have fun tonight. If they want to tease, Alice can play that game too.

“My lap time is in high demand,” Alice replies casually. “What about yours?”

Taken aback, the sisters exchange a look. Missy blushes slightly. Sissy looks ruffled.

“I’ll show you a lap time tomorrow,” she says. “I heard about your engine. Pity about that.”

“Yeah,” Missy says, catching on. “Pity.”