ALICE Ch 36

Bright lights shine on the simple chair.

An appallingly hot, stoic-faced man with dark hair soberly takes his seat. His presence in the room considerably raises the sense of seriousness. He wears black slacks and a white dress shirt open at the neck, covered in Mercedes iconography and endorsements. He is profoundly dignified.

“I’m Toto Wolff. Team Principal for Mercedes-AMG Petronas,” he says.

It’s not necessary for him to introduce himself in full every time he sits down, but the blushing interviewer doesn’t dare point that out.

“Tomorrow we qualify here in Saudi Arabia,” the interviewer prompts. “What’s on your mind only one race in?”

“Our performance in Bahrain was not what we wanted. Lewis drove well and finished in the points, but was overtaken by a newer and relatively unknown driver. Understandably, this raises concern about the car.”

“And the car has been in question these past years,” the interviewer notes.

Toto stares. The interviewer clears her throat nervously.

“To shift to another new team, FUTA Racing. The news only broke this morning about Lukoil. Do you have any thoughts?”

Toto considers that for a moment. “Now that we all operate under the spending cap, the news that another team has formed a lucrative partnership is less strategically significant than it was in the past.”

“How do you feel about such a large investor showing such faith in an untested team while comparatively, investors are fleeing Mercedes?”

“Formula One is an unforgiving sport. For the drivers, for the teams, and for the investors. Mercedes is home to the greatest driving records and the greatest living driver in the world. I believe that with that in mind, rumors of our demise are premature.”

FF1

It’s almost creepy how warm and friendly Glynda has been since Alice did that meet and greet. The next day, Alice received a simple but lovely note from Irina and Sasha thanking her for taking the time to meet with them. Things are really good. Amazing. Also tense; tomorrow is the qualifier. Whatever the case, Alice is bubbling with positive energy as she shrieks and dashes across the beautiful lobby to throw her arms around Kylie and squeeze.

“Sweet teenage Jesus,” Kylie mutters tiredly, putting up with it. She’s carrying two bags and has her rolling suitcase behind her.

“I missed you so much. I’m nothing without you,” Alice says dramatically, still hugging her. “Let’s go work out.”

“Right now?” Kylie asks dazedly as they enter the elevator.

“Qualifiers tomorrow. Crikey! Crikey, crikey, crikey.”

“Stop it.” The blonde drags her hand over her face.

“Got to get me all loosened up so I can drive good.”

“Where are you from, Alice?”

“Florida.”

“They speak English in Florida?”

“Oh my God. My English teacher. Fifth grade. Miss Waterson. Hello, nurse.” Alice uses her hand to draw curves in the air.

Kylie takes deep breaths.

“This is fine,” she says, staring vacantly.