ALICE Ch 190

These events always look stupid, at least to Alice. Everyone’s standing around in some kind of FUTA gear; lots of pink hats and polos. Glynda’s good, but she’s not really a professional public speaker. The crowd is even more awkward than she is, and there’s so much coughing. The last thing Alice needs is to get sick. She pinches the nose thing on her mask out of habit. They always make her wear it in these situations. Faye’s beside her, and she’s annoyed. Faye has a new issue of some magazine back at the hotel that she was excited about, but instead of enjoying a free minute or two before the weekend really heats up, they’re here.

It's a big deal, but all Alice can think about is the brace on her wrist. She doesn’t feel like she needs it, but Glynda could not have been more clear: Alice is not driving this weekend.

Glynda places her hands on the podium but doesn’t lean. Alice looks past her at Lora, who’s been acting strangely since she got back from Japan.

“I’ll get right to the point. As you all know, FUTA Racing has a contract with Cally Murtaugh, who acts as our third driver. Cally tested positive for Covid 19 on Sunday. In need of a new backup driver, we have signed a new deal.” It couldn’t be clearer how much Glynda hates this bit of showmanship that she has to do. Alice is sympathetic. It’s almost as bad as a Diorgasm shoot. “Please welcome the newest member of FUTA Racing, Mio Mido.” She gestures and moves aside. A curtain rises, revealing a… Alice’s mouth drops open.

“Holy fuck,” she says. “They found somebody littler than you!”

“That’s rude,” Faye says sternly.

It’s true though. The girl, Mio, wears a FUTA Racing suit and helmet for added theatricality. The helmet gives her some extra height, but she’s no taller than Faye, who barely stands as high as Alice’s elbow.

The gathered press and other interested parties make enough noise to set the scene and draw attention away from Glynda’s obvious awkwardness.

Mio pulls off her helmet, revealing short hair with blue and pink highlights. It’s the blue and pink of FUTA. She looks sweet, although her small size might tip the scales on that. She smiles at the press and holds up a V sign with her fingers.

“Alice.”

“Huh?” Alice comes to her senses, noticing Faye rapidly patting her rear.

“Photos.”

“Oh. Right.”

Alice follows Faye up to the stage, where they join Mio and go through the performative handshakes, as scripted. The smiling and laughter are mostly genuine. Mio smells amazing, at least.

Standing between Faye and Mio while forty people take pictures is somehow even more embarrassing than Diorgasm; Faye and Mio are both older than Alice, yet they look like children beside her.

“Hey, can we lose the lanyard?” one of the FUTA reps calls out to Faye.

“Oh. Right.” Faye fumbles and it slips through her fingers. “Oh dear.”

“God.” Alice drags her hand across her face as Faye doesn’t think twice about dropping to the floor in the middle of the shoot. She’s on her hands and knees and Mio is looking. The Japanese driver sees that Alice has spotted her and beams up at her, flashing that victory symbol again.

“Got it,” Faye says, hopping up. She stuffs the lanyard in her pocket and folds her arms, trying to look cool for the photos. Alice is still staring at Mio, who ignores her.