ALICE Ch 192

“My English is good enough, I think,” Mio says shyly.

“That’s enough,” Glynda cuts in, moving between Mio and the reporters. The paddock is packed with people holding umbrellas and wearing dripping windbreakers. The chilly rain starts and stops as it pleases. It’s miserable, and there is an onslaught of press trying to get at Mio. “I don’t care what’s customary. It’s her first bloody race and there’s precious little time to get ready, and we’ve still a shoot to do.” Her hand shoots out and she grabs a reporter by the collar as he tries to edge past her. “Any more of that and there’ll be less of it,” she snarls. He backs off. “Faye, Mio, inside. Alice, get away from those people.”

Alice finishes signing the damp hat that’s been pushed into her hands and rejoins the posse, where Mio blushes as she takes a selfie with another fan.

Deafening cheers arise from the direction of the Freedom HQ, where Val’s P1 is being celebrated with gusto. Lora gives Alice a shove, and Glynda all but throws Faye through the door, then whirls.

“Fuck off, Netflix!” she roars.

A moment later, they’re inside. A green background is set up and two photographers are messing with some lights. Mio trots obediently into the dressing room and Glynda flings Faye after her before turning on Lora.

“Like she’s never seen a bleedin’ camera before,” Glynda says through gritted teeth. Lora doesn’t seem to have a reply for her.

One of the Amazons says something in Russian. Glynda looks at her sharply, and she shuts up.

“Do we need all of you in here? Go. Go!” As she chases them out, Lora moves to stand beside Alice.

“Are you OK?” Alice murmurs.

Lora just makes a face.

“Hey,” Alice begins, but she looks over distractedly. Everything is so noisy, but was that a little shriek from the dressing room? It has to be Faye. Yes. Faye’s laughing in there. Alice focuses on Lora. “Do you need to talk?”

Lora shakes her head, blushing.

“This girl is really older than me?”

Lora nods.

“She can drive,” Alice adds, watching Glynda speak to Colby before stalking back to the door and yanking it open, revealing a half-dressed Mio and Faye. Mio’s in front of Faye, and her hands are on her. Alice can’t see clearly.

“Uh,” she begins, but Glynda vanishes into the room and slams the door shut behind her. Alice, Lora, and everyone else flinch. Glynda’s not happy about… anything about this race, frankly. Alice thinks that she should be glad they’re starting in the points at all, but Glynda wants more.

“Is she really a rally driver?” Alice asks Lora, trying to make conversation.

Lora nods.

“How’d she see over the dash?”

Lora doesn’t answer.