ALICE Ch 235

“Fuck me,” Kylie says, impressed as she sits across from Lora at the little pub built into their quaint, country manor hotel. “Isn’t it a little early?”

“Who cares? I’ve been sacked.”

Lora is not on her first pint. Looking sympathetic, Kylie reaches across the table and adjusts her hair; she knows how careful Lora is about trying to hide her face.

“Alice can’t fire you, Lora.”

Lora gives her a look that says she doesn’t agree with that statement.

“She’ll cool off,” Kylie says confidently.

“I dunno that’s what it is,” Lora says glumly, looking into her beer. “Racing is about concentration. If my… oh.” She shuts up and straightens as Mio approaches the table. The little Japanese driver climbs onto the third chair uninvited, holding a can of ginger mango seltzer.

“Hi,” Kylie says.

“Hello.”

Mio smiles and nods.

“Er, how are you liking England? The worst, isn’t it?” Kylie asks. “Innit,” she says, crossing her eyes at Lora, who just takes a big drink.

“I speak English,” Mio says, and it’s an interesting mixture of trying to sound confident while not being at all sure of the words.

“Right. That’s fantastic,” Lora says uncomfortably.

“Yes,” Mio replies, her eyes on Kylie. “Kylie.”

“Yeah. I mean, close enough,” Kylie replies, brushing her hair behind her ear and returning Mio’s smile. “Drinking water, Mio? Suppose you have to, you’re driving now. Are you stressing?”

Mio looks blank.

“Are you anxious?” Lora tries to help.

“How can we best interact with you in a way that will not be perceived as racist?” Kylie asks and Lora kicks her under the table.

“Shut up, you. Shut up,” Lora points a finger.

“I think it needs to be asked,” Kylie shoots back. “Like we ever spoke to a Japanese person.”

“What?” Lora stares across the table at her in disbelief. “I literally went to Japan to get her. Spoke to loads of Japanese people. No racism.”

Kylie frowns. “Oh. Right. Cheers.”

“Bloody hell,” Lora mutters. “Are you ready to drive?”

“I will relax by spending time with beautiful women,” Mio declares.

Kylie does a spit take and coughs into her elbow. Lora returns Mio’s gazes suspiciously.

“She did this in Japan as well,” Lora says quietly from the corner of her mouth. “Made a pass at me.”

“You are a beautiful girl,” Mio says.

“Thank you, Mio. You’re very sweet,” Lora says.

Mio swivels to Kylie.

“You are the most beautiful,” she says.

Kylie controls herself and looks to Lora in panic. She’s trying so hard not to laugh.

“Thanks, mate,” she says with tears in her eyes. “You as well, Mio. Welcome to the team.”