ALICE Ch 366

Bright lights shine on the three simple chairs.

The managers for Williams Racing can hardly contain their glee. Hammond is literally rubbing his hands together.

“I presented a show here once,” May says.

Clarkson nudges him. “Quiet. Look. Japan is quite literally the best destination for the motoring enthusiast.”

“Not because of actual motoring,” Hammond cuts in. “Narrow little roads and loads of stuffy laws—”

“What are you calling little?” May mutters.

“The Japanese have, rather pointedly, run circles around everyone in automotive engineering for more than forty years at this point,” Hammond goes on, undeterred. “Their vehicles cover the world, and they’ve got us through more than our share of scrapes. Looking at you, Toyota Land Cruiser.”

Clarkson nods in agreement. “And you always hear stories about European fans behaving like lunatics, but when it comes to hosting a Grand Prix, you’ll find the Japanese are quite keen. And I’m prepared to argue that they do the best job. Did you see the parade yesterday?”

“Good food,” May murmurs.

“God, yes.” Hammond looks wistful. “You haven’t had pasta until you’ve had broth with big globs of fat floating in it. They’ll put half a pig in that bowl of noodles. Dear me. To die for. And good beer.”

“Exceptional beer,” May agrees, nodding sagely.

“Oh, yes. The Japanese Grand Prix. Peerless,” Clarkson says with enormous gravity. “I understand that the lovely Irina Orlova is throwing a party as well. Simply magnificent.”

All three men nod.

FF1

Pink cherry blossoms flutter under a perfect, blue sky.

Hand in hand, Lora and Bianca stroll through the Suzuka Forest Garden. Lora has just begun to get over her self-consciousness, but today is a setback. Maybe it’s the setting, but Bianca looks more delicate and gorgeous than ever in her little skirt and hoodie. Meanwhile, Kylie has betrayed Lora and worn a dress. She strolls ahead with Aria looking radiant while Lora feels like a bit of crumpled newspaper.

Lora’s anxiety runs away with the difference in vibes between them. Kylie and Aria have the air of a pretty girl and her tall, cool boyfriend, while Lora and Bianca just look oddly matched. Bianca is a breathtaking beauty, while Lora is Lora, dressed in chunky sneakers, jeans, and a top that would look cute on anyone but her. She knows it’s bad to fixate on how things look so much, but Japan’s beauty makes it difficult to be fully present.

Bianca’s watching at her, and as usual, Lora has the sense that she can’t hide anything.

Bianca says something in Italian, and Aria looks back and replies.

A Japanese pedestrian bench is just large enough for the four of them. Lora finds herself clutching a cold can of deliciously creamy coffee. The caffeine will pair with her nerves to make her jittery, but she’ll drink it anyway as a substitute for stress-eating. She’s stressing over herself and Bianca to avoid stressing over FUTA.

Aria’s whispering in Kylie’s ear. They’ve been together for the exact same amount of time, but Lora and Bianca don’t have a shred of that intimacy. She takes a long drink. Kylie leans over and whispers to Bianca. In turn, Bianca leans and whispers to Lora.

Lora frowns. “A love hotel? What’s that?”