Playing With Fire (Sebastian Vettel)

25. Savage

"Mollie, can you make any other comment regarding the statement released by TBR this morning concerning your mental health issues?"

"I have no further comment.  Everything was said that needed to be said.  The only thing I will add actually is that I am perfectly fit to drive if that's what anyone  thinks.  That's all."

"Can you comment on the photograph of you and Sebastian Vettel lunching together in Switzerland?"

"What about it?"

"Are you and Sebastian back together?"

"Yes."

"When did this happen?  Is he helping you with your issues?"

"Last time I checked we were here to talk about the upcoming race,  not my love life.  I suggest you concentrate on your own love lives and leave me and Seb to concentrate on ours."

Mollie noticed Sophia covering her mouth in the neighbouring seat, trying not to laugh.

"You should feel honoured Mollie.   They never ask me about my love life," Sophia said, earning laughter from most of the gathered reporters.  "By the way guys, my love life's fine," she said giving them a thumbs up.

"Mollie, are we going to see more of the old Mollie Rashford now?"

"That's the plan."

"Who do you see as your main rival?"

"Why are you talking to me like I'm the one leading the title race? In case you didn't realise, Sophia is the championship leader.  Why don't you ask her who she sees as her main rival?"  Sophia sniggered behind her hand again. 

"Mollie, are there any hard feelings between you and Sophia after Silverstone?"

"Yeah,  we hate each other, next question?"

After the press conference Sophia and Mollie headed outside.  Sophie was almost doubled over laughing. 

"Mols, you're killing me.  You were on form in there.  Especially when you told Daniel Hunter to stop worrying about your career and to maybe change his own to celebrity gossip reporter rather than that of a serious journalist as he was obviously failing."

"Feeling savage today girlfriend," Mollie grinned. 

"Mollie, office now please," Tom Smollett said as he appeared behind them.

"Uh oh.  I'm in trouble now," Mollie muttered.

"Those journos asked for it. I've got your back girl."

Tom ranted and raved for a few minutes, then he grinned. 

"Well done Mols.  They asked for it." She returned his grin. "Just try and calm things down a bit yeah? You don't want to make enemies."

Mollie reluctantly agreed. She'd enjoyed roasting the media but she got where he was coming from. He went on to say how happy he was that she was getting things back on track and that Matthew Thorne was pleased too.

Ten minutes later Mollie went on her way. It was time for her seat fit. She headed to the garage, nervous about how her team would receive her. She'd been so distant from them lately. Would they forgive her?

Her question was soon answered. As she walked in they broke out into a round of applause. Joel threw his arms around her.

"Welcome back Mols!" he said. "We've missed you girl. You're trending on Twitter. You totally owned that press conference. Honestly, we are so happy to have you back. You're going to do this. No offence to the other side of the garage but your name is on this title."