Unexpected

Part 52

I fly to Austria in the nick of time. Good thing the seats in first class allowed me to sleep fairly well. By mid morning I'm at the circuit doing a track walk and talking to the media.

The free practices and qualifying were incident free, but barely. Finding the limit of the track and car proved demanding. I have picked up more sponsors since the beginning of June. Mostly Japanese companies and feminine brands like makeup. My manager and I are talking about a contract for next year. Besides Nissan, I have one other company that's interested. My F1 career is going well.

The race over and done with, I can't wait to spend time with Sangil. The Red Bull ring, like plenty of circuits, is not near the most popular city, so we drive to Vienna. Two hours on the autobahn and we've arrived. The GTR is a joy to drive. Which reminds me.

"Sangil, Sangil, guess what?"

"What?" he asks, bemused at my excitement.

"Somehow Lexus found out that my dream car is the LFA and they've offered me a chance for a test drive. Now we're just figuring out how to do that and not have my loyalty to Nissan suffer. The way I see it, Nissan doesn't make a car in that price range. The LFA is a super car, while the GTR is a sports car. It should be all good."

"What price range?"

"The LFA costs three times as much."

Sangil whistles. "Wow. And I thought this car was expensive."

"It is. Anyway, that should be happening soon. I'm excited."

"I can tell. I can also tell that you had fun driving on the autobahn."

"Yeah, and in Germany we're going to do this again."

"With Woosung. And have you picked a companion for him yet?"

"Yes. If you can keep a secret I'll tell you who."

"You know I can keep a secret," he smiles.

"Matsuri Airi." When he shakes his head I continue. "She was a former idol, now actress. About as tall as I am."

"Woosung should like that."

"And she'll like Woosung. In fact, she said she's looking forward to wearing heels and still being shorter than him."

"You must have written down what I told you about every member."

"Yes. We've arrived," I announce as I pull into the entrance of the hotel. "I've enjoyed driving, but now I'm going to enjoy valet parking."

On Monday morning we're well rested and ready to head out. First on the agenda is a horse drawn carriage tour, before it gets too hot. Most places that we visit in Europe have structures that are centuries old, whether they're castles, parliament buildings, cathedrals, or fortresses. We don't have time to visit every one, so this is a nice way to see them. And a carriage ride is romantic.

Afterwards we go to the Prater Park, where we try to fly a kite and have a little picnic before riding the Ferris wheel. Then it's a trip to the Spanish Riding School, where we watch a horse show. If I paid more attention to the plaques maybe I would have learned why it's called the Spanish Riding School instead of Austrian.

To get back closer to our hotel we take a tram. I kind of miss trams. They are very much a part of public transportation in Russian cities, but not Japanese ones. It drops us off close to the Demel cafe and bakery, where we eat another small meal out on the shady terrace.

At our hotel we get ready for the evening. Good thing my manager has been practicing hairstyles and makeup techniques these past few months. I can do my own hair and makeup, but it wouldn't be as nice. After she's finished I put on a burgundy evening gown and heels, perfect for a night out at the Vienna State Opera house. I stand in front of the full length mirror and admire myself, turning side to side so the light catches my necklace and earrings. It feels good to dress up like this sometimes.

Sangil knocks, asking if I'm ready. When I open the door he smiles widely.

"You look very beautiful," he compliments me.

"And you look handsome," I say. He's in a classic black suit with a white shirt, and a burgundy tie to match my dress. "You know what accessory you need? A watch." I turn back and rummage in my luggage. "I happen to have one with me, from my sponsor. Here it is," I say, holding it out to him.

"Why did they give you a guy's watch?" he asks as I put it on.

I shrug. "Dunno. Maybe because their manly watches are more recognizable than the feminine ones." I take his arm as we walk down the hall.

"Are WGM going to be filming us at the opera house?" Sangil wants to know.

"No, actually, they can't. They'll film us before and after, but not inside."

"I wondered."

We get in the GTR and drive the relatively short distance to tonight's entertainment. I am really looking forward to hearing the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. I grew up watching Nodame no Cantabile, an anime (and live action drama) about a music school, involving an orchestra and a piano player. I fell in love with the music. And today I get the rare privilege of listening to one of the best orchestras in the world.

Beethoven and Tchaikovsky never sounded so good. I adored it. Sangil did, too. We walk out of the opera house with me leaning on his arm.

"All we have left is dinner," I say, squeezing my hand against his arm. "Then we have to fly home."

He nods. "We had a good time here. Like we always do. And I'm looking forward to schnitzel."

I laugh. "I'm looking forward to apple strudel."

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