Right On Track

Chapter 40

Kiara crossed her arms,sulking as she glared ahead.She looked around her driver's room and frowned as she pulled out her phone to distract herself.
It was currently qualifying at the Spanish grand prix and she had just been kicked out of Q2.The session had been going fine at first.Totally fine.Santiago had even told her to go for pole by Q3.
But then it happened.Someone set a faster time than her.And that someone was Carlos.She didn't expect less from him this weekend,though.After all,it was his home race.
Though,memories of things they had planned for this weekend came back to Kiara.Before the incident,Carlos had planned to show her around Barcelona more.And even after the weekend,they were supposed to go back to his home in Madrid for about two days.And since his family would obviously be here this entire weekend,he wanted to introduce her to them.
Kiara groaned in frustration,standing up and putting her phone away.She walked out of her drivers room to find Lydia.
She had barely spoken to Lydia,or anyone from the media team so far.She wasn't really in the mood to hear about that video over and over again.Yes,the video of Amber and Carlos kissing with Kiara in the background watching for a moment,then turning and running off.Hell,the person even got the part where she had shoved Carlos.
"Qualifying reaction."Lydia said,showing Kiara what she had next.
Kiara nodded,following her to the media pen.
On the way,she realised that Max had gotten pole.She nearly muttered a curse under her breath.If he won this weekend,he would be ahead in points and she would have to try to catch up to him.At this point,everyone could see who was fighting for the championship.Both Red Bull drivers.
Kiara glanced around as she approached the media pen.She saw Caco nearby and began to wonder...What would Ferrari have to do now with that video going around?And she also wondered whether the PR stunt was called off for it or not.
"Lydia?"Kiara asked.
"Yes?"
"The stunt is called off,right?"
Lydia looked at her for a long moment."It wasn't really a stunt anymore,since you two had already gotten together for some time."She sighed."But now that you two broke up...Yes,it's over.Mostly because of the video that went around."
Kiara pursed her lips and nodded,watching nearby as Charles arrived at the media pen,talking to Alora.
Hearing that the stunt was over...It made her feel something she couldn't place.And it made her think about the times this stupid PR stunt had actually done some good.Not only in public relations.
She sighed and turned back to Lydia."About that video...It hasn't brought up any problems for me to sort out,right?"
Lydia shook her head."Don't stress it.It's mostly Ferrari's problem now.Majority of the favour is on your side in terms of this one.Carlos is the one taking the heat.Being labelled as 'the cheater'."
Kiara nodded again.She almost felt bad for a second,then she shoved that feeling aside and moved on to start her interview.

Kiara sat down at a table,looking around the hotel's restaurant as she took a bite of her food.
She was sitting alone.But she didn't really mind.And she didn't mind the buzz of the hotel at this early time of the night.
She took another bite of her sandwich,then paused halfway as someone dropped into the chair across from her,a smile on their face.
"Oh,hi."She said,quickly swallowing her food and smiling back at Esteban.
"How was qualifying?"He asked.
She shrugged."Didn't make it to Q3,as you probably saw."
"Hey,it's not too bad."He said reassuringly."You're starting P11,right?"
She nodded."Yeah."
"Two positions ahead of me."He said with a nod.
"Let's see who gets ahead first."Kiara commented,smiling mischeviously."Probably...Oh,me."
"Oh."He arched a brow,surprised by the words."Okay?"
She waited for him to at least say something back.Maybe comment on how he would overtake her by lap five or just something to add on to the playful banter.
When he just turned to the waitress to order his food,she realised that he wouldn't say much else.
And she realised that this was a completely different person.Not the one she used to enjoy they playful banter with.
"So,plans tomorrow after the race?"
She shrugged."I don't know.Is taking a long nap an option?"
Esteban chuckled."I guess so."
"What about you?"
He shook his head."Nothing much.Probably just going to be here at the hotel."
After a moment of silence,he said."Hey,I just realised.Your home race is coming up."
"After Canada."She nodded.
"Nice,"He said."Already started your helmet design?"
She nodded."Long time ago,buddy."
Of course,she had taken suggestions now and again from the designers.But other than that,she let Elijah choose some things too.So far,it was a dark,matt red with a white stripe on one side to represent the Austrian flag,of course with Red Bull on each side too.Elijah had wanted her logo to go on top,a red and white watercolour pattern along with it.And putting the national animal on the back,Kiara had also asked for a small silhouette of a black eagle.
"And,everything with the media?"Esteban arched a brow."All good?"
Kiara nodded."They don't see me as the one at fault so there's nothing to worry about."
"Oh,okay."He nodded.
His phone started to ring and pulled it out,saying."I'll be back in a second."
He walked away and Kiara just started to pick at her sandwich again.
She glanced around the room and called over the waitress,payed the bill,then quickly left for her room.