𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐀𝐃𝐄 ~ | 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘓𝘦𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘤

VI

Chapter six: 

~ Shush, demons ~

"Do you have your own office?" My mom asked curiously as we stopped for a small rest on a bench.

I had been giving them the full tour of the paddock. Wednesdays were never really the most exciting, but you got the impression. Plus, it was easier without all the people around.

"No. But I have my driver's room. I showed you it like ten minutes ago." I told her with a smile.

"Thea has an office. And she's not even a full lawyer yet." My mom said proudly, looking over at my sister.

"Mom, don't." She warned her, shooting an apologetic glance at me.

"I know, Mom. Thea's amazing. But look, I'm happy here." I put on a smile. She sighed and shrugged.

Matteo slung his arm over my shoulders, "Well, I think it's great. It pays great, and people have started taking pictures with me just because I'm your boyfriend." He laughed.

"Your finance." I mumbled to him. He swore under his breath and apologized.

"Don't look at me like that, Theodosia! I was just trying to tell her that I think she's smart and could be doing more with her life." My mom defended herself after a withering glare from Thea.

I looked down at my shoes.

"Darling, I'm sorry. I know you love this sport." She reached over and took my hand. "I mean, you're not even racing for one of the top teams. And we all know you deserve it." Her voice trailed off, and I couldn't help but feel a little stab in my chest.

"I'm working towards it. But these things take time." I tried to reassure her as much as myself.

The truth was, I hated Alpine. They treated me like I was nothing more than just a PR tool to show how progressive they were. They never listened to my ideas and always insisted on favoring Pierre.

"Come on, let's get going. I want to see if I can get a glimpse of Lewis at the Mercedes garage." Thea winked at me, getting to her feet.

"Ooh, yes. Is Mercedes the team with the Toto fellow?" My mom clapped her hands.

"Mom!" I gasped.

"I just want to see him. I won't embarrass you, I promise." She waved me away with a wave of her hand. I got to my feet, Mattoe close behind.

"I'm sure you'll find a way." I murmured to myself with a sigh.

As we continued walking, the Ferrari headquarters came into view. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. Even from a distance, the energy in the area was palpable. Everyone seemed to move with purpose, a sense of urgency. Their headquarters were sleek and modern, a stark contrast to the more understated Alpine team.

My mom and Thea walked beside us, arms linked. I glanced over at Matteo and slipped my hand into his, but he was looking around, seemingly distracted.

Matteo had been my high school boyfriend until he moved away to attend college. He had studied business and finance for half a year before dropping out and becoming a 'proffesional DJ'.

We somehow found each other about three years ago, and now we've been engaged for two years. We have tried to set a date a few times, but it's never been the right time. He's always so busy with his DJ gigs, and I'm always busy with my racing.

"Who's that?" Mattoe asked, looking over at a rondom guy in a Ferrari shirt.

"I don't know." I shrugged.