Free Practice | Formula One

Chapter Nineteen: Gravity And I Aren't Exactly Best Friends

It's been a while :)

Enjoy!

*****

"I freaking told you!" Syd squealed as she sat down on my bed while I got ready.

The race ended a few hours ago. Saint and I weren't fortunate to achieve a podium position because the car wasn't really performing that great this weekend. Levi managed a P3 while Atlas scored P4 behind him. I have no idea how since Renaldi, another Italian team, has been staying in the midfield ever since the season started, but the upgrades they brought with them this weekend made it seem like they had a rocketship.

Levi texted me an hour ago to meet him at the parking lot at nine. I had a lot of time on my hands because of the lack of a podium, so I managed to sneak in a little lay-in when I got back to the hotel. I can't say the same for him though because he still had to attend the press conference after the interviews in the TV pen.

"You're going to break my eardrums." I said, shaking my head at her. Levi didn't specify where we'd be going so I dressed casual with a pair of black jeans, a white top, and a gray knit sweater.

"You still haven't filled me in on how this happened." Syd pouted before standing up and stopping beside me. She began rummaging through my makeup bag. "Where's that smudge-proof lipstick I bought for you? You're going to need it tonight."

My lips parted in shock at her words, making me stop before I put on a layer of mascara. "What?"

She rolled her eyes at me and placed the lipstick on the table. "Don't act all innocent. Levi's going to kiss you tonight."

"You make it sound like he's going to devour me by giving me smudge-proof lipstick."

"I wouldn't be surprised. You're oblivious to the tension between you two."

I couldn't help but blush, remembering his words from the other day when we were at the pool.

I'm not kissing you here where anyone could just walk in.

We pretended as if nothing happened the past few days, focusing on our lives as drivers and putting our personal ones on hold. There were a few looks shared here and there but as much as I could, I avoided his eyes because I felt like people would see through me. Every time my eyes find that head of light blonde hair, I could literally feel my heart beat faster and faster. It wasn't easy, because when I knew he was in the room, it became hard to focus on anything else.

Before I could reply to Syd, a knock came from the door and she ran towards it. "Shit." I cursed before running towards her but she already beat me, pulling the door open and revealing Levi. He was dressed in jeans and a navy blue sweater, the sleeves folded just beneath his elbows.

"King." Syd greeted, a hand on her hip as she smirked at him.

"Atkins." He greeted back, not fazed by the look my best friend was giving him. His eyes moved to where I was and I swear I saw the corner of his lips turn upwards to reveal a small smile. "Katarina. Ready?"

"I thought I was meeting you at the parking lot?"

"Yeah, but I figured you'd need this." He tossed me a cap and I curiously looked down to see the logo of his karting team back when he was a kid.

Syd left us for a few seconds before giving me my phone and literally pushing me out of my room. I would've fallen face first into the floor if Levi hadn't caught me, hands quickly holding my hips. "Bye! Have fun! Don't be back before midnight!" That was all she said before she slammed the door behind me as if it was her hotel room.