Breaking the Grid

Golf

Blair stood in front of the mirror in her living room, adjusting the simple black athletic outfit she had chosen for the Topgolf night. Her hands worked quickly, pulling her hair into a loose ponytail, though her thoughts were far from settled. She stared at her reflection, trying to shake off the tension building in her chest at the thought of seeing Kyra again. Just as she took a deep breath, the front door opened with a familiar cheerful chime, and Kimi strolled in.

He was a vision of over-the-top enthusiasm—decked out in bright plaid pants, a matching vest, and a golf visor perched at an absurd angle. Blair barely glanced up before bursting into laughter.

"Kimi, what in the world are you wearing?" she exclaimed, struggling to regain composure.

Kimi struck a ridiculous pose, grinning widely. "What's wrong with it? This is *classic* golf attire, Becks. You wouldn't understand."

Blair shook her head, still laughing. "You look like you raided a 70s golf catalog. No one dresses like that anymore!"

He adjusted his visor with exaggerated drama. "That's called having a sense of style, darling."

Blair smirked, grabbing her jacket from the couch. "Yeah, style that makes you look like someone's eccentric uncle. People are going to stare."

"Let them stare," Kimi retorted, unfazed. "If I win tonight, you're buying me dinner. Deal?"

Blair slipped her arms through her jacket, still laughing. "Deal. But don't embarrass me."

Kimi winked as they headed for the door. "Don't worry. I'm going to be the star of the night. You should be honored to be seen with me."

As they left the house, Blair's playful banter with Kimi helped her keep her nerves at bay, even as she looked forward to the evening ahead.

Blair and Kimi walked out to the driveway, and Blair unlocked her car with a quick tap on her key fob. Waiting for them was a sleek, metallic blue McLaren Artura, its curves catching the light of the setting sun. It wasn't too flashy or oversized, but its smooth, aerodynamic design and low stance made it clear this car was all about precision and power. Blair ran her fingers along the edge of the door, feeling a rush of pride.

"Now *this* is style," she grinned, sliding into the driver's seat.

Kimi whistled in appreciation, circling the car. "I'll give you that, Becks. But just because the car's stylish doesn't mean you're winning."

Blair chuckled, starting the engine, which purred to life. "We'll see about that, Antonelli."

They pulled out of the driveway, the McLaren gliding effortlessly onto the road. The early evening sky stretched above them, bathed in shades of orange and pink, casting a warm glow over the winding streets. Blair accelerated gently, feeling the smooth power beneath her, while the city gradually gave way to more open roads. Tall trees lined either side of the road as they sped along, their branches swaying slightly in the breeze. The sound of the McLaren's engine hummed in the background as they talked.

"So, how bad are you going to lose tonight?" Kimi teased, lounging in his seat.

Blair smirked. "You do know I'm competitive, right? You may have the ridiculous plaid pants, but I've got the skills."

Kimi laughed, shaking his head. "You mean to tell me that in between F1 races, you've been honing your golf game?"

Blair shrugged. "I'm a fast learner. And besides, I've been playing just enough to make sure you won't stand a chance. Plus, I'm not going to be the one looking like a walking disco ball."

Kimi laughed, shaking his head. "Ah, you're gonna regret saying that."

Blair and Kimi pulled up to the lively glow of the Topgolf venue, the neon lights shining brightly against the darkening sky. The place was buzzing with energy—music playing softly in the background, people laughing, and the sound of golf balls pinging off the tees. Blair parked the McLaren in one of the nearby spots, and they stepped out, taking in the view of the multi-tiered driving range.