𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐀𝐃𝐄 ~ | 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘓𝘦𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘤

II

Chapter Two: 

~ I was not expecting the unexpected ~

"- one stop might be risky in terms of tire wear, but if we play our cards right, it could give us that extra push we need for the podium," Fred's voice droned on, his eyes scanning the room to ensure each member of the Round Table of Ferrari, as I liked to call it, was locked onto his words.

I felt sort of useless. I hadn't driven in what felt like a lifetime and it felt like my only real purpose was to sit around and sometimes get some coffee. In my defense, I made damn good coffee.

"Lily, what do you think? You are our local track genius, after all," Fred said, his eyes finally landing on me. My cheeks flushed a little. I wasn't a strategist but sometimes I certainly was a better option than the usual "yes" men. No offense. 

Ferrari forever. 

Go sports. 

All that crap.

"Well, if we're playing fortune teller with tire strategies, I'd say it's worth a shot," I quipped, earning a few chuckles from the room. "Leclerc especially, starting from P3, he's got the aggression to make it work."

Fred nodded, scribbling something on his clipboard. "What do you think Charles?"

Charles leaned back in his chair, arms folded, his eyes narrowed in contemplation. "I think we should play it safe. We need to secure the points. Too much risk could mean we blow our chances entirely."

I bit my tongue. "Fred, if I may," I said, leaning forward slightly. "If we play it safe, we're settling for mediocrity. If we want a win, we need to push the envelope." I glanced at Charles, his jaw tightening. I hated how even now, my stomach did a little flip at the sight of that stubborn expression.

"You're right." Fred nodded. "We need to aim high. Let's go with the one stop strategy, team." The room buzzed with chatter, everyone gathering their things quickly.

I got my single pen, being the only thing I had brought into the room, and dipped my head to Fred as I left.

The inside of this place was like a maze. I wanted to find Thea before the race started in... I glanced at my watch, 13 minutes. Sheesh. My heels clicked on the floor as I walked down the hall. I cannot explain how suddenly my heart dropped as a second pair of footsteps echoed behind me, getting closer and closer until I could see him in the corner of my eye. His legs were longer. Not fair.

"Evie, stop." He called.

I kept walking.

"For fucks sake, Evie!" Charles's voice was three times louder in the hallway, his frustration palpable. "What the hell is your problem?"

I stopped abruptly, turning to face him. "My problem?" I echoed incredulously. "You want to talk about problems?"

"Yeah, I do." He stepped closer, his eyes searching mine. "Why can't you even look at me?"

I rolled my eyes. "You want to have this conversation now?" I snapped, the hallway's echo making my voice sound harsher than intended.

"It's always now with you," he said, his voice tight. "You're either running away or throwing a tantrum."

"I'm not throwing a tantrum," I said, my voice low, dangerously so. "I'm just... done with this. Done with you."

"Done with me?" He scoffed, his hands in his hair. "You will never be done with me, Biche. I'm not someone you can forget."