Breaking the Grid

Paris

I sit alone at my favorite little coffee shop, tucked away from the bustling crowds of tourists. It's one of those hidden gems in Paris that feels like home, quiet and familiar. I sip my coffee, staring out the window as early morning sunlight spills over the streets, but my thoughts are a mess. Last night was brutal—I couldn't sleep at all.

After hanging up with Leah, I thought about calling Kyra. I missed her, and I could really use her voice to help settle my thoughts. But no answer. She was probably fast asleep, so I gave up on that and decided to catch the end of the F1 race. I figured it might distract me or at least be something familiar to focus on.

But instead of comfort, I got a punch in the gut. Oscar won the GP. Just five races in, and he's already got a win under his belt. And now McLaren's social media is flooded with his face, his name, everywhere. The team loves him, and I can see it, can feel it. Then Andrea, my manager—my own manager—goes on to say in an interview that Oscar is their future. "The future." That's what he called him.

I try to shake it off, telling myself it's just words. But hearing that, after working so hard to make my own mark, feels like a door slowly closing on me.

I put my phone down, sighing as another call from Alicia lights up the screen. She means well, I know, but I've already told her I don't want to talk about my dad. It's too much to handle right now, especially on top of everything happening with McLaren. So I send her a quick text: "Just speak to my lawyer, please."

I sit back, checking my phone occasionally, waiting for Leah and Kiera to arrive. It's a relief to have plans, a break from my spiraling thoughts. When they finally walk into the café, I see they've brought someone else along—a familiar face. Lucy. She's one of the greats, and we've crossed paths before, but we've never really had a chance to talk. Leah steps forward with a grin, clearly excited to introduce us.

"Blair, you know Lucy, right?" Leah says, a hint of pride in her voice, as if she's thrilled for me to meet her friend properly.

Lucy smiles, and there's something about her that's just... magnetic. She's definitely got a presence, confident but warm. "Hi, Blair. Good to see you again," she says, extending her arms for a hug.

"Good to see you too, Lucy," I say, wrapping her in a quick hug. As I pull back, I can't help but smile. "You smell amazing, by the way."

Lucy laughs softly, eyes sparkling. "Thanks—I'll have to remember that," she replies, and there's a friendly ease between us that surprises me.

Then Leah's arms are around me, pulling me into a hug that's a little longer, a little tighter than usual. She doesn't let go right away, and I find myself laughing, caught off guard.

"Missed me that much, huh?" I tease, glancing over at her as she finally releases me, a playful grin on her face.

"You have no idea," Leah says, giving me a look that's both lighthearted and lingering. It's clear she's happy to see me, and that brings a bit of warmth back into my day.

After finally breaking free from Leah's hold, I turn to Kiera with a playful grin.

"Alright, Kiera, don't think you're getting out of a hug too," I say, opening my arms wide. She laughs, stepping into the hug, and I give her a friendly squeeze, exaggerating it just to mess with her.

"Didn't know you were this affectionate, Blair," she jokes, playfully patting my back like I'm holding on too long.

"Hey, gotta spread the love!" I tease, releasing her with a grin. "Especially when I've got to deal with this one"—I nod toward Leah—"clinging to me like I'm going somewhere."