Breaking the Grid

Locked

The sound of engines roared through my headset as I leaned into my simulator, the virtual race unfolding with sharp turns and high-speed straights. Kimi, Lando, and Max were all in the lobby with me, their banter filling the airwaves as we jockeyed for position on the track.

"Kimi, that's a dirty move!" I laughed, watching his car swerve in front of mine on the screen.

"Not my fault you're too slow, Becks!" Kimi shot back, his tone light but smug.

Lando chimed in, his voice crackling with mock indignation. "Blair, how are you losing to Kimi? Come on!"

"Focus, Becks," Max added, laughing. "You've got a reputation to maintain."

I rolled my eyes, gripping the wheel tighter as I leaned into the next corner. "You lot are the worst cheerleaders ever," I muttered, though I couldn't hide the grin on my face.

I leaned back in my seat, pulling my headset slightly off one ear to let out a breath.

"Alright," I said, my tone lighter now. "Enough sim talk. Let's talk real racing for a sec. Lando, congrats again on that win. The team must be buzzing."

"Thanks, Becks," Lando said, his pride evident in his voice. "It's been a hell of a season. That last GP win felt good, though. Like we're finally finding our stride."

"You're making McLaren proud," I said warmly. "Now, if you could share some of that speed with me for next season, that'd be great."

Max laughed. "You've got enough talent, Becks. You don't need his help."

I smirked. "True, but I'll take any edge I can get."

Kimi chimed in, his tone teasing. "What about the F2 championship? Been keeping an eye on that?"

"Of course," I said, sitting up straighter. "I'm rooting hard for Hadjar. The kid's got serious talent. It'd be great to see a French driver take the championship."

"Supporting your own, huh?" Lando teased.

"Damn right," I said with a grin. "Someone's gotta cheer for the Frenchies."

We talked for a few more minutes, bouncing around topics about the end of the season, future predictions, and who might shake up the grid next year. 

As the race continued, I felt my phone vibrate on the edge of the desk, just within my peripheral vision. At first, I ignored it, too focused on trying to overtake Kimi. But when it buzzed again—and again—I finally glanced over, curiosity getting the better of me.

The screen lit up with a notification: 20 missed calls: Kyra.

"Shit," I muttered, half-laughing as I pulled the wheel to the side to park my car in the virtual pits.

"What's up?" Kimi asked, his tone suspicious.

I pulled my headset off one ear, still laughing as I grabbed my phone. "I locked my girlfriend out of the house," I admitted, shaking my head.

There was a beat of silence before the line erupted in laughter.

"Wait—what?" Lando exclaimed, his voice almost cracking. "You locked her out?"

"Yeah, apparently," I said, still grinning as I stood up. "Wait a sec, I've gotta go let her in."

Kimi's laugh was unmistakable. "She's going to kill you, Becks."

"Good luck surviving," Max added, his voice filled with amusement.

I jogged down the stairs, Milo's barking faintly audible from outside. When I opened the door, the sight that greeted me was enough to make me laugh outright.