The Paddock Girl

Chapter 2

I'd walked all over the paddock looking for Max after I lost him and gave up after retracing my steps back to the garage. I was going to kill him. And get Jense or Dani to help me get rid of the body. Yeap, that was the plan. I just had to find a murder weapon.

I walked into the Torro Rosso garage, huffing angrily and to my surprise, I found my helmet sitting nicely atop of my car, just waiting to be used which was very suspicious. I picked it up and flipped it around, checking the insides for any weird tricks.

"Relax Avary, I swear to god I just polished it." Came the voice and I turned to see Max leaning up against the wall, a small smirk plastered on his face. My anger dissipated but my annoyance remained.

"Oh really now?" I asked coolly. He raised an eyebrow.

"What you don't believe good old Maxy?" He pouted, pulling those puppy dog eyes dammit. I turned away, no one could resist those, not even Raikkonen. They were just that deceptively good.

"Ava! Time to head out!" I heard Graham shout and I sighed. I turned at and pointed an accusing finger at Max.

"I will deal with you later." He'd simply chuckled and winked.

"I'm sure you will." And I just couldn't help the light flush that dusted my cheeks. DAMN YOU PALE SKIN.

"Coming Graham!" I called back, ignoring Max's comment in favour of getting my gear together for a run on the track. We were in Australia and it was my first time driving on this track meaning I had a disadvantage. Technically I'd always had a disadvantage because 'I'm a girl'. Pfft, one day I'd show them a lady can win in a man's game.

I got into my trusty car and patted its side.

"Don't let me down buddy." I whispered silently for luck like I did at every race. So far, this car had done me justice and I'd been jumping up and down through the top ten constantly, flying from seventh to fourth and sometimes back down to tenth. It was exhilarating and I was hoping that this track would be no different.

I pulled out of the garage and made slowly towards the start line. I heard my team getting ready on the radio as I waited.

"Alright Ava, you're good to go!" A voice crackled through the headset, presumably James and I sped off, memorising each and every curve and corner of the race, taking note of the turns and my speed.

It felt good to be back on track.

~

I'd finished my laps in good time and made my way quickly out to get a drink, I'd finished my water partway through and I was feeling rather parched. And it so happened that I bumped into Jenson.

"Hey 'Varlee! How was the track?" He asked, raising his can of Sprite. I raised my bottle of Red Bull in greeting.

"It was kind to me." I replied and took a gulp of my drink, relishing in the feeling as the cool liquid refreshed my dry throat. I out a quiet sigh.

"Something wrong?" the McLaren asked, tilting his head to one side. I shrugged.

"C'mon you can tell me." He smiled and patted the seat beside him. I sat down gratefully and looking out onto the track.

"It's nothing really, just a bit of stress here and there not to mention trying to prove myself. I know some people still aren't fond of having me around." I replied. Jense hummed in agreement.

"They'll just have to get used to being beaten by a girl. And one that's very good at what she does might I add." He teased, punching my shoulder lightly. I chuckled.