Unexpected

Part 27

The Bahrain GP is upon me before I know it. It's hot here, too. I'm starting to detect a theme. The days fly by before I'm at the airport waiting for Sangil. I wave when I see him, but am more subdued here than Australia. I take a bouquet of flowers from behind my back and thrust them at him.

"For you."

"What's the occasion?" he asks, smiling.

"No occasion. Just because. I have a housekeeper who cleans while I'm away, and I have her buy me flowers before I return. When I saw the tulips on my return from Melbourne, it gave me a warm, cozy feeling. And I wanted to do the same for you."

"Thank you." He pauses. "You have a housekeeper?"

"Is that the only part you heard?" I say, exasperated.

He grins. "Of course not. How've you been?"

"Great! I have two new sponsors. I don't know what role WGM played in that, but they are female-associated brands. I guess those sort of brands would gravitate more towards me than the male drivers. And my popularity is climbing. I know I generated a lot of buzz when I was signed, but I still have to prove myself."

"What's the strangest sponsor you heard of?"

"Zendeli, in Formula 3, is sponsored by Playboy."

"Eeehhh?! Seriously?"

"Yes. Although I've been told it's the logo for the makeup products, not the magazine. But ... who's gonna know the difference? I didn't."

When we get to my vehicle he looks it up and down. "And here you drive an SUV."

"They're popular in Bahrain. I gotta fit in," I say, patting the hood.

"I've started practicing Rain," Sangil tells me once we're settled in. "You play the piano in the instrumental version that you sent me, correct?"

"Yes."

"I like it. Did you start on your dance?"

"I did."

"Are you going to tell me anything more?"

"I think it should be a surprise. Wait, I will tell you this. It's not a fast-paced song."

"Do you think I know the artist?"

"Um, maybe. Yes. I think so."

"Korean?"

"Yes. And that's the last thing I'll say."

We arrive at the hotel and he gets situated before knocking on my door. "I'm starving. Let's go eat."

"Are you open to trying new foods?" I inquire.

"Snuper was in the UAE in the spring of 2018. I tried the local cuisine and liked it."

"Okay. Just wanted to know if you'd prefer fried chicken before I drag you off to a restaurant."

We go to a nearby restaurant where we try new foods. Sangil makes me eat lamb's tongue, declaring that it was a favorite of Snuper's when they were in the Middle East. I like beef tongue, so I give it a try. It's delicious, and Sangil is surprised.

"Did you think I wasn't going to like it?" I ask. "Sangil!"

He laughs. "Sorry."

I fake-pout. "You're so mean, Sangil. Next time I'll trick you. You think you'll laugh then?"

He reaches out for my hand and gives it a squeeze. "Gomen." Sorry.

"Tomorrow's race takes place at night. We'll be able to spend time together beforehand."

"Great. Is anyone from your family here?"

"Yes. Maika, and Shiga and his family."

"I didn't meet him, did I?"

"No, he wasn't at Australia. He's married with three kids. You'll meet them tomorrow."

After dessert we go back to the hotel. It's late, so we say goodnight and go to bed. 

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