4. Good as Hell

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Toni.

"Gotta take a deep breath,
time to focus on you.
All the big fights,
Long nights that
You been though,
I got a bottle of tequila
I been saving for you."

-Lizzo

     ​ "You do know I can't say no to gin and tonic, right?" I say as we descend to the parking lot back in the building in London. I put my things in the trunk of my car just in case we need to Uber back home. I just know that plans with Ren tend to get out of hand. She's crazy, but good crazy. And she's extremely good at her job. She has produced most of the merchandise for Aston Martin Racing. And her new assignment is to produce limited edition items for each country we visit.

     ​ "I'm down for gin and tonics. Let's go to Hyde Out!" Alex suggests. We always go there because it's perfect for drinks and chatting with friends, plus it has a beautiful view of Hyde Park.

     ​ "Alright! Let's go! I'm getting the Uber right now." Ren exclaimed. It's a good thing the dress code at Hyde Out is pretty casual, so we never feel out of place when we go there after work.

We arrive and we get a really great table on the balcony. We sit on the round velvet couch, and it has shimmering lights on the ceiling above. The weather is a bit chilly, but we have our coats on, and we're next to an outdoor heater. And besides, in a moment, the alcohol will kick in.

     ​ "I say we owe Toni a toast, because she is honestly the luckiest girl I know!" Alex squeals as he raises his drink, and I can't help but blush. I feel like I'm on a roll, but it hasn't been luck, it has been years of hard work, sleepless nights, and countless tears.

     ​ "Thank you, guys! I really am so happy about this whole thing. And I can't believe we'll work together and travel the world at the same time!" I cheer as I raise my grapefruit gin and tonic.

     ​ "Girl, I'm so ready to party in Monaco, get wine drunk in Italy, and find myself a sugar daddy in Abu Dhabi!" Ren howls as she downs a tequila shot. She likes to start off strong. She's always saying the whackiest things, sometimes I even have to look around to make sure no one else hears her.

     ​ "I mean, I'm sure we will have some spare time to do some sightseeing, but I take my job very seriously, I won't jeopardize it by showing up hungover at a meeting." They both roll their eyes as soon as I say that.

     ​ "Girl, you're way too young to be taking life so seriously. Loosen up, baby!" Alex exclaims with his Texan accent as he puts an arm around me. Alex is the one who is always giving advice, and he's always there when I need to be cheered up. The three of us met during my internship, they were already working at Aston Martin. They welcomed me with open arms, and we've been inseparable since then.

​ "Besides, Toni, don't tell me you don't find those drivers steamy." Ren starts as she takes her margarita from the waiter's hand.

"They're all stupid hot, but I call dibs on Vettel."

     ​"Boo, Vettel is on our team, you can't hook up with someone from work, pick another one. Go for Fernando Alonso, you like older guys." Alex reminds her. I just laugh and take a swig from my drink.

     ​ "I would never get involved with a driver." I state firmly.

​"And why's that? Give me one good reason, Antonia." When Ren says my full name it's usually to make fun of me. I sigh as I collect all the good reasons not to get involved with a Formula One driver.

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