𝐸𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓃𝑜𝓇
_________________________
Race day. Finally.
The fabulous Sunday afternoon is here!
The air is filled with excitement as the teams get prepared for the big race, fine-tuning their vehicles and going through the last check-ups. I take in my surroundings with amazement, watching the cheerful fans dressed in different matching colors as they eagerly wait for the start of the race, all crossing their fingers in the hope of their favorite driver's win.
I'm alone in the pit lane as I'm dismissed since Olivia will take care of some interviews with a couple of team managers before the race. But apparently, I'm not alone as my thoughts are keeping me company. I wish I would've appreciated it.
I look blankly around me, watching a father from the crowd smiling as his child is screaming his favorite driver's name who notices the screaming and sends a little wave to the kid, making him smile widely. I smile a little bit, memories flashing in front of my eyes.
I was twelve years old when I got back home running to show my parents what I've got. "Mom! Dad!" I screamed as I entered the living room where my parents were sitting and watching Tv. They turn their attention to me, "You came back early," my mom remarked. "Yes, I run to show you this," I managed to say through my panting, showing them the two tickets I had in my hand, "Mrs. Anderson bought me tickets to the Formula One race after I got an A on my science project. Isn't that awesome?" I giggled, happy that my hard work got noticed.
My dad stood up from the couch, walking towards me, "Let me see," I hand him the two tickets, watching his face and waiting for his reaction. For a minute, I thought I saw my dad smiling and tapping the top of my head as he congratulates me, and I confess that I felt content and proud.
But none of it was real, it was all an illusion that I created in my mind.
The reality crashed into my little heart as I watched the corner of his lips twitch in a mocking smile as he hold the tickets by the two sides and started ripping them appart slowly. Silence fell in the room as the only thing hearable is the sound of paper tearing apart. I watched my gift turn into shreds in front of my eyes and my smile dropped slowly. I felt a lump forming in my throat, a feeling I couldn't swallow. I couldn't but regret feeling happy and excited knowing my dad wouldn't accept. I guess my little self thought that her father would change and finally would accept his daughter's love for a typical sport. Was it that hard for you, Dad?
"Your room. Now," he said sternly, pointing to the stairs with his chin. I was standing in my place, not moving at all as I felt numb, watching the small pieces, that meant a lot hours ago, settle on the ground having no value anymore. "I said now, Eleanor," he repeats himself, "Stop Micheal, don't that to the little girl," Mom interrupted, coming to rub her hand on my back. He scoffs, "You're the one who encouraged her to keep liking that sport when she is supposed to focus on her studies."
You can imagine what happened after; both of them towering over my small frame, fighting and exchanging hurtful speech, while a little girl at their feet watched the pieces on the ground with cheeks stained with tears. If only I didn't hurry up and enjoyed the excitement longer before it gets snatched away, she thought to herself.
Someone coughs next to me, drawing me out of my thoughts. I turn around to meet a pair of sharp brown eyes and the familiar face of Rafe. "I believe this isn't the right time to enjoy annoying you," he says, a small smile playing on his lips. I roll my eyes at his bad timing, "It's never the right time, Alvarez." He chuckles, amused.
We stand there in silence and suddenly I realize it. I lock my eyebrows, "Shouldn't you be getting ready for the race?" He shrugs, "Yes, maybe."
"So why are you standing here with me?"
"I'm born ready, Lopez. I don't need a few extra minutes to get prepared." A confident glint in his eyes as he smirks with the tube of his water bottle between his teeth. I scoff, crossing my arms in front of my chest as I whisper, "If so, why are you never winning?" He gulps down a sip of water before he asks with a mischievous grin, "How about a little bet, mi sol?"
Since my dad's call, I'm not in the mood for anything at all, even my job that I usually enjoy. But the mention of a bet catches my attention. When it's about bets, I'm always in. Plus, I might need a little distraction from my worries.
"What kind of bets?" Rafe leans in, touching the tip of his nose with his finger as he's still grinning, "If I win the race today, you have to do whatever I ask for," he states, eyeing me up and down with a challenging look. "And if you lose, I get the same thing?" he confirms with a nod and I could feel my competitive nature kicking in. I smirk, "You're on, Alvarez."
That might be risky; what if I lose and he asks for something crazy? Like my naked photos, or to kiss him? I mean, you wouldn't refuse a kiss from a handsome man like Rafe, a voice speaks in the back of my mind. I quickly dismiss the thought and focus on winning.
Rafe winks, "It's a deal then." The wink catches me off guard and I had just noticed how attractive he seems at that moment. Big arms wrapped in the tight red shirt of his team, his racing suit hanging around his waist, his dark hair falling gracefully over his forehead where a bit of sweat has formed, his dark brown eyes turning into honeyed slits, and his bottle's tube still between his teeth. I swallow hard and shake my head to banish the images from my mind.
"Your staring balance has expired. Please, reload to enjoy the view," He teases, interrupting my thoughts. I roll my eyes, trying to hold back my embarrassment. He keeps grinning as he backs up to get back to his team. I watch as he keeps going backward before he turns to jog and I enjoy the view of his large muscles rippling with each step.
Come on Ele, focus, I remind myself, don't forget, it's Rafe Alvarez, the dickhead who will lose not only the race but your bet.
______________________
He's winning...
How in hell?
"Wow, girl. Alvarez activated the Latino mood." Olivia says next to me, eating her chili chips. I look at the screen in disbelief. He's leading the race by several laps, and I have no idea how to pull it off. "Hey, do you know how I can get connected to the radio of RRyan'scar?" She shrugs not knowing the answer, "Why you're asking?" "Because someone needs to stop that bitch." She laughs, shaking her head, "Girl, you're gonna ask my favorite team, especially my favorite driver, for assistance?" She laughs even more. "Believe me, I would do anything right now to stop Rafe from winning." There are still several laps, a lot can change in that time, right?
We watch the race in silence, enjoying the pack of salty chips. I check on the boys behind us, enjoying the race as well. But I catch Fred looking at back of Olivia, smiling softly. He tears away his gaze when he notices I caught him. I turn back to not embarrass him more and lean into Olivia. "Fred not watching the race, but watching you," I hum, "Interesting." She shakes her shoulders, "Too bad for him, I have no room for him as I have Ryan." I look at her, shocked. "Girl,... You're unbelievable. Ryan has a girlfriend, there is no way he'll choose you over her." She puts her hand on her chest feeling offended, I laugh then continue, "Plus, Fred is adorable, he cared for you when you were injured, checked you before coming to work and after finishing it, asked me if you were okay. So why not give him a chance?" She rolls her eyes, "I don't need nobody's care. Plus, you're very aware of Lincoln's rule" I shake my head in disbelief, "Yeah, you need somebody's slap to knock some sense into you."
Lincoln's rule, nobody is allowed to date anyone involved in the motorsports world. He believes it's a work environment, not a Tinder app. He is right, we need to remain focused on our duties and keep it professional.
The crowd roars, which brings our attention back to the race and I saw something that pleased me, too much. Ryan is close to Rafe's car, he may have a chance to pass him and save me. I sit up straight, eyes fixed on the screen as Ryan inches closer to Rafe's car. My heart races with anticipation and excitement, hoping that Ryan will be able to pull it off and win the race. "Come on Ryan!" I shout out grabbing Olivia's arm. She looks at me amazed and confused. "What?" "Now, that is something." I roll my eyes playfully as she chuckles.
As the final lap unfolds, Rafe and Ryan are neck to neck, competing for the first place. Everybody stands from their seats from the tension, even me. I cross my fingers and silently pray for the Red Bull driver to win. It might be strange that I'm cheering for the rivals of my favorite team, but I can't lose the bet, I'll do anything to not lose it even throwing myself at Ryan if I have to.
They get closer and closer to the finish line, but the unexpected happens. Ryan's car suddenly loses control and spins out o the track, hitting the wall. My breath catches in my throat as I see the red Ferrari car crossing the finish line. I slump back in my seat, feeling defeated and disappointed. Olivia pats my back sympathetically, "I would've asked why you're not satisfied with your team's win, but I guess I already know the answer," she sighs, "If only that accident didn't happen."
I sight at my turn, combing my fingers through my hair. yeah, if only you didn't fall Olivia, I wouldn't meet this dumbass, I thought to myself.
I guess I'll leave disappointment for later, as I have a duty calling.
______________________
I sight again, disappointment for now.
It's the race winner's A.K.A Rafe fucking Alvarez interview. Couldn't Olivia just take this one? Why do I have to go through such torture? I take a deep breath and prepare myself to face Rafe's smug face.
There it is, his fucking wide white smile. He isn't just satisfied with his race win but also the bet win, I can see it through his smirk. I put on a professional demeanor and get into work mode.
"Rafe, Rafe, Rafe, the winner of this fabulous race. Congratulations on that. That is a good price for the Ferrari team after some tough races. Tell us, how do you feel after such victory?" I hope you feel the worst ever. I move the microphone close to his face, fighting the urge to shove it down his throat. "Amazing race, it always feels good to win in Ferrari's home circuit. I feel so satisfied and proud of the team, as we worked very hard today. I believe it's a day full of wins," he responds, his voice oozing with triumph. I nod, trying my best to maintain a neutral expression, "Indeed it is."
I continue the interview, asking some questions about his performance and strategies, until it was time for the celebration so we end the interview. Jackson excuses himself after turning off the camera, saying he needs to use the restroom and leaves me with the devil in person. If only your piss waited a bit longer, Jackson.
"The deal is still up, right?" He says with a teasing tone, mirthful with his achievement, "So, I guess I owe you something."
I turn my attention to him crossing my arms in front of my chest. "Go ahead, ask for what you want." His smile grows wider as he bites his lower lip's corner to control it, "Be patient, Lopez." I can feel a sense of frustration growing in me, "Listen," I take some steps closer, "I've already lost a lot of time with you, get to the─"
"Go on a date with me." He cuts me off, still grinning. "What?" I ask, slightly taken aback. He leans in to whisper in my ear, "Go on a date with me, mi sol." Surprised, I widen my eyes at his braveness. "You've lost your mind," I chuckle impatiently. "Why would you ask for that when we're already in a bad term?"
He shrugs, crossing his arms too. "I don't know. You already hate me enough, so taking you out will piss you more. I'd love to see that cute grumpy face of yours for a couple of hours." He motions to my face, his smile not leaving his face. I stand there, looking at him blankly. "You're losing my time and yours."
He raises his shoulders nonchalantly. "Losing feels good sometimes." Oh yeah, definitely when you'll be losing for me. "How is that?" I ask.
He gets closer, only an inch away from my ear. I can feel his heat and his breath hitting the sensitive spot under my eat, sending goosebumps down my neck. I step back a little bit, asking for some private space. We're in public, anyone can notice how close he is.
"Like losing myself in you."
I cough, hard, very hard. He didn't just say that didn't he? Does somebody bring to this man his head, please? I don't show my reaction, acting indifferent, though it is affecting me. That was very .. exciting? I don't know what to call it. I can't but have images in my head of whatever can happen if we're private in a room─
I should get a reminder very often that I can't stand this man.
"Tonight, 8 pm sharp. Dress up and wear red, it suits you very well." He winks playfully, then gets to leave. Red? Oh no, he's taking me to hell.
"I didn't accept that, you can't oblige me to come," I call out after him. "You can't run away, Ele. You're going, even if that means I'll have to break into your apartment and take you with your pajamas." He responds, not ashamed that someone might hear his screaming.
A date! With whom? Alvarez!
Oh, Faith, you will enjoy laughing at me tonight.
______________________