Page 17 of Drive Me Crazy
“What do you do if you get nervous before a race?”
I don’t even like being in the middle of an intersection waiting to make a left on a two-way street. These drivers travel up to 260 mph, can go from 0 to 100 in 2.5 seconds, and experience 5Gs of force while braking. That’s more force than a shuttle launching into space needs. It takes a certain kind of sociopath to not only be comfortable driving under those conditions but to actually enjoy it. The ability to fine-tune the magic of a Formula 1 car into a tactical weapon is no easy feat.
“I don’t get nervous.”
I wait for him to continue, but he doesn’t. We stare eachother down, silently daring the other one to break. At least the view is nice.Whatever. If he wants to assert his dominance, fine. I’ll be the bigger person.
“Try again.” I sigh.
“Why? I answered the question.”
“Blake. Do I look like a dentist?”
His brows furrow in confusion. “Uh, no.”
“That’s because I’m not. So I’d appreciate it if I didn’t have to sit here and pull teeth trying to get you to talk. Try again, please.”
He chuckles and leans back in his chair.
“I struggled with nerves in my early years, but I guess I’ve just adjusted to it. I feel most myself out on the track, so knowing I’m going to be out there soon always calms me down. I’m never scared or anything like that.”
“Some people say being scared means that you care,” I note with a shrug. “It’s not always a bad thing.”
“Being scared is fatal in F1. Any fear makes you second-guess your instincts, and my instincts are what make me the best.” He winks at me. “They don’t call me a Formula 1 legend for shits and giggles, love. I earned that title and I’m going to keep winning more championships.”
“There’s a difference between confidence and cocky,” I tease lightly. “You know that, right?”
“Oh, I’m very cocky.” He shoots me a smug smirk. “I’d be more than happy to show you just how cocky if you want.”
I let out a long laugh. “Oh God, has that line actually ever worked?”
I’ve made itveryclear that I’m not interested in sleeping with him. I mean, I’m obviously attracted to Blake. I’m a woman with 20/20 vision—well, when I’m wearing contacts or glasses—but I’m not going to be his fuck buddy just because he wants me to be.
“It’s not a line I’ve ever used before.”
“Youshould probably keep it that way.” I press my coffee mug against my lips to cover the smile fighting to break free. “But back to business. What do you think makes you the best? Besides your instincts, of course.”
The tips of his fingers drum against the table absentmindedly. “I don’t think people realize that being a good driver is more than just good instincts and being fast. There’s a difference between driving fast and being able to push your car to its absolute limits. And if winning is the goal, which it absolutely is, you have to be dedicated enough to get there. And sometimes that means being ruthless and taking risks regardless of what may happen.”
“What if your risks don’t end up working out?”
“Losing isn’t an option.” He pauses thoughtfully. “Because if I do lose, even if that means missing podium by one-tenth of a second, people start to say, ‘What happened to Hollis? He used to be so good.’ The margin between success and failure is almost imperceptible.”
Now I understand why he doesn’t like being called out. What he just said is exactly what I did to him. His driving didn’t meet the extremely high expectations I’d put on him, and I immediately questioned his skills. My cheeks flame with embarrassment.
“But a lot of the time, the reason you, or any driver, lose is because of things that are out of your control,” I argue. “An engine overheating, someone clips your wing, a pit stop gone wrong. How do you handle that type of pressure?”
“Just have to crack on. It’s a shame, but I can’t really focus on anyone or anything else but me and my team.”
“Even Harry?”
“I don’t have an issue with Harry.” Blake rumples his hair with a large hand. “We may not be friends off the track, but I can appreciate him as an opponent. I remember what it’s likehaving to fight for your first championship. You get eager and emotional, but he’ll learn. He’ll have to.”
If his honesty surprises me, I don’t let it show. Blake seemed anything but appreciative of Harry’s competitive edge during the previous season.
“As you said,” he continues, “I was a little off last year, but contrary to what people think, it had nothing to do with Harry. He’s a good driver. I respect that. I obviously don’t want him to win over me, but I don’t mind a challenge.”
Blake’s more at ease talking about racing than himself, but I don’t think he realizes how intertwined the two are. Getting behind his mask may be challenging, but I think the notoriously enigmatic sportsman will pleasantly surprise people.
