Page 27 of Drive Me Wild
Harry downs the rest of his drink and looks at us with the confidence only a twenty-four-year-old with just a few seasons under his belt has. “If you’ll excuse me, gentlemen.”
“He’s precious,” I tease Lucas, nudging him with my elbow. “He’s like your puppy.”
“Ha, ha, ha.” Lucas flips me the bird. “You’re just jealous you don’t have a groupie.”
“Technically, I do,” I say back. “Blake’s low-key super obsessed with me.”
My driving partner’s been parked at a nearby table with his manager, Keith, talking about God knows what. If the devil works hard and Kris Jenner works harder, then Keith works the hardest of all. That man is legendary and manages some of the top athletes in the world. He offered me representation when I first joined Formula 1, but I didn’t want to sign with the same person as Blake. The two of us compete enough, so the last thing I needed was to compete for a manager’s attention, too.
“Where’s his better half?” I ask, realizing I haven’t seen Ella all night. Or Josie, for that matter.
“Talking to Zach Lavine.”
I tilt my head. “Who’s that?”
“He plays for the Bulls,” Lucas says, as if that points me in the right direction. “Chicago’s basketball team.”
Ah. The only American sports teams I know are from Boston. The Red Sox, Braves, Celtics, Bruins, and finally, theNew England Patriots. Lucas is from Massachusetts, and his hometown team loyalty runs deep.
“Oh, that’s cool.”
Lucas takes my comment to mean I want to hear about this Lavine fellow’s career stats and highlights. I half-listen to what he’s saying for the next thirty minutes before excusing myself to the bathroom. Josie is still nowhere to be seen, so I shoot her a text as I make my way past a group of models reapplying their lipgloss.
Theo Walker
Where are you, princess? Want to see your gorgeous face.
Josie Bancroft
I’m looking for umbrella!
Walking out of the bathroom, I head down the spiral staircase that leads back outside to the party. It’s a gorgeous night, with diamond-like stars breaking through the midnight-blue sky. There is absolutely no need for an umbrella.
Theo Walker
It’s not raining.
Josie Bancroft
For a drink. Cute baby umbrella.
A voice memo follows her latest text, featuring a slurred version of Rihanna and Jay Z’s “Umbrella.”
Theo Walker
You want a drink umbrella? Why?
Josie Bancroft
Yes. And purple.
Theo Walker
Purple? You’re not making any sense, angel.
Josie Bancroft
Do u have a purple lighter?
