Page 88 of Drive Me Wild
“Let’s review your other options.” Martin’s ability to switch gears is impressive. “Who do you want to start with?”
“Whoever.”
Martin sighs. I know that sigh. It’s his ‘what am I going to do with you’ sigh—the one he makes when I’m not making his life easy. “We’re coming down to the wire, mate. The press is only going to get more inquisitive about where you stand on negotiations. We’ve got to start making some decisions. Decide who you want to drive for.”
McAllister is still the end goal, but I don’t know if I can come to terms with what that means for my career. Slipping my phone into my pocket—but not before making sure it’s on full volume—I give my manager and performance coach my undivided attention. We’ve met with Catalyst, Porsche, and AlphaVite, andthey’ve all extended offers. As much as I want to re-sign with McAllister, it does feel good to be wanted.
“I vote we take Catalyst out of the running,” Russell kicks things off.
I nod. “Agreed. Their team principal is meh.”
Martin picks up his Montblanc pen, crossing them off the list of teams who have offered me a contract. “What about Porsche?”
I shrug. “No strong feelings either way.”
“I’ll leave them as a maybe.” He nods and draws a big question mark. “And AlphaVite?”
Lucas’s current driving partner, Mateo Bertole, is retiring from Formula 1 after the season, leaving an open seat on the team. I’d be making a few million less than I am now, but their new team principal has a clear plan for AlphaVite’s future—one that’s equally rooted in leadership and partnership. There’s a lot of room for growth, and at least I know I’d get along well with my driving partner.
“It’s a good contract,” I admit as I drum my fingers against the table. “And I like Green.”
So does Josie. AlphaVite’s team principal David Green is her Formula 1 crush.
“They also switched to a Mercedes-produced engine,” Martin points out. “It’s definitely upped their competitive edge.”
I nod thoughtfully. They came second in the Constructors’ last year, which surprised the hell out of everyone, even them. “Competitive enough to win more championships, though?”
“With you behind the wheel?” Russell nods. “No doubt in my mind, mate.”
“And AlphaVite’s headquarters aren’t too far of a drive from London, which is convenient,” Martin adds.
My phone lets out a shortbeepand I nearly break my hand trying to wrestle it out of my pant pocket.Fuck. It’s from Ella. I’m a guest on her podcast this week, and we’re recording inher hotel room later. Given my always running twenty minutes behind schedule timetable, she wants to confirm I’ll be thereon time. And risk a scolding from Blake? Fat fucking chance.
Martin coughs loudly to recapture my focus. Somehow, he knows I’m no longer an active participant in the conversation. “Can you focus again, please?”
“Yes.”
“I was saying,” he raises his eyebrows as if he doesn’t quite believe I’m listening, “we should see if they’d go up half a mil more if you bring on Pegasus as a team sponsor.”
“No.”
Russell’s eyes widen at my snappy tone. “Any particular reasonwhy?”
“They’remysponsor.” Even I cringe at how bratty I sound. Taking a deep breath, I explain, “I’ve been with Pegasus for over ten years. I’m not gambling my relationship with them just for more money.”
I’m also not gambling away another piece of my dad. Pegasus was his sponsor, and now they’re mine. No team is taking another damn thing away from me.
“If you sign with AlphaVite, we’d ensure your personal sponsorship supersedes the team sponsorship, yeah?”
“He’s right,” Russell agrees. “And Pegasus is Team Theo. That’s not about to change.”
I nod. “Alright. Ask them about it. Is that it? Are we done?”
“No, we’re not done, Theo.” Martin sighs. “But considering your attention is that of a toddler who just snorted a Pixie stick, we can pick back up tomorrow. Deal?”
“Cool.” I nod as if I’m going to be any less unfocused tomorrow. “Do you blokes mind if I have the room? I have a call to make.”
Martin rubs his smooth head and the Rolex encased around his wrist flashes in the sunlight. “Everything… good?”
