Page 60 of The Fast Track

“Sorry, full house tonight.” Clipboard Bouncer looks the opposite of remorseful.

“Isn’t there a way?” She sounds so pitiful, my heart goes out to her. “It’s very important. I’m trying to find someone there.”

“Right, not my problem. Queue’s over there.”

The girl shuffles past me, head down.

“Hi.” I step up to Clipboard Bouncer. “I’m with the Orbital after-party?”

He snorts. “The hundredth girl tonight who works for Orbital Racing. Nice try. Back of the queue’s around the corner.”

“I really am, though,” I protest, but Clipboard has already dismissed me, and the next swarm of people pushes past to get their turn.

I sigh and get in the back of the very, very long line that doesn’t feel like it’s going to move this century. This is what I get for insisting Dietrich go ahead without me so I could pit stop at my apartment for comfier clothes and shoes.

The girl in front of me is the same one I just saw getting rejected. She gives me a sympathetictough lucklook. “They act like they are handing out gold bars in there.”

I laugh. “Is it always this hard to get in?”

“It’s probably because they’re having the Orbital Racing party tonight. Every girl in Milton Keynes is trying to join.” She has a light Continental accent. It sounds vaguely familiar, but I can’t quite place it. “You are very smart.” She gestures to my sneakers. “I should have worn something similar.”

“Nah, but you look way cuter.” The girl’s strappy kitten heels go perfectly with her green flowy halter dress.

“I’m Hannie.” She extends her hand.

I’m about to shake it and introduce myself, since we’re clearly going to be spending a lot of time together while we wait, when someone behind calls my name.

“Justine?” It’s Savannah and Chloe, the girls I met yesterday. They’re both wearing little black dresses, immaculate eyeliner, and dangling drop earrings. “Are they making you queue?”

“Apparently.” I wince. “I said I’m with Orbital, but the guy didn’t believe me.”

“You are with Orbital?” Hannie interjects, a look of recognition dawning in her eyes.

“That’s mad, that is! Come with us.” Chloe loops her arm through mine.

“Are you sure?” I ask. I don’t want to risk losing my place in line—it seems to have gotten exponentially longer in the last five minutes.

“I can hold your place if you need to come back,” Hannie offers, as if reading my mind.

“C’mon, trust us.” Savannah gives my arm a forceful tug.

She and Chloe pull me along with an alarmingly high level of confidence about getting into the Orbital after-party for two people who don’t work there. The crowd around the bouncers has only grown thicker. Savannah and Chloe expertly elbow their way in, dragging me in their wake.

“Table under Wilson,” Chloe says smoothly.

Clipboard gives the two of them the once-over like a state fair livestock judge. Savannah and Chloe stare back, chins up and chests strategically jutted. He gives a brief nod and unhooks the rope.

“Thank you guys so much!” I shout, fighting to be heard over the music. They showed the kind ofscrew youconfidenceI’ve only ever had on-track. If I’d known how easy it was going to be, I’d have gone back and dragged Hannie along with us.

“Don’t mention it.” Savannah grins. “You have to be aggro with these things.”

“Shall we find the lads?” Chloe says. “Cameron DMed that they’re in the back.”

My smile falters. I didn’t know Cameron and Chloe talked. Before I can think too much about this unpleasant development, Savannah grabs my arm and I’m pulled into the whirling, heaving crowd. The flashing blue and white lights shine enough so you can see where you’re going, but not enough to prevent you from stepping on random strangers’ toes. I follow Chloe and Savannah as they push through the horde, trying to find anyone who looks remotely familiar.

I finally spot Roz near the bar, making out with Grayson like they’re not in the middle of a packed public space. I’d rather not intrude, but unfortunately it doesn’t seem like we’ll find our way to the actual party if I don’t.

“Hey, guys!” I shout.