Page 86 of Until The Lights Go Out

“He did at the end of the night, screamed it in fact.” Serena grinned triumphantly like she’d accomplished something. We burst out laughing again, the belly-aching kind that only a best friend can evoke in you.

God, I love her.

I turned my head toward her. “Okay, enough about my emotional crisis. How did networking go?”

Serena groaned loudly, “Oh my God, exhausting. Do you know how many men in expensive loafers say the phrase ‘circle back’ unironically?” I snorted. “At one point, I genuinely think I blacked out during a conversation about luxury dishes. Why do these people even sponsor drivers?”

“Did you at least get good contacts?”

“Actually”—she sat up slightly, suddenly brighter—“yes.”

My face immediately softened. “Rena.”

“I know.” She bit back a smile that was already winning. “One of the creative directors from Adelle asked if I’d send over my information. They’re looking to sponsor up-and-coming female drivers next year.”

I sat upright so fast the bed bounced beneath us.

“WHAT?”

“I know!”

“Oh my God!” We both started talking at once. “That’s huge!”

“I’m trying not to get my hopes up⁠—”

“No, absolutely not. We celebrate all wins here, no matter the size!”

Serena laughed as I grabbed both her hands dramatically.

“You’ve worked your ass off for this.”

A quieter expression crossed her face then, vulnerable for half a second. “Yeah,” she admitted softly. “It just…felt nice being in those rooms today and not feeling invisible.”

Something in my chest tugged painfully because I understood that feeling far too well. Being a woman in motorsport could feel like an uphill battle, constantly being undermined or not taken seriously. Serena was nothing short of a badass though, who I knew would prove every single one of the naysayers wrong with her glittery personality.

I squeezed her hands tighter. “You were never invisible.”

She gave me a look. “Maise.”

“I’m serious.” I nudged her shoulder gently. “You walk into a room, and people look. Not because you’re loud or trying too hard. You just…glow.”

“That was disgustingly sincere.”

“I’m emotional today.”

“You kissed your mortal enemy.”

“He is not my mortal enemy.”

“Your former rival,” she corrected. Heat rushed to my cheeks instantly. Serena screamed into a pillow. “Oh my God, look at you blushing! This is the best day of my life.”

I shoved her shoulder while laughing helplessly. “Shut up.”

“No, because I’ve waited years for this.” She sat up cross-legged, pointing accusingly at me. “Years, Maisey. Do you know how painful it has been watching the two of you on your segments when I know all the history? God, the stares Maisey, the stares!”

“We do not stare⁠—”

“Oh, he does, he very much stares at you.”