Page 56 of Hot Lap
Flash. Click.
"Brilliant! Now point to something on your watch like you're checking performance data!"
They both obediently examine their wrists, where prototype ViveLux fitness trackers have been strapped.
"Junior's still got it out for you." Petra keeps her voice low.
"Nothing new there." Damien Betterton, Junior wanted to be a driver but never even made it to F4. He and Reece fought on and off the track more than once as kids, and Reece won every time. Junior hasn’t forgiven him.
"Excellent tension in the jawline! Hold that!"
Flash. Click.
"Wardrobe change!" calls the creative director. "We're moving to strength training!"
They're hustled back to their respective corners.
Stylists descend again, this time outfitting Reece in compression training pants and a sleeveless performance top that strategically highlights his physique.
"Your wife." Petra picks up their conversation as they're positioned at weight stations. "She handling the media bullshit alright today?”
Flash. Click.
"More intensity! You're conquering limits!"
Reece adjusts a dumbbell. "I don't know. Haven't talked to her since last night."
"Now face each other like you're competitive but respectful teammates!"
They turn, assuming the requested pose.
"Warn her, Reece." Petra’s media-trained smile never falters. "Graham's building a narrative. She should know what's coming."
Flash. Click.
"That intensity is perfect! Hold it!"
"I sent flowers," Reece admits.
Petra rolls her eyes. "Flowers. Bloody hell, Reece. She needsinformation, not roses."
"Boxing station next!" the creative director announces.
Four outfit changes and countless poses later, they're finally in the last setup — stretching poses that showcase ViveLux's new "Flex Tech" apparel line.
Reece feels like a contortionist, holding a hamstring stretch while looking meaningfully at his ViveLux-branded water bottle.
"Last series!" the photographer promises. "Give me determination, focus, excellence!"
Petra executes a perfect lunge while maintaining camera-ready poise. "Pippa Blackwood's doing thePaddock Accessone-on-ones today."
"Christ. That shrew?” She's Graham's favorite attack dog.
Flash. Click.
"Amazing chemistry between you two! The competitive respect is tangible!"
Reece’s concern for Maiken is growing by the minute, but he's trapped in this ridiculous performance until the brand team is satisfied.
