Page 59 of Overtake
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“Your concentration is off.”Esteban adjusts Nico’s position on the massage table, working out pre-race tension. “Want to tell me why?”
“No.”
“Ah-ha. So it has nothing to do with whatever happened in the fitness center? Or the stewards’ investigation? Or vague threats from some pompous asshole?”
“How did you know about that?” Nico starts to sit up, but Esteban pushes him back down.
“Roxana mentioned you looked distracted when you returned from the gym. And everyone’s talking about the stewards.” Esteban finds a particularly tight muscle, and Nico winces. “Also, Graham’s been in Race Control all morning, trying to influence the outcome.”
“Hostia.”Of course he is. The prick.
“Focus on what youcancontrol.” Esteban is a stabilizing force. “The sprint. Your driving. The?—”
There’s a knock at the door and Victoria opens it. “Nico, thought you should know the paddock’s buzzing about Petra Hayter being seen leaving the fitness center looking either flustered or pissed off. No one’s quite sure.”
Nico manages not to react, but Esteban’s hands pause.
“The sprint starts in two hours,” his trainer says pointedly. “Gossip can wait.”
But Victoria’s not finished. “I’ve been told the stewards’ decision about Singapore will be announced after the sprint.” She studies her tablet. “Graham’s already suggesting any penalty against Wyn could affect both championships.”
Both championships. Constructors and Drivers. Points and politics and...
“Enough, Victoria.” Esteban’s done. “Out. My driver needs to prepare.”
After she leaves, silence fills the gap.
“Well?” Esteban goes back to working on a new round of tension in Nico’s shoulders and neck.
“Well what?”
“Was she flustered or pissed?”
“Fuck if I know.”
“Nico. What happened in that fitness center?”
“Nothing happened.” Yes, he sounds defensive.
“Nothing.” Esteban’s finds another knot. “That’s why you’re tighter than your car’s brakes.”
“Is that any surprise?”
“And why you keep rubbing your fingers together like they remember something?”
Nico stops his fingers.
“The sprint will be challenging enough without you lying to yourself.” Esteban moves to work on his right arm. “Or to me.”
“She thought I let her take pole.” Nico pushes the admission out with a trapped breath. “She confronted me about it.”
“Did you?”
“No!” He tries to sit up again, but Esteban holds him in place. “I raced clean. She won because she was faster.”
“And that’s all that’s bothering you?” Esteban’s tone stays carefully neutral. “The racing?”
