Page 89 of Overtake
Okay.
I take a slow breath and nod. “Claudia, let’s do this.”
The barriers open and the crowd surges forward with surprising politeness. These aren’t the aggressive autograph hunters looking to flip signatures for profit. These are genuine fans carrying homemade signs and wearingHot Bunny Luvin’shirts.
“Petra! Thank you for an incredible race!”
“Can you sign my shirt? We’ve been following you since F3!”
“Ooo! Can we get a pic of you with Fort Rigo?”
That’s what the fans call him. I think he likes it, though he never lets on.
I wade into the crowd. Rodrigo maintains his walking fortress position nearby. The fans love him and always want to take pictures with him, probably because he’s a giant and lets them, even as he scans the surroundings and keeps tabs on me. The first group I reach consists of five girls who’ve clearly coordinated their outfits. They have matching pink streaks in their hair and custom shirts declaringHayter Honeys Se Gustan Las Conejitas.
“Thank you for organizing this!” one girl says while I sign her shirt.
I smile. “Nooo. This is to thankyoufor everything. Between all of you taking care of the mechanics, then dealing with theonline drama. You lot have gone above and beyond expectations to support us.”
Her friend jumps in. “Some people were being absolutely horrible online, saying you were just a distraction or that Nico was using you for mind games. We shut that down fast.”
“The internet can be brutal.” I keep my tone light. “But your support means everything. Especially to the mechanics who worked through the night to fix my car.”
More photos, more signatures. A teenager hands me a poster showing me and Nico rendered as cartoon characters with bunny ears. Someone else presents artwork of our cars racing side by side with hearts floating between them. It’s simultaneously sweet and surreal.
“That podium kiss was epic!” A girl with elaborate bunny ear headgear beams at me.
I laugh, deflecting with practiced ease. “It was quite something. But right now I’m focused on the championship. We’ve got Mexico coming up.”
“But you and Nico are a power couple!”
“We’re both focused on racing.” The professional answer rolls out automatically. “All of this support is what matters. Having fans like you cheering us on is mega.”
The questions keep coming, gentle but persistent. How long have I liked Nico? Are we officially together? Will there be more podium snogging? I navigate each one with championship-level precision, acknowledging without confirming, appreciating without promising. The Honey Bunnies mean well, but I’m not about to discuss something I don’t understand myself. For all I know, Nico and I are just scratching an itch that’s been building all season.
It’s best not to overthink it or overpromise anything to anyone, including myself.
Juanma Montero approaches during a brief lull, Sofia at his side. “Petra! Congratulations on the podium. FuegoFrío loves seeing all this positive fan engagement.”
“Thank you. The fans have been incredible.”
“Indeed. This level of organic marketing is invaluable.” Doubtless he’s already calculating revenue streams. “Perhaps we should discuss additional collaboration opportunities between the teams.”
Before I can respond, Gregor Schultz appears beside Sofia. He still hasn’t lost the stink of entitlement that made him so insufferable as a driver.
“Juanma, good to see you.” Gregor’s smile is all teeth. “VCG has been watching this development with great interest, as well. Petra, impressive performance today despite the distractions.”
The way he says ‘distractions’ makes it clear he’s referring to the leaked photo. I smile, but I couldn’t stand racing against this tosser, and he’s no more tolerable off track than he was on it.
“Thank you, Greg.” My tone could freeze champagne.
“Let’s discuss how our respective brands might capitalize on this momentum,” Gregor’s oblivious to or ignoring my lack of enthusiasm. “VCG has some innovative approaches to relationship marketing.”
Juanma’s expression tightens slightly. “I’m sure any discussions would go through proper channels.”
“Of course. Though timing is everything in these situations.” Gregor’s gaze flicks between us. “VCG likes to move fast.”
Before Gregor prances out Velocity Capital Group’s tagline and over-explains it like we’re all idiots, Rodrigo appears at my shoulder. “Ms. Hayter, transition in five minutes.” Bless my bodyguard’s timing.
