Chapter Text
Lexa had dreamt of this moment for as long as she could remember. Her fingers fidgeted with the seams of her driver suit, her eyes trained on the sleek Aston Martin car before her. She had come a long way to get here - from the early days of karting to the thrill of racing in the junior categories, and finally, to her debut season in Formula One.
Her previous successes were already impressive for someone so young, with numerous championships under her belt in the lower tiers of the sport. But it was her stand-in drive for Nyko in Imola, at the time the regular driver of the Aston Martin team alongside Bellamy Blake, that had earned her this coveted spot on the grid.
That day, when Nyko had fallen ill just hours before the race, the team had turned to Lexa to drive the Grand Prix. Lexa was the reserve driver for Aston Martin, and even prior to that, she has always been with the team in the Junior categories. During that period, she embraced the position of reserve driver, as there were limited better opportunities available. She had come to terms with the possibility of remaining solely a reserve driver in the realm of F1—nothing more. Given the limited spots in Formula 1 and numerous young talents aspired to secure a position, the competition for team placements was fierce. Only the top 10 drivers in the world would earn the chance to actually compete for a team. Lexa understood that there was a chance, albeit a small one, that she could become a regular on the racing grid. However, she also knew it was more likely she might have to explore other types of motorsport to continue competing. Then came the opportunity to participate in the Imola Grand Prix. Lexa embraced the chance wholeheartedly and rose to the challenge with remarkable skill. Her performance during the race not only impressed everyone watching but also left the entire paddock filled with admiration. Starting from the 12th position due to Nyko's grid penalties, and end up in 9th taking some points home for the team, and her first points in F1. Her talent had been undeniable, and Aston Martin had taken notice.
And there she stood, teetering on the brink of her very first whirlwind season in the heart-pounding world of F1. The car had been fine-tuned to her specifications, the mechanics had poured their expertise into every inch of its body. She was ready, both mentally and physically.
Lexa had this air of confidence in her Aston Martin green racing suit, which was specifically designed for high-speed racing. The suit itself was more than just a piece of clothing; it was a second skin tailored for the exhilaration of high-speed racing. Crafted from a premium, flame-resistant fabric, it promised a shield of unparalleled security in the face of any potential mishaps on the unforgiving track.
With a casual grace, she left the upper portion of the suit unzipped, allowing the sleeves to drape nonchalantly at her sides. Beneath the racing attire, she sported a technical t-shirt adorned with an array of sponsor logos. The fabric clung to her form, tracing the contours of her well-defined muscles with an almost artistic precision.
A tight braid held her dark hair in check, revealing the sharp angles of her cheekbones and the penetrating emerald depths of her eyes. Those eyes, like beacons of determination, mirrored the intensity that radiated from her entire being. Every fiber of her being was primed, every ounce of focus honed to perfection. She was a force to be reckoned with, standing on the precipice of any challenge that dared to cross her path.
As she got ready, Lexa proceeded to put on the rest of her racing suit. She slipped her arms into the long sleeves of the suit, which provided a snug fit around her biceps and forearms. The suit was designed to hug her body, accentuating her athletic build and providing the necessary flexibility and mobility for high-speed manoeuvres. Her long legs looked even longer and strong in her driving suit.
Finally, Lexa zipped up the racing suit, securing it tightly around her body. The zipper was reinforced with extra padding to prevent it from coming undone during the race, ensuring maximum safety and protection.
She tugged on her racing gloves, fastening them firmly on her wrists. She gave her helmet a final adjustment, making sure it sat snugly on her head.
Lexa's helmet was a work of art, carefully designed to reflect her personality and passion for racing. The glossy, deep and dark green base was accented with bold, yellow and white stripes that circled around the helmet from the visor to the back, giving it a bold and eye-catching look. The stripes seemed to burst out from the Aston Martin logo, which was prominently displayed on the top.
The reflective and gold visor provided a perfect contrast to the deep green, giving it a premium and luxurious feel. Just beside the Aston Martin logo, the number 16 was displayed in bold, black letters with a silver outline, representing her driver number. Lexa's helmet was also adorned with various sponsor logos, a nod to the team's supporters.
But what made Lexa's helmet truly unique were the two dates that were displayed on the lower sides. On the right side, her dad's birth and death dates were listed, a constant reminder of the man who inspired her love for racing. On the left side, her grandmother's birth and death dates were displayed, a tribute to the woman who always believed in her.
As Lexa adjusted the straps of her helmet, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and determination. This helmet was not just a piece of equipment, but a symbol of her journey and the people who had supported her along the way. But even with the helmet on, Lexa's striking features shone through.
As she walked towards the car, the excitement in the air was palpable. She radiated an aura of strength and determination that could not be ignored. It was no wonder that many fans, both male and female, had become infatuated with her.
The team was buzzing with activity, checking and double-checking every detail of the car. But Lexa remained calm, her nerves masked by her intense focus on the task at hand.
Her manager, Anya, appeared at her side. "Lexa, I have some good news for you," she said, a hint of excitement in her voice. "You've been invited to do an interview with Paddock Pass podcast."
Lexa's heart sank. She had no interest in interviews or publicity - her sole focus was on winning races.
"Anya, I appreciate the offer, but I don't have time for that right now. I need to prepare for the season ahead."
Anya looked hesitant, but ultimately relented. "I understand, Lexa. But you have to remember, being in the public eye is part of being a Formula One driver. The fans want to get to know you."
Lexa merely shrugged. "Let them get to know me on the track."
With that, she strode towards her car, she jumped in her seat.
Her front-end mechanic helped strap her in, connected her radio and microphone to the car, put her seatbelts on and tight, and pushed the power mode on. The roar of the engine drowned out any further conversation. The pressure was on, but Lexa was determined to rise to the challenge.
As Lexa accelerated out of the pit lane in Silverstone, she could feel the power of the Aston Martin beneath her. The car was responsive and agile, exactly what she needed for the coming season. She sped around the track during the test session, expertly navigating each turn and pushing the car to its limits.
"How's the car feeling?" a voice crackled over the radio.
"It's feeling great," she replied, "the handling is really smooth."
"Good to hear," he said, "we've made some adjustments since the last test and it looks like they're paying off."
Lexa pushed harder, taking the corners faster and faster. She could feel the g-forces pulling on her as she whipped around the bends.
"Lexa, Bellamy is out on the track too," her engineer said, "he's just behind you."
"Really?" she replied, "How's he doing?"
"He's doing okay," the engineer said. Lexa grinned to herself. She had a friendly rivalry with Bellamy, which was very healthy for both of them. She was determined to beat him in the coming season.
"Alright," she said, "Let's push it even harder. I want to see what this car is really capable of."
She put her foot down and the car surged forward, hurtling towards the next corner. She could hear the engine roaring in her ears and feel the wind rushing past her helmet.
"Copy that, Lexa," Mark replied. "Temperature is look good. Keep pushing and let's see what she's got. And for your information, Bellamy's fastest time so far is a 1:27.236."
Lexa grinned to herself, feeling a competitive thrill.
"Thanks, Mark. Let's see if we can beat that, shall we?" she said, pushing her car to its limits around the corners of the track.
“It’s not race week yet. Don’t push too hard.”
As Lexa sped around the track testing what the garage was instructing her. When the final lap came she could feel the adrenaline coursing through her veins.
This was it - the moment she had been waiting for. The car was responding perfectly to her every command, and she felt like she was in complete control. She pushed the car to its limits, taking each turn with precision and power.
As she entered into the pit-lane, Lexa took a deep breath and let out a sigh of relief. The test had gone well, and she felt confident that she was ready for the upcoming season. She pulled into the pit lane, and her team swarmed around her, eager to analyze the data from her laps. She took off her helmet and wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, trying to calm the adrenaline that still pumped through her veins.
Her engineer, Mark, was already waiting for her with a tablet in hand, analyzing the data from the testing session. "Good job out there," he said, looking up from the tablet. "The car's running smoothly, and we've got some solid data to work with."
Lexa nodded, still catching her breath. She knew that Mark was one of the best engineers in the business, and she trusted him completely.
"Thanks, Mark," she said. "I think we're making some good progress. I still feel something wrong in the gearbox, we need to take a look at it”
Mark gave her a reassuring smile. "Absolutely. We're going to be ready for the first race.”
Lexa nodded again, but she knew that the pressure was already there. She was determined to make a name for herself in the F1 world, and she knew that every lap, every testing session, could make or break her career.
As she looked around the garage, Lexa's thoughts drifted back to her childhood. Lexa grew up with her dad's love for motorsports, and he would often bring her to the races with him. He was a mechanic for a rally team, and had a small garage where he worked on cars in their hometown.
Lexa would spend hours with him, watching him work on engines, and he would explain everything to her in detail. Her dad's passion for motorsports had a profound impact on her and inspired her to pursue a career in racing.
She started karting at the age of six, and quickly showed a natural talent for the sport. In general, Lexa was a natural in every sport she was doing, and also a little reckless. She loved speed and danger, and she wasn’t afraid of anything. But karting and everything close to it, was something that made little Lexa super excited.
Her father became her coach and mentor, spending countless hours with her at the track, analyzing her laps and giving her pointers on how to improve her technique. They were an inseparable duo.
Despite her passion for racing, Lexa's parents had always emphasized the importance of education, and she had excelled academically throughout her childhood. Lexa’s mum was very meticulous and rigours when it came to school, homework and assignments, and that made Lexa quite observant of everything school related.
She had been accepted into a prestigious university to study engineering, but her dreams of racing kept pulling her in a different direction. After much discussion with her parents, Lexa made the difficult decision to put her studies on hold and pursue a career in motorsport instead.
Lexa's father had been her biggest supporter throughout her career, but tragically, he had passed away just one year before she made her F1 debut. It was a devastating blow, but Lexa had found solace in the knowledge that her father would be proud of her achievements.
Anya's voice interrupted Lexa's thoughts, bringing her back to the present moment. "Great job out there, Lexa" Anya said, patting her on the back. "How do you feel?"
"Good... I'm just eager to see what's ahead," Lexa replied.
"The first race will feel like a dream, a solid, vivid dream, but this time it's actually true. You worked so hard for it!"
"We worked so hard," Lexa emphasized the "we." "I'm a bit sad my mom couldn't make it, but she'll have her chance later in the season. It would be awesome to have her in the garage."
Lexa and her mother's relationship had its ups and downs, but they were making it work. Her mother was still grieving over her father's sudden passing, as was everyone who knew him. Lexa was good at masking her emotions, but she thought about her father every day, especially during quiet moments or when she looked at her mechanics, knowing he would be proud. It wasn't easy, but she kept going, for him and for herself.
Her mother, on the other hand, was more emotional and struggled to understand why Lexa couldn't express herself in the same way. Despite their differences, they both shared a deep caring love, and the same goal of wanting Lexa to succeed. Lexa reminded herself of this and knew that her mother wanted the best for her.
“She could come in Silverstone or in France, or even Italy” Lexa nodded, for sure there will be plenty of opportunities for her mom to see her racing live, but the first time in F1 was the most special of them all.
"So, what do you think? Will you do the podcast?" Anya asked, her eyes shining with excitement.
Lexa hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say. She knew that Anya was passionate about the podcast and that it would be a great opportunity to connect with her fans, but she also knew that this was her first season in F1 as a female driver. She wanted to make a name for herself through her achievements on the track, not by being in the spotlight for other reasons.
"I don't know, Anya," she said finally, her voice hesitant. "I think for now, I want to focus on my racing. I already have a lot of media obligations during race weekends, and I don't want to overcommit myself. Maybe down the line, but for now, I need to stay focused.”
She loved the attention and spotlight that came with being a famous F1 driver, but she also knew that her first season as a female driver in F1 was crucial, and she didn't want to mess it up. She wanted to get popular and known for her results, not for her media presence or her pretty face. Lexa was more than a pretty face, she was a sport master, and she wanted to prove it.
Anya nodded, understanding. "Okay, I get it. But just think about it, okay? It could be a great way to connect with your fans and share your story."
Lexa raised an eyebrow. She looked confused. Why the interest in her? They could easily ask Bellamy, he is also pretty popular and with a lot of experience.
“Why me?” she asked.
"Come on, Lexa. You're the newest driver on the team, and everyone's talking about you. You're a rising star. Plus, it could be good for your image. Get some exposure, you know?"
Lexa hesitated. While she wasn't one to seek out the spotlight for its own sake, she knew that exposure and branding were critical to success in the competitive world of F1. She knew that Anya was right. As she always has been.
In the past, Anya had always been a force to be reckoned with on the rally circuit, and Lexa had been a fan of hers from a young age. When Lexa started racing, she dreamed of one day being as talented as Anya. The age difference between the two was only seven years, but seen Anya competing while Lexa was a teenager, really shaped Lexa’s upbringing and dedication to the sport. But fate had other plans for Anya.
After a devastating injury, she was forced to retire from racing altogether. But she wasn't ready to leave the motorsport industry entirely. Instead, she became a manager and mentor to young drivers, hoping to guide them to success on the track.
When Lexa was just starting out in her racing career, Anya saw something special in her. She took Lexa under her wing and became her manager, determined to help her achieve her dreams. Anya had the money, the network, and the right connections to help Lexa concretely.
Their relationship was one of mutual respect and admiration. Anya saw a bit of herself in Lexa, and she was determined to help her succeed where she had fallen short. Over the years, Anya and Lexa became more than just manager and driver - they became friends, almost like family. Especially after her dad passed away, Anya had taken on even more responsibilities.
Anya's wisdom and guidance helped Lexa become the successful driver she is today, and Lexa always felt grateful to have Anya in her corner. Their bond was unbreakable, even when faced with the challenges and obstacles of the racing world.
Just then, Bellamy strolled over to where Lexa and Anya were standing, his dark hair slightly disheveled under the helmet he carried in one hand. The sweat glistened on his forehead and his racing suit was unzipped, revealing a white undershirt that clung to his muscular physique. With a strong jawline and a determined look on his face, Bellamy exuded the fierce competitiveness of a Formula 1 driver.
Despite his physical exertion, he moved with grace and fluidity, betraying his athletic prowess. Every step was deliberate and purposeful, as if he were used to being in control both on and off the track. Lexa admired his dedication to the sport and the way he carried himself with such confidence. He was someone to look up to, a role model for young racers.
"Hey, ladies. What's up?" he ran his free hand through his hair, giving it a quick shake to dislodge any sweat that may have been trapped there.
Anya rolled her eyes. "Trying to convince Lexa to go on the Paddock Pass Podcast."
Bellamy raised an eyebrow. "You haven't said yes yet? Come on, Lex. It's a great platform to showcase your wit and charm."
Lexa chuckled, shaking her head. "Yeah, because I'm known for my sparkling personality."
Lexa had made a name for herself in the racing world through her impressive results and her willingness to speak out about the challenges faced by female drivers. During interviews, she was always focused and composed, never shying away from tough questions or difficult topics.
Despite her public persona, Lexa's private life often made headlines, with rumors circulating about her romantic relationships with various actresses and musicians.
In private, Lexa was known for her confident and flirtatious demeanor, often charming those around her with her quick wit and natural beauty. While she may have been uncomfortable with the spotlight at times, Lexa knew how to handle herself in any situation and was always confident to take on new challenges.
Bellamy nudged her playfully. "Hey, don't sell yourself short. I'd tune in to hear you banter with people any day."
Lexa couldn't help but smile at his teasing. Despite their strong rivalry on the track, Bellamy was one of the few people she felt comfortable around in the paddock. In the end they were really good friends, and perfect teammates.
"I'll think about it. If I go, I hope the episode will do better than your episode"
Anya looked at them both with a smirk. "You know, if you guys want I can ask for you two to go together, a special episode on rivalries."
Bellamy grinned, putting an arm around Lexa's shoulders. "I'm down if she is."
Lexa rolled her eyes, but couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement at the thought of doing the podcast with Bellamy. It would be a chance to show everyone what she was really made of, both on and off the track.
"You know, my sister is actually one of the co-hosts, and the other host is the founder. She's also a good friend of mine. Clarke and I go way back, we grew up together and went to the same high school. She's pretty cool, I think you'd like her, Lexa," he added with a sly grin.
Oh really? I didn't know," Anya admitted, looking intrigued.
"I'm not just saying this because they're my friends, but I really think they're doing a great job with the podcast. It's not just surface-level or overly technical. They genuinely care about giving F1 fans an honest look into drivers' lives, beyond what you see in magazines or on TV. I think that's something we need more of in our sport," Bellamy continued earnestly.
Lexa nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. We need more raw, unfiltered conversations. I didn't know your sister was into F1, though," she said curiously.
"Yeah, my whole family is into motorsport. Octavia grew up around it, and when I started competing, she followed me everywhere with my dad," he explained with a smile. “I am a bit disappointed she doesn’t race, but she has a music passion, and a motorsport passion, so that’s equally cool!"
Lexa was intrigued. She always enjoyed meeting new people who shared her passion for F1.
"Hey, don't get any ideas, Lexa," Bellamy teased, nudging her playfully. "My sister is single, but don't go messing with her heart with your reputation as a heartbreaker. Stick to actresses, models, and the like. Or maybe go for my friend Clarke, she's more your type," he joked.
Lexa couldn't help but laugh at his teasing, but she couldn't deny a sense of curiosity about the two girls. "And on top of that, my sister seems to be smitten with a new up-and-coming Italian tennis star... don't even get me started," he groaned, rolling his eyes in annoyance.
Lexa chuckled at Bellamy's words, knowing he was just teasing her. "Don't worry, Bell. I'll behave myself," she replied with a playful smile.
Anya couldn't resist adding her own quip. "Yeah, we don't want Octavia getting her heart broken by the famous Lexa Woods."
Lexa rolled her eyes, but couldn't help feeling a small twinge of guilt. She knew all too well the tabloid rumors that surrounded her love life, but the truth was far less scandalous. She had been single for a while now, focused on her racing career and reluctant to let anyone in too close.
"Well well guys, the social media team is waiting for you. New photos with your brand new racing suit. Get cleaned and ready” Anya said to the two drivers while walking away.
"Cool, new Tinder profile photo!” Bellamy said all excited. Lexa knew Bellamy loved everything related to social media and talking with people. To be honest, Lexa liked it too, but she wasn’t very used yet to the pressure and the amount of commitments to journalists, media, tv and so on. So everything felt like a lot, in that moment. "And don’t forget, tomorrow is filming day! Don’t get a black eye tonight” Anya shouted while the two drivers were already walking in the back of the garage.
---
Clarke found herself immersed in her creative zone, perched at her desk within the cozy confines of her New York City apartment. The soft glow of her laptop screen illuminated her focused expression as she meticulously fine-tuned the latest episode of the Paddock Pass Podcast. On the other side of the room, Octavia sprawled comfortably on the nearby couch, her attention divided between her phone's screen and the energetic hum of the city filtering in through the window.
The Paddock Pass Podcast, a passion project of hers and Octavia's, gained a decent and dedicated following among F1 fans. Octavia and Clarke, grew up together and they spent most of their teenage years in each other lives. They connected over their love for the sport while they were studying at NYU. On those boring Sundays, they used to watch races together, and that's when they started joking about making their own podcast. When Bellamy joined Formula 1, their interest deepened, and they decided to take their podcast idea seriously.
One day, while on a video call, they talked about the lack of quality Formula 1 podcasts run by women. They decided to step up and fill that gap. With Octavia's background in audio production and Clarke's knowledge of the sport, they decided to create their own podcast, recording and producing it in their apartment in Brooklyn.
They started with just a few listeners, but as they kept releasing episodes, more and more people started tuning in. The podcast began to gain traction, and they soon found themselves with a growing audience. The two have been friends for forever, which made their interaction very natural off and in front of the camera. Everything they were doing and achieving, felt like a natural progression of their bond.
In the early days of their podcast, a lively and witty commenter frequently graced their episodes with funny, sometimes snarky, yet precisely clever remarks. One memorable comment caught their attention: "It's okay, girls. I'm a female F1 mechanic, and I can come to your podcast to teach you all I can, so no man will be needed to fix your car," in a joking manner. Intrigued by this user's remarks, Clarke and Octavia decided to play along and sent a sarcastic and ironic direct message.
To their surprise, they discovered that the commenter was none other than Raven Reyes, a real F1 mechanic and a prominent figure in the Red Bull garage. She was known for her exuberant celebrations at every thrilling overtake during races and had become an internet sensation with her wit, charm, and intense personality.
Recognizing the unique opportunity, Octavia suggested, "Since she always has so much to say about our episodes and opinions, she should come and speak up!"
Embracing the idea, Raven joined them for one episode, and it was nothing short of explosive. The conversations took on a more technical and engaging tone, as Raven delved into the intricacies of the car and team decisions. The chemistry was undeniable, and after that episode, Clarke and Octavia knew they wanted Raven to become a regular guest, appearing once every two weeks.
Thrilled by the invitation and excited by the project, Raven eagerly accepted. She admired Clarke and Octavia, and the opportunity to be part of the podcast was something she couldn't resist. With Raven on board, the Paddock Pass Podcast gained a fresh perspective, exploring the intricate world of Formula 1 from the eyes of a passionate mechanic.
The trio's dynamic added a new layer of depth and excitement to their show, captivating listeners and solidifying their bond as they journeyed deeper into the thrilling realm of F1. The podcast has become a must-listen for F1 fans in the US. They cover everything from the latest news and rumors to in-depth analysis of each race, and they're not afraid to share their opinions, even if it means going against the conventional thoughts.
For Clarke and Octavia, the podcast had been more than just a hobby – it had been a labor of love. They had constantly looked for ways to improve and grow the show, always been eager to connect with other F1 fans around the world.
Clarke took a deep breath and leaned back in her chair, rubbing her tired eyes. "I think I’m finally done," she said, closing her laptop with a satisfying click. "The podcast it’s ready for tomorrow's release."
Octavia looked up from her phone, grinning. "Awesome. I can’t wait to hear it."
Clarke chuckled. "You heard it like ten times."
"But I always like to listen to the final version" the friend said.
They sat in silence for a moment, the only sound coming from the faint hum of the laptop's fan.
Octavia set her phone aside and crossed her legs, leaning forward. "So, how was your day?" she asked.
Clarke shrugged. "It was alright. I had a couple of meetings, but they went pretty well. How about you?"
Octavia grinned. "I went to the gym and then spent the rest of the day scrolling through F1 Twitter. Nothing too exciting."
Clarke smirked. "Sounds like a typical day for you."
Octavia laughed. "Hey, I need to stay in shape if I’m going to show up with Bellamy on the track. And also stay informed about the latest F1 gossip." Clarke stood up and stretched her arms above her head, trying to release the tension in her shoulders.
She walked over to the small kitchenette in their apartment and poured herself a cup of coffee.
Octavia watched her friend with a knowing smile, "Thinking about Woods again?"
Clarke sighed as she checked her phone for the umpteenth time, hoping to see a response from Lexa's manager. She couldn't help but feel a little nervous about the possibility of interviewing the rising F1 star for her podcast.
The truth was, she had a bit of a crush on Lexa, and the idea of talking to her in person made her heart race. She had been following Lexa's career for a while now, even before she made her debut in Formula 1. Clarke was drawn to Lexa's tenacity and fierce determination, something that she herself admired and hoped to emulate in her own work. As the founder and host of the Paddock Podcast, Clarke was always on the lookout for interesting guests, and Lexa was at the top of her list. Clarke was a driven and ambitious young woman. She had always been passionate about Formula One, and her dream was to become a prominent media figure in the industry. She had worked hard to get where she was, and her podcast was gaining popularity every week.
Clarke rolled her eyes, "Of course. I just don't understand why her manager hasn't responded yet. I mean, your brother is Lexa's teammate, you'd think that would give us an in."
Octavia chuckled, "True. It's frustrating, but I'm sure they're just busy with testing and everything. Let me ask my brother if he knows anything."
Clarke nodded, "Yeah, I guess. It's just frustrating. I really want to get Lexa on the podcast. She's such an exciting new talent in F1, and I think our listeners would love to hear from her."
As she spoke, Octavia's phone pinged with a new message. She picked it up and read it, a laugh escaping her lips.
"What is it?" Clarke asked, her curiosity piqued.
"It's Bellamy," Octavia said, holding up her phone to show Clarke. "He's complaining that he didn't get an invitation to the podcast, but Lexa did."
Clarke rolled her eyes, a smile on her lips. Bellamy had always been a bit of a joker, and he loved to tease his sister about her work. "He's just jealous," she said, returning her attention to her laptop. "Besides, we've had him on the show before."
Octavia laughed. "He's also saying that if he manages to convince Lexa to go on our podcast, he wants a compensation.”
Clarke raised an eyebrow. "Compensation? What does he want?"
Octavia grinned mischievously. "Knowing Bellamy, probably something ridiculous like a year's supply of beer.”
The two women laughed, their conversation turning to the upcoming race and the various teams and drivers they were keeping an eye on. As they chatted, they decided to videocall Raven, currently staying at Red Bull headquarter, finishing working on the car before the start of the season.
"Hey, guys," she greeted them, dropping her bag on the floor of her room. “Just in time, I have lunch break now”
"Hey, Raven," Clarke said "How was work?"
Raven grimaced. "Busy as always. But at least the car's running smoothly."
Their conversation turned to the various teams and drivers they worked for. Raven, as a mechanic for Red Bull Racing, had plenty of stories to share about the inner workings of the team, while Octavia and Clarke shared their experiences covering the sport as journalists and podcast hosts.
As they talked, Octavia's phone pinged again. "He says that Lexa doesn't want to go on the podcast yet," Octavia said, her eyes scanning the message. "But he's going to try and convince her."
Raven, from the other side of the phone, snorted. "Good luck with that. Lexa's not exactly the easiest person to persuade.” she paused while opening the fridge looking for something to bite before returning to work. "I've talked to her a few times, and I know she's very serious about her racing. She's always focused on achieving her goals and doesn't like anything that distracts her from that.”
Octavia couldn't help but interject. "Except for the distractions of hot models and actresses," she said, making everyone laugh. "I saw a bunch of paparazzi shots of her with some girls past summer. She definitely knows how to have fun and distract herself."
Clarke raised an eyebrow. "Well, being an F1 driver definitely has its perks, and Lexa's beauty could have anyone falling at her feet."
Octavia leaned back into the couch and smirked. "Yeah, I bet she can," she said with a knowing look. "I mean, who wouldn't be attracted to her?" Octavia added with a mischievous grin. "She's got the perfect combination of looks and skills. No wonder she's your favorite, Clarke."
Clarke's cheeks turned bright red. "Hey, that's confidential information," she protested. "And please, don't tell your brother I prefer Lexa over him. He'll never let me hear the end of it."
Raven erupted in laughter. "Oh man, it's always fun to see Bellamy's ego take a hit," she said.
Changing topic, Octavia said: "Our last episode just hit a new record on Spotify. It’s now the most played one”
Clarke's eyes widen. "Seriously? That's amazing!" Octavia nodded, her smile widening.
"Yep. We're definitely doing something right."
“Well done girls!” Raven cheered from the other side of the phone. A sense of pride swelling in Clarke’s chest.
"Yeah, it's crazy to think about where we started and where we are now. And with the new season coming up, I have a feeling we're only going to get bigger.”
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, basking in the glow of their success.
Raven was finally eating after a long morning, and she made moaning sounds with each bite. Clarke couldn’t help but feel grateful for Octavia's friendship and support.
Starting the podcast had been a huge undertaking, and she couldn't have done it without Octavia's help.
"So, are you excited for the first race of the season?" Clarke asks, breaking the silence.
Octavia nods eagerly. "Hell yeah. We leave in five days, right?"
Clarke nods excited. "Yep. We'll get there just in time for the free practice on Friday."
Octavia grins. "I can't wait. It's going to be amazing."
Raven smirked in front of the phone screen. "And who knows? Maybe Clarke will finally get a chance to meet her crush."
Clarke groaned, burying her face in a cushion. "Don't start, Raven."
Octavia laughed. "Oh come on, Clarke. You've been crushing on Lexa for ages. You can't tell me you're not excited to see her in the paddock."
Clarke sat up, glaring at Octavia. "I am excited, okay? But it's not like that. I just admire her as a driver and as a person."
Raven chuckled. "Sure, Clarke. Keep telling yourself that. I'm jealous that you're not as excited to finally see me in action...”
The three girls started laughing. “Don’t worry Raven, I’m excited to see you doing your magic” Clarke said trying to recover. The Latina friend excitedly shared her plans for the upcoming week, aiming to align their schedules and create a much-needed opportunity for the trio to reconnect in person. Octavia and Clarke hadn't had many chances to hang out with Raven outside of their busy races in the US, where Raven was always caught up in a whirlwind of activities. This meant that the three friends had to put in extra effort to spend quality time together.
Thankfully, Clarke and Octavia's new adventure of covering the Grand Prix in a media capacity meant they finally had more freedom to enjoy each other's company beyond their podcast recordings.
Octavia received another message from her brother. “Bellamy is saying they are staying at the same hotel as us. Maybe you'll get a chance to bump into Lexa and convince her in person."
Clarke's eyes widened. "Seriously? Oh god, please don't embarrass me."
Raven grinned. "Oh, we'll do our best not to embarrass you too much."
Octavia nudged Clarke playfully. "Don't worry, we'll be there to support you if you need it."
Raven grinned. "I can't wait to see the look on your face when you finally meet her in person. Maybe you will even interview her for the F1 Media”
Clarke groaned, knowing she was never going to hear the end of it. But deep down, she couldn't deny the feel of flutter of excitement in her chest. She knows that the first race of the season will be a huge challenge for their podcast, but she's confident that they can rise to the occasion. . With Octavia by her side, anything was possible. “I’m not there yet. I won’t be interviewing any drivers; I'm lucky I get to conduct a few interviews for the TV broadcast. Apparently, I'll be interviewing a team principal, and that’s about it…” Clarke's phone began to ring insistently. "Sorry, Raven, I have to wrap up. My mom's calling," she apologized before ending the video call.
"Hello!" Clarke answered as she picked up the call.
"Hi, Clarke. Am I catching you at a bad time?" her mom inquired politely.
"No, mom, we're just relaxing. We've finished work," Clarke reassured her.
"I'm still amazed that this podcast is your job," her mom remarked.
"It's not my full-time job yet, don't worry too much. I'm still employed as a PR responsible for a company I'm not really passionate about." Clarke felt fortunate; she had secured a decent corporate job after graduating, a job she wasn't particularly invested in but one that paid the bills. Working remotely provided her with a good amount of freedom, which was essential for dedicating time to her podcast project. This flexibility allowed her to transition from a full-time position to a part-time one, giving her more time for the podcast and the opportunity to travel with the F1 as she pleased.
"Well, perhaps the podcast will become your full-time job soon. Speaking of which, I called because Jackson at the hospital was telling me about an acquaintance who got involved in managing social media personalities like you… content creators, as they're called. I thought maybe you should consider something similar. You know, have someone looking out for your interests and not have to deal with everything on your own," her mom suggested.
"Thanks, mom, but I think we don't need management right now. We're handling the sponsors well on our own, and we have enough time to manage things ourselves. Octavia is also providing a lot of help," Clarke said, glancing at Octavia on the couch, who was engrossed in scrolling through Instagram and snacking on chips. She was clearly playing a significant role in the assistance department.
"Well, dear, if you change your mind, just let me know. How are you doing?" her mom asked.
Both of them were putting effort into making their relationship work. After her father's passing, Clarke had gone through a very tough period. Unfortunately, Abby's way of coping was to immerse herself in work, leaving Clarke feeling abandoned during a time when she needed her mother the most.
Her father had been her entire world, and facing a world without him felt unbearable for Clarke. It took a lot of effort, with her friends offering unwavering support, to help her move past that period. Octavia played a crucial role in helping Clarke stay focused on her studies and avoid falling into a depressive spiral.
For a long time, Clarke blamed her mom for her actions. It was only after several years that she came to realize that parents are human too, and they make mistakes. Her mom's behavior had been a significant mistake, but it was still a mistake. Clarke understood that her dad wouldn't have wanted to see the two most important women of his life fighting and be unsupportive of each other.
Clarke took the first step toward mending their relationship by spending more time at home and planning activities together. Over time, everything fell back into place. Her mom became genuinely interested in Clarke's podcast, her life, and their bond grew stronger.
"I'm thrilled! We're heading to Bahrain in a few days; it's like a dream coming true," Clarke beamed.
"I'm genuinely happy for you girls. I wish I could travel like you'll be doing for the next few months," her mom responded. Their conversation continued until Abby had to end the call.
"Send me pictures and say hi to Bellamy. Let him know I always catch the highlights of every race," Abby requested.
"I'm not sure if that's a good thing to say, mom," Clarke pointed to Abby.
"Why not? It means that I care!" Abby retorted playfully.
"But you don't care enough to watch the full race..." Clarke teased.
"I'm a busy woman, Clarke," Abby replied with a hint of sarcasm. After saying their goodbyes, Clarke returned to Octavia.
"We have some luggage to pack, my friend," she said with a smile, ready to embark on their exciting journey.