Page 92 of Paparazzi Perfect
“He’s given us tickets to the Formula One Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi. It’s in a few days.”
“Oh yeah,” I said robotically. But my mind was churning through ways I might convince Ivy to come to the gala.
“Hello?” He clapped his hands. “You listening? Archie’sracing. For McLaren.” He clapped again, and my head snapped up. “Bro, Archie’s racing at Yas Marina Circuit.”
“Archie?” I stared at him, eyes wide. “He gave us tickets? For real?”
“Fact.” He nodded. “It’s the championship decider. And he’s given us VIP tickets,” he said, punching the air triumphantly.
“VIP tickets to the championship.”
“Now I’ve got your attention,” Dyson said, rubbing his hands together.
“Shit. That’s a win.”
“Right? VIPs, baby.” He beamed. “Fun is just the remedy you need right now, my friend.”
Maybe Dyson’s right… I’ve been living in my head too long. This could be just the reset I need.“You might be on to something.”
“Of course I am.” He scoffed. “That’s why I’ve already booked the flights. We leave the day after tomorrow. I’m glad you’re into it, otherwise, it’d be a giant pain in the butt getting you on the plane against your will.”
I laughed as a spark of excitement grew inside me. “You’re relentless.”
He shrugged.
“Even during a nuclear fallout, you’d be planning a rave in the bunker.”
“You knowmy mission in life is enjoyment,” he explained, making a doof-doof sound as his head bobbed up and down to the beat.
As we cracked up laughing, the tightness in my chest melted away.
“So, here’s the plan,” Dyson started, pointing his index finger at me.
“Oh, I can’t wait for this.”
“Let me paint the picture for you. We start by getting some beauty sleep on the flight to Dubai.”
“Solid start.” I nodded with a chuckle.
“Smart-ass. And then when we arrive at the airport,” he said excitedly, “we’ll step into the McLaren Archie’s organized for us and drive in style to Abu Dhabi. I hear there’s going to be an epic afterparty too. Most of the drivers are going.”
“Whoa—”
“Wait, I’m just getting started.” His eyes widened by the second. “After Abu Dhabi, we’ll head back to Dubai and take some cars for a spin. Yeah, baby, five miles of uninterrupted raceway to sink our teeth into. And we both know I’ll kick your ass.”
I rolled my eyes dramatically. “What are we driving?”
“There’s a Lambo with your name on it. You know I’m a Ferrari man… that’s how I roll. You in?” He held his hands out wide and stared at me.
“Bro, you had me at VIP tickets.” I whooped with joy. “I’m all in. Thanks, man. Seriously.”
“Nice,” he replied. “Now I won’t have to kidnap you. Makes things a lot easier at the airport.” We broke into laughter like we were two kids clowning around in school again.
“I can’t wait to see Archie race,” Dyson said, taking a swig of coffee. “He’s going to kill it.”
“He does have serious skills. I won’t be surprised if he gets a podium finish.”
And when I get back, it’ll be time to kick my plan into action… I just hope she hasn’t moved on.
