Full Throttle (Life in the Fast Lane Book 1) by Anna Albo

Author:Anna Albo [Albo, Anna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-06-14T16:00:00+00:00

Luna

Devin put his arm through mine again as we walked toward the entrance. The bright lights and flashing bulbs of photographers disoriented me for a moment, but when my eyes adjusted, I saw people milling around as we walked through the main doors into the grand lobby. Two ushers immediately took our coats. I looked around, trying to fight the feelings of intimidation. People dressed to the nines were all around me, laughing and chatting, and I didn’t know any of them.

“Don’t be nervous,” Devin whispered in my ear.

More camera flashes by official-looking photographers, and smiling foreign faces greeted me. So many eyes were watching us, and I thought of my mother. What would she do? I decided to channel her and try to win over the crowd. I stood up straight, pasted on a demure smile for pictures when a photographer insisted on taking one with me and Devin, and made eye contact with people. I shuddered to think what Rafe would do when he saw it, but I wasn’t going to worry about that now.

As we mingled, Devin seemed to know almost everyone. He expertly introduced me to them all, and I could see why he was a public relations asset. He made everyone feel like the center of his attention, even though he was probably wondering who was winning the football game. He was a master of bullshitting; I could learn a lot from him.

I also remembered what Uncle Dario said. I made a point to look at people, men and women, and they did see me. Some men even took longer looks. My uncle was right. And my newfound confidence certainly didn’t hurt.

We finally got around to the Russo team owner, Leonardo Martini. Devin hugged him and introduced him to me. I’d seen Martini a few times, but we’d never been formally introduced.

“Ms. Perez, what a pleasure to meet you,” he said. He was Devin’s height, sporting a perfectly tailored tuxedo. His jet-black hair was slicked back, and although he was pushing sixty, he didn’t look a day over forty. “I’ve seen you around the track, and I can’t believe this is the first time we’ve chatted.”

“Race weekends are always so busy. It happens. And it’s a pleasure to meet you, too, Mr. Martini.”

“I insist you call me Leo.”

“Thank you, Leo.”

His deep-set eyes were trained on me. “I remember your father,” he said. “He was a good man. Taken much too soon. I had always hoped he’d drive for us one day, but he was committed to Merrick. Such a shame.”

“Thank you for the kind words. Indeed, he was. I’m sure he would have loved to drive for Russo.”

“I assume you aren’t here on a spy mission?” he asked with an arched brow.

I laughed at that. “Just here with my friend Devin. My brother doesn’t even know I’m here.”

“Well then, welcome. I hope you have a wonderful time.”

With the pleasantries out of the way, Leo focused his attention back to Devin.

“Next year will be our year,” he said.

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