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“Bianca Rossi.”

I startled, swallowing the mouthful of my drink before turning. My brows rose, but I forced myself to remain composed as I came face to face with Maddie Michaels.

“Maddie, hi,” I spluttered. “I didn’t know you were here.”

“And miss the end of such a dramatic season?” Maddie grinned. “Never.”

I laughed. “Well, what can I say?”

“I’m impressed. I know how hard it is to give up a race, especially to your own teammate, but you did so with grace… Eventually.”

“Well, I wasn’t going to make it easy,” I replied, tugging my dress down sheepishly.

“Damn right.” Maddie held out her glass and clinked it against my own. She took a sip before continuing. “You put on a real show out there today, and I’m not talking about the McLaren 1–2.”

I laughed, noticing the sparkle of mirth in Maddie’s eyes. “I took a leaf from your book on that one.”

“So, I have to know – are you and Kristian Wright an item, or was manhandling him a clever ploy to gain the media’s attention?”

I smirked. “It’s a bit of both.”

“I knew it! Nick owes me a fiver.” Maddie smiled, though it steadily faded from her face. “I’ve been following the movement on social media since Davina wrote that article. I wanted to thank you in person for being so courageous and standing up for women in this sport.”

I flushed, running a hand through my hair. “Wow, I mean, thanks. That means so much coming from you.”

“I may have been the trailblazer, but you? I’d argue what you’re doing is of far greater importance. Equality is such a potent topic right now. Good for you for grabbing the issue by the horns.”

“I believe I actually grabbed it by the arse but thank you.” Maddie burst out laughing and I was helpless but to join in. My happiness faded. “I’m not sure how much longer I’ll have before I’m turfed out. Frank Matthews was less than impressed.”

Maddie frowned. “Let me guess – another old, white guy who doesn’t think there’s a problem to solve?”

“Ding, ding, ding – we have a winner,” I replied sarcastically.

Maddie took a sip from her glass, a thoughtful expression on her face. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about. The season is over now, and you finished it on a high. The rest of the teams will be fighting over you, desperate for a chance to sign you.”

“I hope you’re right,” I sighed.

“To quote a man very dear to my heart: ‘if they want the best of the fucking best driving for them, they have to accept that comes with consequences.’”

I laughed. “Larson?”

Maddie nodded with a chuckle. “He has a real way with words.” Her gaze was caught by someone else across the room and she smiled, gesturing that she would join them shortly. “Listen, I have to go. I’m proud of you, don’t stop fighting for what is right.”

“Oh, wow, thanks,” I spluttered. It was a dream come true hearing those words from the woman who I had looked up to for as long as I could remember.

“And as for Kristian Wright?” She tapped her glass against mine. “Nice.” Maddie winked.

I started laughing again and watched Maddie disappear through the crowds, still starstruck that a legend such as her was proud of me. It gave me chills. I was on the right path here, I knew it. I just had to hold firm and keep fighting. It was a good job that was my specialty. I drained my drink and placed it back on the bar, eyes scanning the party for Kristian. Who knew what the future held for either of us, but as long as I had that fine arse that had started this whole thing in my life, I knew I was going to be okay.