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“Well, that’s good because we have a lot of it to do before the first race next week. First things first, I want to apologize for the other night.” There I’d said it. I acknowledged that I remember who she was and that I was an asshole.
Haisley smirks. “What are you apologizing for specifically?”
“You know what I’m sorry about,” I respond.
She shakes her head. “I think I need some reminders. The night was a little fuzzy,” she teases.
“Very funny,” I say as she laughs. “I was an asshole, and I overreacted. I apologize because I was all hyped-up from something else going on that night, and I unleashed that on you. I didn’t know who you were, and my behavior was unbecoming.”
“It’s all good, Saint. I’ve heard and been through worse. I have a feeling that Bud isn’t too keen on having a female driver,” she tells me, holding out her hand. “Truce?”
I nod my head and shake her hand, a feeling of electricity coursing through my body. I push the feeling back and place a smile on my face. “Truce.”
“Great. With that out of the way, can you point me in the direction of Neil?” She picks up a bag from next to her. “I brought a fire suit with me so we can do the molding. I know the new ones will be here next week, at least that’s what Hunter told Elle,” Haisley rambles.
“Very important that we have them for the race,” I agree with her. “After molding, what were you planning?”
“I was going to see if the simulator was free. I want to get a feel for St. Petersburg before next week,” she replies.
“That’s a good idea. The other drivers aren’t back yet. I don’t anticipate them until next week, so I’m sure the sim is free. Don’t forget we have test track on Thursday, particularly important so we can discuss the little tweaks you need for your setup.” Now who was rambling? I clear my throat and step around my desk. “Come on, let’s get you with Neil.”
I hold the door open for Haisley and motion to the area where the car is sitting. She ducks around me and heads that way.
“Neil?” I ask looking around for him.
“He’s in Bud’s office,” Mac answers.
“Okay, well, Haisley needs to get fitted for the seat. Can you show her to the locker rooms so she can change, and let Neil know she’s here?” I request, and Mac nods.
“You got it, boss.”
I turn to Haisley. “Mac will help you until Neil gets back. After your fitting, they can show you the simulator. I’ll be in my office if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Saint.”
I nod as she heads off with Mac towards the locker rooms. I’m not sure why she’s affecting me so much, but there’s something there. And it’s something that I need to ignore. I’m here to build her a car, not to score with her. I’m not sure if having a female driver is good for my psyche.
***
I fall into a rhythm the rest of the morning doing checks and coordinating with the other departments regarding the wrap for the car, verifying sponsorship and design. I know we have a department that handles all of that, but I do get to have a little input on the wrap designs in regard to placement and such.
I’m at my desk replying to an email for the seat fitting when a knock on my door pulls me from the screen.
“Saint?” a feminine voice questions.
I look up to see Haisley standing in the doorway. “Hey, what’s up?”
“Just checking in. I’m taking a break from the simulator…” she trails off, and I stand up.
“Everything okay?” I ask, taking a step towards her but then thinking differently about that. I sit on the corner of my desk.
She lets out a breath. “Not as well as I thought. Can we go over setup in the sim? I put in the specs that I remember, but I don’t feel like it’s right.”
I nod. “Sure, of course. Let’s go.” I stand and head to the office door and follow Haisley through the hallway to the room with the simulator. “What’s the problem?”
“Honestly, I’m not a hundred percent sure. I’ve input the settings to the last car I drove, but obviously it wasn’t an INDY car, so…” she trails off.
“Okay. Why don’t we start with how you feel in the seat? Are the pedals in right area?”
