Maxim claps his hands and smiles. Your publicist found that quote in some gods-awful library up north. The team ran through catchphrases for hours before settling on that one. You know they’ll be filling back orders on the glittering T-shirts you designed for weeks to come. Your father said you should be more focused on training than sales, but you’ve always been a best-of-both-worlds kind of girl.

“Pippa,” Maxim says, leaning conspiratorially close. “If we’re being honest, last year’s event was overshadowed by the knowledge that you would be eligible for the Races this year. It doesn’t mean we weren’t entertained, but we were simply ecstatic to get to this year’s ride. Everyone was very pleased when you decided to submit your name in your first qualifying year. Was there any pushback on that?”

Amusement, a shake of the head, firm voice.

“Not at all, Maxim. My father preached caution in the past, but after seeing me in training sessions and on the amateur circuit, he withdrew those concerns. It’s pretty clear now that I’m ready. As the daughter of two former champions, this is in my blood. I’m not here to put on a good show or smile for the cameras, Maxim. I’m here to win.”

“As sharp as your mother and as fiery as your father!” He looks back to the audience. “I’m glad you’re up to the challenge. We’ve been looking forward to this, so much so that we just set the record for audience calls! Ready to field your fans’ biggest questions, Pippa?”

Soft smile, playful wink. “Of course, Maxim.”

“All right, let’s get to it!”

The interviewing mannequin shimmers. Maxim’s tie disappears and a woman with a bright-red scarf and square-framed glasses replaces him. You smile as your first caller lets out a rather hideous squeal and wiggles with delight in her seat.

“It’s actually you! You! Here! In front of me!”

You smile wider. “Pippa, at your service.”

“Well, I just had to ask you about what happened with Bravos.”

Show a flash of anger. Follow with a playful front. Respond with a question.

“I thought he’d come up tonight. What did you want to know about Bravos?”

You keep your smile steady as a knife. Only two days ago, you and Bravos put on quite a performance for your dinner guests. He contradicted you on something. You pointed out how boring his tie was. It wasn’t long before the Chats were full of rumors about Furia’s favorite couple. Were they really breaking up?

“Well,” the fan says. “I’ve followed your romance since day one on the Chats! So hot and steamy and just, I don’t know, fun. But the reports claim it’s over. Say it isn’t so.”