He nods while taking a drink from his champagne glass. The bartender in front of me drops the glass of whiskey on the bar. I put down my clutch and take a sip.
“I heard you’re a feisty thing.” I look up, startled by his statement.
“I mean in certain situations. I wouldn’t call it feisty, more like stubborn.”
“Hmm. I’ve heard things about you and Luca Donatello always butting heads.” It’s not a secret that we don’t necessarily get along, but it’s not a big subject when it comes to media coverage. My question is, did Mr. Donatello say something to him?
“Me and Mr. Donatello disagree occasionally, but only for the team’s sake.”
“Of course. Although it is a little worrying from my perspective if I’m being transparent.”
“How so?”
“Well, when it comes to your track record, on and off the grid, they are vastly different to how you have been behaving as of late, with Luca in particular.”
“I can understand your reluctance. When it comes to race car drivers, they can be unreliable at times. But I can assure you that Elektra is currently first in the Constructors’ championship and me and Xavier are in the top four when it comes to the Drivers’ championship. We are a good duo and are determined to give everyone, even investors like you, an amazing result. Xavier might have more experience than me, but that doesn’t mean I’m not just as capable.”
“You think that I’m worried about you being a rookie? No, that’s not the case. Even though it may be a concern for some, it didn’t even cross my mind. Tons of new talent come falling into the sport, and if a team sees a future in a specific driver, so be it.” He shrugs. I look over at Mr. Donatello, who is looking over at us like World War Three is about to begin.
You son of a bitch.
“So, what is your problem with me driving for Elektra, Mr. Shultz?”
Be careful with what you’re about to say, old man.
“You know.”
“I don’t know.”
“I mean it’s obvious that you’re different from most drivers.”
“In what way.”
“Well, I mean you’re a—” he gestures down my dress.
“A woman,” I finish his sentence for him.
“Yes, exactly. You get what I mean.” He nods at me while smiling, this man doesn’t even notice his own misogyny. It’s utterly disgusting.
“Actually, I don’t get what you mean.”
“It’s nothing personal, Maria. It’s business.”
I hate when people call me Maria.
“Don’t call me Maria, it’s Miss Castillo. You act like me being a woman is a disease, and that’s certainly not something that I react well to.”
“Face it, scientifically and genetically, you’re inferior. It’s alarming when you’re in a position of power.”
“Scientifically and genetically are the same thing.” I roll my eyes.
“You understand what I mean, Miss Castillo. I bet you’re a nice girl, but this is something that needs to be said.”
That’s it. Something that needs to be said, my ass.
“First off, I’m not a girl, I’m a woman. What I do for Formula One is even more than all that money you happen to possess. Elektra’s sales have spiked in the last four months I’ve been driving for the team. My merch sells as much as Xavier’s. Not to mention how much ratings have spiked for F1 channels across the globe. I have an exclusive brand deal with Nike and high fashion ateliers with lots of money, which I happen to be currently wearing. When it comes to genetics, I have beat nineteen other men at their own game in more than one race. So, you sitting here, telling me that just because I’m a woman means that I’m bad for business or that I am genetically inferior is bullshit. My whole career, I have had to deal with men like you who use the same argument repeatedly. For once in a man’s goddamn life, can he be original because you sure aren’t. I have been treated like shit on the bottom of your shoe, yet you can stand here in front of me saying I’m bad for business. Oh please. Honey, I’m the best investment you’ll ever make.” I down the rest of my whiskey, slamming the glass onto the bar.
“I hope you have a dreadful evening, Mr. Shultz, and if your wife ever needs someone to get her off, I know just the man for it. Or even a woman, because we do everything better.” I smile at him like the conversation was pleasant.