As soon as the handkerchief touched the floor, I slammed my foot on the throttle.
The G force pinned me against the seat and I was sure it was the same for Mila as we peeled off, our cars roaring down the straight like a beast unleashed.
I couldn't keep down the smile on my face even if I wanted to.
I calmed myself, watching Mila's Lamborghini. I let her take the lead, watching her tail lights pull forward, knowing exactly what I was about to do.
I quickly glanced at the dashboard display. The Senna's system was already helping me, adjusting the angles of my rear wings and front flaps, feeding me information on everything from the temperature of my tires to my fuel consumption.
Mila had lost the moment she showed up in an Aventador. She just didn't know it yet. The Senna had literally been made for the track.
When the first curve came up, I switched to Race Mode, knowing I had to hit it perfectly. If I go too slow, I'd lose my momentum and if I go too fast? The car would fly off the track.
The tires squealed a bit as I took the turn, smelling the burning rubber of the tires.
I straightened out of my turn, the car's systems kicking in to minimize drag.
I roared after Mila, my car slowly catching up. I was hot on her heels as we took the next two curves, slowly gaining on her.
I had to make this look dramatic. More engagement on the video would at least mean she'll be reminded of me a lot.
As we approached the final curve, I focused. It was time to get serious.
I drifted through the curve, my grin widening as the Senna's Drift Control system kicked in. It was as if the car was reading my mind.
Mila's Aventador couldn't match the Senna's cornering capabilities, and I overtook her easily, the McLaren flying ahead as we hit the straightaway.
Finally. The final stretch. A straight line where I could finally test the full power of the Senna.
I clicked the car from Race Mode to Sport, reducing the downforce and freeing up speed.
"Nah," I said to myself, "I'd win."
I slammed down on the throttle and the car took off like it had been waiting for this moment.
I could hear Mila's engine roaring in desperation to catch up but she might as well be blowing air into the wind.
Right now, I had the edge.
Before I knew it, I was crossing the finish line. I drifted in celebration, slowing the Senna down to a stop near where Matt, Riley, and Mila's crew were set up.
Matt and Riley were already cheering, but I barely heard them. I was still riding the high from the race as I stepped out of the car, a wide grin plastered across my face.
"Heck yeah!" Matt came forward and we clasped hands in excitement, bumping shoulders. "You cooked, bro! You fucking cooked!"
Mila pulled up a few seconds later, her Lamborghini screeching to a stop. She hopped out, her face flushed with excitement.
"That was insane!" She shouted, laughing as she made her way over. "You really got me on that last curve."
I shrugged, still grinning. "Told you it wasn't just about speed."
Her eyes sparkled as she replayed the race in her head, clearly buzzing with the thrill of it all. "You're good, Nico. Really good."
"What can I say?" I grinned. "I'm good at everything."
For a moment, we just stood there, letting the adrenaline settle. Then, she looked at me, her smile turning playful. "So... I guess I owe you a wish, huh?"
I tilted my head, letting the silence hang for a second longer than necessary. "Yeah." I said, flashing a grin. "But I think I'll keep that wish in my back pocket. For now."
Mila laughed, her eyes narrowing playfully. "Oh, keeping it mysterious, are we? Fine. But don't take too long. I'm curious what kind of wish a guy like you would make."
I gave her a wink. "Don't worry. You'll find out very soon."
"How about we go for celebratory drinks?" Matt suggested, grinning and Riley cheered in agreement.
We all exchanged glances and then began planning where to go.
I grinned as Matt winked at me. Everything was going according to plan.
It was times like this that always made me wonder when the other shoe would drop.
Back on earth, anytime one of my business ideas or schemes were going successfully, something always manages to ruin it. I just needed to keep my eyes out for something like that.
After sorting out the details, we walked to our respective cars. Mila would lead the way to the lounge we would be celebrating in.
I tossed the keys to Matt who grinned at me. I feared that if I entered the Senna so soon after the race, I definitely won't be able to keep myself from speeding.
The feeling of racing down the track was just too much. I felt like superman.
We both entered the car and Matt started it, revving the engine. We exchanged grins before leaving, following Mila's Aventador.
We left behind her camera crew who would clean up the footage and edit it while we party and play.
That's what it meant to be rich. Be the idea guy and order other people to implement it.
"Ready, bro?" Matt asked as we hit the streets, his eyes fixed ahead.
"I should be asking you that." I said, glancing at him.
The next part of the plan hinged on Matt.
"You sure you can steer the conversation using Riley towards the country club?" I asked.
"Of course. Trust me, bro. I got this."
Matt would use Riley to bring up the exclusive country club that Mila was currently a member at. In order to become a member, one needed to be recommended by two current members.
All I needed was to make my wish to join the club look like an afterthought just because it came up in conversation.
Once I gain access to the club, I'd be able to rub shoulders with the right people and become an official player in high society.
I never knew I'd get this close, this fast. I had thought I'd still need one more date before I can broach the topic but it was a good thing we'd plan for the eventuality of a friend of Mila's Matt could build a rapport with.
Once I gain access to the club and get her stamp, I won't need Mila again.
Everything was going great. And that was why the universe chose that moment to throw a wrench in my plans.
That was when some idiot crashed into my car.