Bright Flowers

[Nika Raskov]

Nika Raskov was stretched out in the cockpit of her car, hurtling along the Hyperloop between Minsk and Moscow at seven hundred some-odd miles per hour. According to the dash display, her ETA was twenty-five minutes with two hundred and fiftyish miles left to go. She’d left Bologna a little over two hours prior after a day of meetings at Ducati Corse. The racer was due at the Moscow Speedway the day after tomorrow for the final test of the GP45. The extra day would be spent making her Moscow condo homey again since she’d spent the winter break split between her homes in Italy and the Canary Islands for the most part. This meant errands stocking up on provisions and sundries including naturally, foodstuffs. When she had time, Nika preferred to source her food locally as opposed to the mega market shopping of Ascazon. Especially if there was a hidden local treasure around. Her doorman, Yury, had recommended she check out a newish shop in the area.

She keyed in the number and was surprised to hear someone answer. What the hell time was it anyway? “Hello, I’ve heard you sell the best produce in Moscow.” Nothing wrong with opening a conversation with a little unsolicited flattery. Was anything in season? Nika had no idea. With the speed of logistics nowadays shrinking world markets, you could get anything in a day after all, she probably wouldn’t know the answer to that question. Not really her area. “I’d love to pop in and see your shop tonight or tomorrow if you’re closing soon. Do you give tours?”