Chapter 32
JESSICA
We’re setting up our workstation for the Monza Grand Prix when a handsome man who looks like he could be a driver or at least an athlete walks up to me.
“Hello, my name is James, and I’m a little lost. Could you please help me locate the interview zone?” He asks me as he takes my hand, kissing the top of it before letting it go again.
I chuckle at the charming man with light brown hair and a beautiful smile. He looks a little familiar, but I can’t place him.
“You’re standing in the middle of it. I’m Jessica.” I tell him, and he makes a big gesture out of slapping his palm to his forehead.
“Ah, silly me. I’ll let you in on a little secret: I’m actually not that stupid, but I needed an excuse to talk to you.” James tells me.
I look at him with question marks written all over my face, and he chuckles at me.
“I’ve been approached by the European Star News team, who are considering writing an article about me and my career. Thought I would swing by to check out what you’re all about here at Star News before I make my decision,” He tells me with a gentle smile.
Although I find him charming, I don’t feel anything more than a friendly connection with James.
He seems like a laid-back guy with a great sense of humour, and he goes around introducing himself to the rest of the team. James has a carefree persona, making everyone at ease. He doesn’t really say too much about himself.
Still, I learn that he’s a professional footballer, and even though some Americans call him a traitor for ditching American football, he says he would make the same choice in a heartbeat.
I’m looking at him, trying to place why he seems so familiar, but my mind comes up blank.
Maybe I’ve seen him on TV when he’s played a game or read an article about him when catching up on the latest news in the sports world.
He’s talking with Steve about the latest developments in the league when the paddock gets more hectic. More media have arrived, and the teams are getting their garages ready for another action-packed weekend of racing.
James takes off, telling me he’ll see me around, which leaves me puzzled, seeing as he’s a football player and this doesn’t really seem like the usual place for him, but I decide that he’s probably an F1 fan and likes to see the race whenever he can.
If he’s a football star, he probably receives all the VIP treatment whenever he comes around.
When we’re all done with setting up our spot, Molly and I decide that we’ll go into Milan city centre and do some sightseeing and shopping before our weekend in the media zone begins.
Maybe I’ll finally get the opportunity to ask her more about her evening with Peter.
She’s been very quiet about it all, not telling me anything.
We find a cute Italian restaurant with a variety of pasta and pizza on the menu.
We settle into our table, and a waiter comes over to take our orders before we’re left alone.
“Okay, Molly, time is up. What happened the evening with Peter?” I ask her, and she rolls her eyes, letting out a sigh.
“Honestly, Jessica, there is nothing to tell. He is a charming man who knows how to woo all the ladies, and I decided that even though an adventure with an F1 driver may seem appealing at times, I’m not cut out for that kind of thing.
” I think over her answer. Peter is a charming man when he wants to be.
Molly is a lovely girl, and she likes to keep to herself at times, working away in the editor’s bus.
“So, no connection there?” I ask her as the waiter comes with our food.
“I honestly don’t know. He’s a notorious flirt, you know that just as well as me, so it’s hard to know if he’s interested or just being flirty, you know.”
When we’re all talked out on the topic of Peter Centimo, Molly sees her opportunity to grill me right back. Can’t really blame her. I was the one asking the guy questions first.
“Now, it’s your turn, Jessica. How come Luke Hastings doesn’t swing by as often as he used to?” I may have thought we were being discreet, but I’ve realized that working in a media team means everyone will catch every little detail and change.
They’ve also been a part of this longer than I, meaning that they know how much time the drivers usually spend in their zone during a regular season.
Luke approaching us as often as he did has raised some suspicion, especially from Steve and Molly, but it’s been all fun teasing.
At least until we ended things, now his absence from our spot leaves me feeling devastated all over again.
I didn’t realize how much I would miss his small visits, the tiny touches and smiles he sent my way, until it was gone.
“We had something special, or at least it was to me, but then he ended it,” I tell her, and she gives me a look full of sympathy. I’d never tell Molly about my relationship with Luke if I didn’t trust her. She’s also from this wild world of media and understands how overwhelming it can be.
“I’m sorry, Jessica. I’ve seen the way he looks at you, and honestly, I’ve just waited for the two of you to make this public. I’m sorry it didn’t work out.” I twirl the pasta around my plate, contemplating for what feels like the millionth time how something so incredible could end that way.
“Yeah, me too,” I tell her before we agree to stop dwelling on sad thoughts about F1 drivers and their inability to commit.
◆◆◆
The next day, the atmosphere of the race weekend has arrived.
Everyone is in full swing, and it feels good to be back in the thick of things.
Having a break from the Grand Prix circus was nice, especially since I was able to go home for a few days and see my family and Sarah, but ultimately, this feels like the right place for me to be.
We’re getting ready for the press conference ahead of this weekend, and everyone is wondering when or if the BMW team will announce the extension of Hayden Vaser’s contract, Luke’s teammate. Luke is on a multi-year contract, meaning he has a secure spot in the team for several years to come.
Following the 1-2 finish in the last race weekend and Hayden’s pole position, discussions about his place in the team have intensified.
As soon as someone performs strongly, the other teams want to get their claws into the driver, making it that much more important to keep your drivers content in their team.
I wouldn’t imagine that Hayden would leave BMW, even if he were to receive an offer.
He is part of one of the strongest teams on the grid.
Still, you can never know for sure.
There have been many scandals over the years of drivers going behind their team’s back, signing with a different team for a bigger pay check.
Nevertheless, Hayden doesn’t come across as that type. He seems like a good guy, just like his teammate.
Hayden steps out with the BMW team principal, and shortly after, Luke follows.
My breath catches at the sight of him, not expecting to see him.
He wasn’t scheduled for this specific press conference, and my heart starts pounding in my chest.
Part of me wonders if I’ll ever stop reacting this way whenever I see him.
I may not have seen him for over a week, but that is nowhere near enough time for someone to forget a man like him.
My body feels the pull toward him. They all take their seats, and the room quiets down.
“We have some exciting news to share with you all today,” the team principal begins, and every journalist in the room prepares to write down his next words.
“I’m happy to announce that we have signed a deal with Hayden for the next two years. He will continue as a BMW driver, alongside Luke.”
The room is buzzing with excitement, and everyone is getting ready to ask their questions. I’m writing in my own notebook when they start answering all the questions fired at them.
Right away, they begin questioning whether one driver will be assigned the role of primary driver and how the team dynamic will shift.
Then questions regarding their chances at the constructors’ championship are asked.
Andrew leans over and tells me to raise my hand for a question while he runs out to get a new memory card for his recorder.
I don’t really think I’ll get the opportunity, considering all the hands in the air, but I keep my hand raised and look down into my notebook, contemplating what question I’ll ask if I get the chance.
“Star News. Your question, please.” I glance around for Andrew, but he hasn’t come back yet, so I’ll have to do it.
“Thank you. Jessica Edwards, Star News. My question is for Hayden. What do you think will be the most important factor from now on in developing as a driver for a well-established team like BMW?” I ask, keeping my voice calm.
I’ve asked questions at press conferences before, but I’ve never had Luke front and centre, feeling his gaze bore into me.
I try my hardest not to let my eyes wander from Hayden as he gives me his answer.
“As we advance, it will be essential to continue to push the team and our performance to the limits. For myself, the most important factor will be good leadership and mentorship, which I’m sure I’ll get here.” He gives a slight nod to Luke, but I just stare ahead, thanking him for his answer.
Even when I ask another driver a question, the source of all my pain is brought up.
I’m proud of Luke and his mentorship of Hayden. I’m not surprised that Hayden emphasizes Luke’s role; he is a great man and a steady mentor.
Still, it hurts having him so close, but feeling like the distance is bigger than ever.
The rest of the press conference is a blur as I sit in my seat, contemplating how I’ll ever get over the man when he’s everywhere.