This Love

40

The managers are all sitting in the NHL boardroom for the end of month meeting. I'm sitting next to Emily who heads the HR department, my eyes take in the slide that has been presented by the Director of Finances explaining our numbers over February. My gaze moves down to my notepad where I jot down some important numbers that I should keep handy in terms of marketing and sponsorship tasks. "Callie" I look up at the sound of my name, "yeah?" the boss is looking at me with a smile. "Are your travel plans confirmed for the Grand Prix? We want to get the deal finalized with Mercedes' F1 team so that we can start planning for next season" I smile, "yeah everything is confirmed, I leave the Thursday and come back on Monday" he nods at me, "perfect, and please also enjoy the weekend, you deserve it" I roll my eyes but don't say anything as he wraps up the meeting.

——

March 2022 - Australian Grand Prix

When I step into the airport in Melbourne I swiftly shake off my jacket draping it over my arm before throwing my hair up into a bun my eyes not even going the black ink on my wrist, having come to terms with the permanent reminder of the past. I push my glasses higher onto my nose as I walk to the luggage pickup area to get my suitcase. Once i've gotten my suitcase I make my way out of the airport, I see the Grand Prix poster as I step outside to find the car that is supposed to be picking me up. Memories flash through my mind at the sight, a smile coming to my face as I remember Lexi and Jill teasing me about my geeking out when I saw the one ad my first time here. "Callie Andrews" i'm pulled out of the memory at the voice, a man is in front of me smiling, "yeah that's me" I reply, "welcome to Melbourne" I smile, "thank you" he nods and takes my suitcase leading me to a black Mercedes. He opens the back door for me and I slide into the car thanking him before he shuts the door, I sink into the leather seat sighing as my head tilts towards the window to watch the scenery.

Twenty minutes later I walk into the hotel room that the NHL arranged for me, I leave my bags by the door as I slide off my sneakers. I go over to the bottle of wine sitting on the coffee table smiling when I read the note from my boss telling me to enjoy the wine and that I should keep up the good work. My hand grabs the bottle before walking into the little kitchen where I search for the corkscrew. Minutes later I have a glass on the side table next to the couch, my legs are under me as I lean back into the cushion looking out at the view my room provides.

——

The next morning I'm at the track for my meeting with Mercedes. My dress pants and NHL crested polo seem out of place as I use my pass to get through into the team paddock area. My gaze is focused on my phone checking over my notes for the meeting, "is that Callie?" I look up and see Charles. I grin as I put away my phone, "in the flesh" he jogs over and brings me into a tight hug, "it's been a long time" I shrug, "I mean that's not true we talked on FaceTime like a month ago" he rolls his eyes, "that's not the same as seeing you in person" I laugh, "Mr Leclerc we had a pandemic, so don't even go there right now" he sighs but doesn't add anything.

"What are you even doing here?" I smile, "NHL is partnering with Mercedes next season, I'm here to seal the deal" he lifts an eyebrow impressed, "wow my friend is both gorgeous and powerful" I shove him, "oh shut up" he chuckles before kissing my temple, "it's true, I would say more but I gotta go, text me later" I nod at the Ferrari driver and watch him go towards his paddock. I spin on my heal and go to Mercedes taking out my phone to finish going over the notes.

"Well it's been a pleasure Miss Andrews, I hope that this partnership continues for years to come" I grin at the head of Mercedes' F1 team as I shake his hand, "me too, I can't wait to show you what we have planned" I say as I release my hand. He nods, "now that that's sorted go enjoy race weekend, I know that I will" I smile and leave the trailer. My phone vibrates so I grab it seeing a text from Charles.