The Race Director's Daughter (Sebastian Vettel)

2. Getting Started

Leah placed her bag onto the table and turned around to look at her Dad. 

"Dad, I'll be fine!  I'm twenty six years old. I don't need wrapping up in cotton wool."

"Darling, you can't blame me.   I just want to know you're safe."

Leah sighed.  She did understand why he was overprotective, and she loved him even more for it, but she knew if she was going to move on with her life she was going to have to learn to stand on her own two feet. 

"You have your own job to do.  Now go! Shoo, before people see us together."

"I don't understand why you are insisting on going as Leah Webb.  Would it be so bad for everyone to know you're my daughter?"  He frowned and Leah knew he was feeling a little hurt. 

"We've been through this Dad.  I don't want people thinking I got this job just because of who you are." 

"Leah, you are fully qualified for this job.  I just got you the interview.  You passed it on your own merit."

"I know that. You know that.  You know how people's minds work though."

"Ok sweetheart.  Have it your way.  Now remember, I'm only a phone call away if you need me." He turned and left the staff room, closing the door behind him.

Leah smoothed her polo shirt down. She'd been issued a blue polo shirt with the FIA logo embroidered on it in white. She'd chosen to wear smart black trousers rather than the skirt that had been offered. Sure, the skirt would have been cooler in the Bahrain heat, but she preferred to keep as much of her body covered as possible.

The door opened and two women entered the room chatting to each other.

"He really is seriously fit, I mean I'd definitely do him given half the chance."

"I dunno, he's a bit too loud and jokey for my taste."

"Jenna, he could be as loud as he likes in my bed!" the blonde woman laughed. The redhead, Jenna, laughed too.

It was then that they noticed Leah stood on the far side of the room.

"Hey, you must be Leah," the redhead said with a friendly smile on her face.  "I'm Jenna Foulkes, and this is Tamara Carter.   We will be working on the same office.  In fact, Shelley has asked me to show you the ropes.   How was your flight? When did you get here?"

Leah felt overwhelmed.  Tamara seemed to pick up on her nervousness. 

"Hi, pay no attention to Jenna.  She talks too much.  Jenna, don't overwhelm the poor girl."

Leah smiled. "Hi, pleased to meet you both.  Yes, I'm Leah, Leah Webb."

"Welcome Leah.  As Jenna said, I'm Tamara. This is my second season here.  Jenna is on her fourth.  It can be pretty overwhelming to begin with.  I was so starstruck when I first started.  Every time a driver came in to speak to Michael I'd be struck dumb.  I mean have you seen some of them?  F.I.T."

"You probably heard her droning on about Daniel Ricciardo when we walked in.   I mean, he is such a friendly guy but George Russell is more my type."

"She likes the pretty boys.  I like the men.  What about you Leah?  Any of our superstars take your fancy?"   Leah froze.  It had been a very long time since she'd had girl friends to gossip with and confide in. 

"Um, not really."

"Are you not a Formula 1 fan?" Jenna asked. 

"I'm a big fan actually.  I've just never looked at the drivers in that way."  She'd actually not looked at any man in that way for a long time. "I'm a big fan of Hamilton, but I wouldn't say I fancy him.  I just think he's an amazing driver and role model."