Racing For Love

Chapter Six

After the excitement of Bahrain as the opener and then the disappointment in Shanghai, the next race on the calendar is Australia - I spent a few months out there travelling on my gap year, and love everything about Aussie culture. Whilst they have been around the office, we've filmed some race specific content with the drivers - getting Jono and Lorenzo trying out Tim Tam Slams, with hilarious results, and doing an "Aussie Slang" quiz - these videos get great feedback and Kate is loving what we're doing.

With the drivers in and around the offices, I've seen more of Lorenzo. He's flirty, but I've mostly rebuffed him, continuing to play it cool. After another recording session with the drivers, I'm back at my desk, editing them down and Jono comes over - attempting to use a wheeled office chair as a racing car and making stupid sound effects, sending me in to fits of giggles.

"Hey, I'm just checking in - Lorenzo isn't bothering you is he? I know his strategy with the ladies..." Jono asks, that disarming grin playing across his face.

"No, he keeps trying, but I'm not worried - I just don't think he's used to women not responding by fawning all over him." Lorenzo is a flirter, but he's not offensive in his pursuit, and knows when to back off. I laugh, kind of touched that Jono would check with me.

"Ah, that's all good then. I just wanted to make sure he wasn't taking it too far, because we like having you around" Jono grins again as I blush. What is wrong with me? Jono's just being kind, and he has a girlfriend, so I know he's not interested, but those grins - Lorenzo's smiles may be seductive, but Jono's grins are disarming. I quickly turn away from him and finish editing, trying to distract myself before Matt, James and myself all get called in to Kate's office.

"Hey guys, come in, come in - grab a seat" Kate ushers us around her desk and I immediately feel a pang of nerves, chewing my lip subconsciously - what if I'm getting fired? "It's all good, don't look so worried Annie!" - I guess I didn't do too good a job of hiding my nerves from Kate then, as she looks across to me and chuckles.

"You've all been doing great things across the social platforms over the last couple of weeks. Since pre-season, you've found your rhythm and it's totally working. Engagement is up and sponsorship is looking great too as a result - thanks for the numbers on that Annie" Kate smiles across at us. "With that in mind, I've seen the strategy for Australia, and I'd like all of you to go. Yes, you too Annie."

She must have seen the shock on my face, as I was sure that I would be staying here in the office again. "It'll help us with more of the spontaneous content if you're there on the ground. Just look at the things you've pulled together with the drivers here this week."

I can barely contain my excitement, before the reality of leaving Joe flashes up in my brain. "I need to speak to you privately, if that's ok Kate?" I blurt out before I can stop myself. Am I really going to turn down this opportunity? As Matt and James leave, I bite my lip, nervously.

"Kate, sorry, but I don't know if I'm going to be able to go."

She looks shocked - I guess because I've been excitedly talking about Australia and discussing places to visit around Melbourne with some of the guys who are going and she knows how much I'd love to be there. "I thought you'd be happy about this, Annie?" Looking quizzically across at me.

"It's just...I'm worried about Joe. Well, we're pretty much the only family each of us have now, and I visit him most days at his nursing home. I don't know if I'm ready to leave him." I try desperately not to cry - I'm not that person, and I don't want Kate to think I'm weak, but my voice wobbles.

"I understand, Annie. Look, how can we make this work? I think it would be a great opportunity for you to be a part of the travelling team, if you're serious about this career opportunity here?" Kate looks across at me, and I realise what she's saying between the lines. My position here is still precarious, and I don't think I have the strength to fully push back yet.