Racing For Love

Chapter Twenty Five

We reach a sleek black town car and Lorenzo opens the door for me. I have to slide across the seat to get in and I straighten my dress to make sure it doesn't crease. Lorenzo climbs in beside me and puts a protective arm on my thigh.

"Can you please tell me where we're going and what the plan is?" I ask, imploring him to give me some more information - my anxiety can't take this any longer.

"Ok, so tonight is a charity gala, set up by Francesca De Luca - Gareth James' girlfriend, you know from Aerial Racing?"

"So it's a Formula One event?"

"No, not really. There will be some people there, but it's not an F1 event. That explains why you didn't hear about it officially. Anyway, since there will be some racing people attending, it makes it easier to explain why you are there, if you are still sure you still do not want to make this public."

"Sorry Lorenzo, but I'm not ready for this to be public. This is also the last thing you should be taking me to. I wish you'd have told me sooner."

"Miss Annie, I know you have hesitations, but please don't worry. I'll tell people I invited you as our social media coordinator and the evening will go smoothly." He pats at my leg, a look of disappointment flitting across his face. I hadn't realised he would want this to be public - I thought we had an agreement, but it now makes sense that he went to this effort this afternoon and this event could have been a "soft launch" for us.

We arrive at a stunning private club, the red carpet lining the entrance. Lorenzo gets out and reaches his hand to me, but I'm not ready. I can hear cameras in the background and know that photos of us arriving together would immediately make the press. "I'm going to do another lap and then I'll be there - I just need five more minutes to get my head around this" I manage, my voice hesitant.

"Please come back, Miss Annie. Please" Lorenzo says before he shuts the door, looking at me imploringly. I'm definitely not ready for this to be public yet, but I can see this as a potential next step and an opportunity for us to develop our relationship. I just need to decide whether I want more from him. By the time the driver pulls around again, I am ready to see what will happen this evening - resolved to keep things private for now, but enjoying the possibility of what might happen next.

Walking in to the sparkling ballroom, I see Lorenzo at the bar and after taking in my surroundings - noticing a couple of other F1 drivers and some of the Aerial engineers - I walk across to the bar to greet Lorenzo, noticing too late that the person he's talking to is his father. "Mr Bianchi! Good evening." I manage, before he smiles and pulls me into an Italian double kiss on my cheeks. His hand is at my waist and the backless nature of my dress means I can feel his clammy fingers upon my skin. I pull away quickly and greet Lorenzo in the same way - unsure as to whether he's told his father about our relationship or not.

"Ah, Annie. It is good for the team you are here tonight - taking photos and such to show our support for charity. A good idea from Lorenzo." Andrea says and I'm sure he's not aware of the real reason I'm here. We continue to talk about work, the upcoming races and our current standings in the championship before a gong sounds and we are asked to take our seats. "I'm on number one with the Federici's and De Luca's so I will see you later. Ciao!" Andrea says as it dawns on me that the person I thought I vaguely recognised earlier when I scanned the room was Isa Federici and her father, Carlo. Lorenzo confirms that they are all family friends which explains Andrea's presence.

We're on Table 10, and I walk over and take a seat next to Gareth's race engineer, Toby and his wife Lydia. I've seen Toby a couple of times at races, and we start making polite conversation as our table slowly fills up. We're joined by Louis Madec - Aerial Racing's second driver and his date, and another couple who I don't recognise, but introduce themselves as Louis' Brother and sister in law. Bucky and his wife take a seat - an interesting dynamic now we have a mix of Bianchi and Aerial drivers and engineers. That leaves two empty seats and I scan the room for anyone still standing.

"Who's supposed to be there?" I ask Lorenzo, just as I hear footsteps behind me and I look across to see Jono and Charlotte. They both look angry as they walk to the table until Jono sees me and I watch him take a deep breath before a look of confusion crosses his face. "Sorry we're late. Hi, everyone. What are you doing here?" He directs the question to me, his eyes searching and I wonder in panic if he realises Lorenzo and I are still seeing each other.

"Mr Bianchi thought it would be a good idea to have some content filmed tonight since there's a few of the team supporting the charity. I offered to help and Lorenzo provided the seat since he didn't have a date." I lie, and hope that Jono doesn't ask Lorenzo about it.

"What happened to your date then, mate?" Toby asks Lorenzo, his voice cutting across any response Jono was going to give
"Oh, she was unable to attend with me this evening. Prior commitments."

"So there is a mystery woman then?" Lydia asks - the wine she's drinking clearly giving her an extra level of confidence to ask such a bold question even the press have been struggling to get an answer to. "Perhaps" Lorenzo offers and winks across at Lydia who is now giggling.

Charlotte sits next to Lorenzo and Jono is her other side, thankfully far enough away from me that I don't have to make direct conversation with him. I know he would ask more about my presence here and I'm sure he'll be able to see through my lies. I take a few photos of the drivers to show willing and Lorenzo pours me a glass of wine as the starters arrive. The dinner is nice, and I enjoy Lydia's company - her and Toby are a great partnership and I'm struck by how much I'd love to have a relationship like theirs. It's not always easy, she tells me - especially with his schedule, but they make it work - a true partnership. We make plans to catch up at Silverstone, one of the only races she attends on the calendar.

As an auction of promises starts after the meal, I get a couple more pictures of our drivers before everyone starts to move away from the tables. I notice that both Lorenzo and Charlotte are quite tipsy now - they are chatting and laughing together whilst Jono looks deep in thought. I stand up and begin to cross the room - I'm going to take some close ups of Mr Bianchi and Mr Federici. Jono gets up too - he is by my side as I start to walk and he grabs my arm, turning me to face him.
"Annie. We've not had chance to talk. You look, wow. Amazing! Look, I know I shouldn't be bothered and sorry, but are you really here just for photos?" His eyes searching mine.

"Thanks Jono. And yes, sorry - I've got stuff to do, I can't stop" I say - purposely striding away from him because I don't want to have this conversation. Not now.

I reach Mr Bianchi and take a couple of photos before he introduces me to Mr Federici. Of course I've seen him at race weekends, but never to talk to and I'm glad of the introduction. We shake hands and briefly talk about work before Mr Bianchi calls Lorenzo over and insists on me taking a group photo - Lorenzo and Isa sandwiched between their fathers who both look slightly worse for wear.

The four of them are laughing and talking in Italian. I'd feel left out but I don't have time for that as I feel my phone buzz in my hand - I must have got some signal finally because suddenly a series of missed calls pop up and I look down at who might be calling me so frantically, knowing there could only be one answer and it can't be good.