Racing For Love

Chapter Thirty Six

As I drive towards Silverstone, my mind is filled with a mix of emotions and thoughts. The hangover is starting to fade, thanks to Jono's magical concoction, but the lingering effects of last night's events and the recent developments with Lorenzo and Jono are weighing heavily on me.

I can't shake the feeling of disappointment and sadness over Jono's reconciliation with Charlotte. I had hoped that maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for us. But now it seems like that door is firmly closed. I need to find a way to move on and focus on our friendship without letting my feelings get in the way, if that's even possible.

The mention of a potential job opportunity at Aerial adds another layer of uncertainty to my already tumultuous thoughts. While I appreciate Matt's concern and the suggestion, the idea of leaving the team and going to work for a competitor feels like a drastic move. I've invested so much time and effort into Bianchi, and it's always been our "family team" so despite the recent challenges, especially with Andrea, I still feel a loyalty to them. It's feels almost too much to consider so I put it to the back of my mind as I concentrate on my journey.

Arriving at Silverstone brings a sense of familiarity and excitement. Its early in the week to be at the track, but the atmosphere is still electric - I see familiar faces setting up The Paddock as I prepare my time lapse camera to film the set up of the motorhomes - it's always fascinated me how quickly things are assembled to create this mini-village, so I was pleased when the idea got signed off from FormulaOMG! to create a video based on this. It's the first opportunity for me to provide them with some content, and I'm excited to present my ideas.

I check through the list of shots I need to take for the Bianchi socials, working out the quickest way I can get this done as I hear someone clearing their throat behind me. Without turning, I know that it's Lorenzo, and I steel myself as he starts to speak. I take a deep breath, preparing myself for this conversation i've been avoiding. As I turn around, I put on a professional smile, masking the mixed emotions swirling inside me.

"Hey, Lorenzo. Good to see you," I greet him, trying to keep my tone neutral, as I cross my arms infront of me to create a barrier from him.

He returns the greeting with a broad smile, but there's a hint of tension in his eyes as he notices my defiant stance. "Hey, Miss Annie. How are you?"

"I've been okay, just busy with work," I reply, trying to keep the conversation light, but i'm flustered hearing him use his nickname for me.

Lorenzo nods, his gaze shifting towards the camera setup. "I see you're already hard at work. This for Bianchi?"

"It's actually for a project i'm working on with FormulaOMG!" I inform him - pleased to have a side project and enjoying having something that isn't solely to do with Bianchi. "But I'm using my lunch break to set things up - it's signed off with Kate. It's going to be a time-lapse project showing the setup of the paddock - like a behind-the-scenes look at the process," I explain, keeping my focus on the task at hand.

"That's a cool idea. I'm sure it will be Bene" he remarks, his hand in it's signature pinecone, his voice tinged with nostalgia.

"Thanks, Lorenzo. I hope so too," I reply, my voice betraying a hint of sadness.

There's a brief pause between us, filled with unspoken words and lingering emotions. I can sense the weight of our history hanging in the air.

"I wanted to talk to you, Annie," Lorenzo finally breaks the silence, his voice filled with sincerity.

I take a moment to compose myself, steeling my heart against the possibility of reopening old wounds. "Okay, what did you want to talk about?"

Lorenzo hesitates for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "I want to apologise for how I acted in Austria. I realise that it wasn't fair to you - I shouldn't have expected you to be interested without all of the facts."