Racing For Love

Chapter Fourty One

Jono has hired out a restaurant that's a 15 minute drive from The Paddock, so most people are sharing taxis - the vibe is very casual so i've not bothered getting changed from team clothing. It feels a little like a school trip as we walk with a bunch of us - our red t-shirts snaking through the town towards the restaurant. There are people everywhere and the atmosphere is jubilant with lots of whoops and cheers from passing fans.

The restaurant is attached to a hotel where some of the international team are staying, so as we arrive, people peal off - many getting changed whilst I go directly to the bar with Matt and James to get a drink. The pit crew seem to be here already, and one of them has ordered a round of Jagerbombs - I politely decline, because 8pm is definitely too early to be downing shots, but it gives me an indication of how rowdy the night is going to be.

I start off with soft drinks - I want to pace myself and enjoy the evening, plus, I'll be busy with Joe tomorrow and I don't want to be hungover. Kate appears by my side - she booked a room and was one of the people to go and get changed - reappearing in a flattering blue patterned dress and heels. I feel very underdressed next to her. "I've got a spare outfit if you want one?" she says, sipping on a glass of wine. I look around and notice I'm the only female still in team clothing, so I accept and we go up to her room. We're not quite the same size, so i'm hoping Kate's spare outfit isn't too small.

"Here it is - this pink is definitely your colour Annie!" Kate says as she holds a dress out towards me. It's a midi length dress with a sort of ruched bodice which manages to stretch to accommodate my chest. I wouldn't normally choose pink, but Kate's right - it does sort of suit me. I smooth the dress down, luckily, I had two pairs of shoes with me today - a smart pair and trainers for comfort - I slip on my brown wedge sandals and check in Kate's mirror. I don't look too bad, even though i've been up since 5am. I quickly retouch my makeup and brush my hair through - I'm so glad Kate brought a spare as I definitely feel more confident out of the standard Bianchi workwear.

"Kate - can I just give Joe a quick call? I want to check he's back ok, and I think it'll be too loud to hear downstairs?" I ask and Kate hands me over the key to lock the door when i'm done and goes back to the bar to give me some privacy. I quickly dial the number and the receptionist transfers me through. Joe's alternate carer picks up (Dave will have left by now) and lets me know that Joe got back safely before passing the phone over. "How are you doing, Uncle Joe? I bet you're shattered aren't you?" I ask, hearing his voice rasp through the phone.

"Hello Annie girl. Yes, it's been a very busy day, but fantastic. Susan and Dave got me back and i'm just having a cup of tea. I was telling some of my friends about today, and they were very jealous - we'll have to organise a coach next time!" He says, a glint of humour in his voice just about covering how tired he sounds.

"I'm not sure i'd be able to cope with your friends, Uncle Joe. Especially that Robert - he'd be a bloody nightmare!" I joke back. "As long as you're all ok? I'm off for drinks now with the team."

"Make sure you get one for Jono from me, Annie - hell of a race from him today." Joe confirms.

"Of course. Now, settle down and I'll see you tomorrow. I love you."

"Not too early - i'm having a lie in tomorrow! Lots of love, Annie girl. Sleep well." Joe says before the line clicks off.

I look up one last time and brush some imaginary lint off the dress. I'm relieved that, though exhausted, Joe seems happy and he's got back ok. I know I can now enjoy my evening without worrying about him.

By the time I get back to the bar, things already seem more chaotic - there's Bianchi staff everywhere - I notice quite a crowd still stood up getting drinks, people lounging in chairs and some people sat at the long tables in the dining area. I spot Kate talking to one of the race engineers but I head outside to see if I can find Matt and James. As I open the door, there's a light breeze but the air is still warm and I look out to see the sun is starting to set, filling the sky with a pink glow. My gaze searches and I spot the guys sat at a picnic bench with a couple of others from the marketing team and head across to join them.