Racing For Love

Chapter Sixty Five

"So, I was going to cook you dinner, but I don't have a key, and that alarm scares the shit out of me," Jono says as I approach, a cheeky grin playing across his face.

"Don't get ahead of yourself there, JC - I don't know if I like you that much to give you full time access!" I joke, but I have already pulled out the spare key and I know it's waiting in the kitchen drawer for him. I unlock the door and cancel the alarm code, we walk in together with Jono handing me the flowers and putting the bottle of champagne in the fridge.

"These are for you - there was a little florists next to where I had lunch - I thought they might cheer you up. How did it go in the end?" Jono asks, looking concerned.

"Actually, it was amazing," I say taking the flowers and busying myself with putting them into water as I chat with Jono. "So, I hadn't intended on making a decision today, but I did and I'm going to launch The Stephens Foundation. The team was so inspiring, Jono - they have all worked incredibly hard to get to where they are already and I know that I can help, and make a difference."

"Oh Ace, that's really cool - I kind of thought that meeting them might help you make a decision. Does that mean you're leaving Bianchi then?" Jono asks, his voice hesitant which catches me off guard.

"I actually don't know...I don't even know whether my contract will be extended or not, especially with everything going on with Andrea. I want to be able to stay in Formula 1 in some capacity though - for my drivers, being able to provide some level of access and insight to the pinnacle of motorsport is important."

"Well maybe I can help with that" Jono says, that wide, familiar grin back on his face.

"Oh my God, I haven't even asked about your meeting. Jono! Why did you let me ramble on!" I say, apologetically.

"I wanted to hear your news, Ace! And I was waiting for the champagne to chill" he says, finding the champagne flutes and pulling the bottle out of the fridge.

"So, are you going to tell me or not!" I say excitedly as he keeps me waiting.

"So," Jono begins before he pulls the cork out of the bottle to a loud popping noise, "I have offers"

"Offers. Plural? More than one?"

"Yes. If you can believe it!" Jono tells me, pouring us both a glass.

"Of course I can believe it, Jono! You deserve multiple offers. After this season, another team would be stupid not to pick you up!"

"Well, cheers to Aerial, Infinite and Racing Force. Oh, and to Sky F1 the BBC, F1TV and International Motorsport."

"What? Jono - that's incredible!" I say, chinking my glass against his and taking a sip, "So - what did you choose?"

"Oh, well - I haven't. Not yet. I asked if I could have a week to decide. There's lots to think about..." Jono's voice trails and he takes another sip of his drink. With the excitement over, we take our drinks and sit in the living room.

"Jono..."

"Ace..."

"Do you want to talk it through? The options?"

"Why do you think I didn't decide today? I...wanted your opinion, Ace. I value your opinion."

Jono's words warm me, he has a confidence in our relationship, in me, that goes far beyond our romantic connection. He is involving me in this decision because he is making it clear that we are a team. Jono explains the details of each offer, weighing the pros and cons of joining each team. Aerial is known for their focus on nurturing young talent, but things haven't always worked this season by having two rookies - Gareth James and Louis Madec. Jono would go into Aerial as their lead driver for the season, allowing his experience to support and develop the team, along with Louis. They are a top five team, and Jono could easily push them forward.