Racing For Love

Chapter Forty Nine

As I make my way to the airport for my flight, my mind is consumed with thoughts of Jono. With the hectic start to the day, packing and rushing around to get things sorted before I leave, i've not even replied to his earlier message today. The desire to speak with him about my feelings is growing stronger, and I feel an anxious nervousness at the thought of seeing him in person.

I need to have the conversation with Jono, to lay my cards on the table and address the growing connection between us. I want to know if he feels the same way, if there's a possibility for something more than friendship. But I also fear the fallout if my assumptions are wrong. What if he doesn't feel the same way? What if our friendship is damaged by my confession? The thought of losing Jono terrifies me and I don't know if I can make the first move. What I do know is that I need to keep my feelings in check and remain professional, especially since Mr Bianchi requested my attendance so he will be watching out for me.

I settle into my seat on the plane and begin by pulling out my laptop to continue planning a content list for the week. The race in Budapest will bring new challenges and responsibilities for me - with James out of action this gives me an opportunity to show the team my capabilities and whether I can step up to a more responsible position. The guys have always treated me as an equal, but i'm technically at junior level, and still don't have a permanent contract. Though I still don't know what I want, I wonder if this might help to drive my decision.

After a long flight, I finally arrive in Budapest and make my way to the hotel. The anticipation of seeing Jono and the swirling emotions inside me make the journey feel both longer and shorter than it actually is. I check in at the hotel, grateful for the solitude of my room where I can gather my thoughts before the upcoming race week.

Just as I settle in and start unpacking, there's a knock on the door. It's Matt, and I let him in, pulling him into a tight hug as he steps through the door. There's a heaviness in the air, with our shared concern for James' well-being. Matt's face reflects the exhaustion and worry that has settled upon him.

"Hey, Annie," Matt says softly. "It's good to see you. How are you holding up?"

I offer him a small smile, grateful for his presence. "I'm doing okay, thanks. How's James?"

Matt's expression turns somber as he updates me on James' condition. He tells me about the broken ribs, the reconstructive surgery for his jaw, and the lingering uncertainty of his recovery. It's clear that James has a long road ahead, and my heart aches for him. As Matt continues to talk, I listen attentively, taking in the information - or lack of it - surrounding the attack. I feel selfish for considering what this means for my career in the light of how badly James was hurt, but we both agree that James is a fighter, and he will overcome this.

Matt yawns - he is clearly exhausted having travelled from the hospital in Germany straight here. I send him to bed, and we arrange to meet in the morning to run through the plans i've started putting together. It's bittersweet to be in Budapest without James, but I know that he would want us to carry on and give our best. I also know as soon as he is able, he'll give us a commentary on what we're doing wrong, which makes me smile, despite the intensity of the evening.

I fall asleep quickly, missing a phone call from Jono, and a text message from Lorenzo which I don't see until the morning.

***

Lorenzo: I hear that you are joining us this week in Budapest. Look forward to filming with you.

I focus my eyes and reread the message. Andrea must have told Lorenzo. I feel like our relationship has repaired slightly since I spoke to him at Silverstone, and I reply: