Racing For Love

Chapter Fifty Nine

After our long shower, we dress leisurely. I gaze across at Jono and his eyes catch mine, and he smiles. His hand brushes across my shoulders as he walks past to get his shoes, my fingers graze his back as he bends to find a t-shirt in his bag - soft touches which neither of us can resist now we know that it is possible. Jono takes my hand and we stroll together to the restaurant for breakfast.

I greet Sofia as we arrive and her eyebrows rise as she shows Jono and I to our table. Our relationship has grown since I arrived here, and she has become somewhat of a friend - the look she gives me indicates she wants to know the gossip surrounding my new companion and I stifle a nervous giggle as we reach the table. Jono goes to get coffees and Sofia speaks quietly towards me

"Either that handsome man is a Jono Campbell lookalike, or you're a lucky lady, Annie"

"I would have to say I'm extremely lucky, Sofia" I tell her, laughing as she lets out a dramatic gasp at my revelation.

"You really are! He's coming back! Enjoy your breakfast," she winks before leaving to greet some of the other guests.

Breakfast is relaxed - Jono and I share an easy conversation and laughter. A couple of times, people look across at us, trying to place Jono's face, but we are left alone whilst we eat. There's no rush to what we are doing as we enjoy each other's company with no other distractions.

I don't see Pete and Sylvie until Pete is approaching our table with Sylvie two paces behind him. He looks at Jono and clears his throat as Sylvie talks across him "Sorry Annie, but Pete wanted to ask if your friend is Jono Campbell?"

"I can ask myself Sylvie" Pete chides her before turning back to Jono "Sorry to interrupt...you are Jono Campbell aren't you? Bloody hell. I'm a huge fan! I can't believe you didn't tell us you knew the 2014 and 2016 world champion, Annie!"

"Hey Pete, Sylvie. So you've met my girlfriend, Annie then?" Jono says casually, allowing the term girlfriend to roll off his tongue as my face flushes in recognition.

"Yes, she's such a sweetheart. Sorry to bother you when you're on your break" Sylvie says, playing the role of chastising wife, though her smile towards her husband betrays her true feelings, as Pete still seems a little star struck.

"Sorry, Yes. Huge fan. You're doing a great job this year, pal. I reckon you've got at least one more world championship in you." Pete tells Jono, slapping his shoulder as Jono laughs.

"Thanks Mate. I hope so!" Jono replies, an awkward silence between them as Pete obviously has another question to ask, but is nervous to do so.

"Would you like Jono to sign something, Pete?" I ask, seeing him nervously pull out a cap from his back pocket, emblazoned with Jono's racing number of 71 and a black pen.

"I hope you don't mind?" Pete asks as Jono takes it from him and signs his name before handing it back.

"We'll leave you to your breakfast. Thank you!" Sylvie says as she drags Pete away whispering to him. I feel like this won't be our final encounter with the pair, but I find the whole thing amusing and turn to Jono smiling.

"Girlfriend, eh?" I ask, as I see Jono's grin wide across his face.

"Yep, it's decided." Jono says firmly as I smile back at him. "Come on, Ace - let's go for a walk." Jono says as he grasps my hand and pulls me up from the table. We walk through the restaurant and he wraps his arm around my waist, giving Pete and Sylvie a wave with the other hand as we exit. The room quiets as we walk through, but there's a definite murmur once we've exited - no doubt the other patrons working out who Jono really is.

We walk around the beautiful grounds - the morning air crisp and refreshing. I keep hold of Jono's hand as we meander through the paths and walkways, taking the long route back to the lodge. As we approach though, I hear a familiar ringing. I look at Jono before I let go of his hand and sprint back, hoping that it's the call I've been waiting for. I fumble as I unlock the door and by the time I get in, the phone has stopped.