Racing For Love

Chapter Eighty Four

Taking the consortium up on their offer was the easy part. Now the real work began. It started with a huge box of paperwork being delivered to Mr Bingham's office, along with countless meetings where I spoke with the other investors, legal teams and solicitors to began the take-over process.

The deal would need to be done by the beginning of November to align with the administrator's requirements, which meant that there was two weeks for the signatures to be on the paperwork if we were to announce ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, which was the plan. I had flown back to the UK, rather than go straight on to the Mexican Grand Prix, which meant speaking to Jono became a lesson in juggling time zones.

With all of this going on, I had to push the launch of The Stephens Foundation - I had hoped to announce before the end of the season, but we had no time. It felt as if days were slipping through my fingers like water as I read through documentation, signed property deeds and organised countless forms.

I watched the build up to the race as I went through the endless paperwork. It was a home race for Pablo Hernandez of Energy One and there was a huge focus on him. He was currently third in the driver's championship and the support and atmosphere energised him and his team. This was evident from the driver conferences and free practice sessions on Friday - their car's performance seemed to have been tuned into this track.

It became clear that this race would be an uphill battle for both Bianchi drivers in comparison. The free practice sessions were filled with frustration for the team as they grappled with issues seemingly related to the power unit. The team worked tirelessly, attempting component changes to rectify the problems, but it seemed that luck was not on their side. I watched tensely at the qualifying session, which didn't bring the relief they had hoped for. Both drivers found themselves starting lower down the grid than they had imagined, after the solid performance at COTA.

Amid the chaos of post-qualifying interviews, my phone buzzed, and I saw Jono's name flashing on the screen. I picked up immediately.

"Hey, sorry on P6. Sounds like you've really struggled with the car this week...Did those component changes make any difference?"

"Hey. Not really," Jono responded, and I could hear the dejection in his voice. He was working so hard at the moment, to be let down by machinery was not what he needed.

"Ace, I know you're busy, but-"

"Yes?"

"Is there any way you could make it to the race tomorrow?" Jono's voice was laced with longing and a touch of vulnerability. "I miss you, Ace. Having you here, even if it's just for a little while, would mean the world to me."

I felt a wave of warmth at his words, and despite the hectic schedule, I knew I couldn't deny him this request. "Of course," I replied softly, my heart swelling with affection for him. "I'll find a way."

Relief flooded Jono's voice as he said, "Thanks, Ace. Knowing you'll be here makes everything feel a bit brighter. I'll organise the private jet, and send you the details. Ace? I love you," he finished and I hung up, already working out a list of items to pack.

20 minutes later, Jono had sent me details and arranged a car to pick me up too. His message didn't just contain details of the flight though - there was an additional bit of information I wasn't expecting:

You won't be on your own - there's some surprise passengers joining you. xx

For the whole journey to the airport, I wondered who it could possibly be and as I settled into the plush leather seat on the private jet, the anticipation gnawed at me as I watched the ground crew load luggage and prepare the plane for take off.