Twists and Turns in Monte Carlo: A Formula 1 Affair

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Spotting her grandmother through the crowd Joanne headed straight to her. 

Viewing her tall granddaughter from afar, Jackie pulled herself out of the conversation and greeted Joanne with an opulent hug. "My dearest I am so happy seeing you." To outsiders, the scene must have seemed almost comical. Jackie Kennedy, who was a whole head shorter than her granddaughter, pulled her down into a tight hug.

Joanne slowly freed herself. "I am so so sorry for not announcing my visit today and interrupting your party. My decision to for a visit was rather spontaneous." Jackie grinned from ear to ear. "Oh do not worry darling, your presence in this house is always more than welcome."

The secret was out. A granddaughter as well. Mr. Oscorp, her step-grandfather standing next to her grandmother, happily shook her hand. "Joanne,  what an unsuspected pleasure." Joanne returned the handshake. "Thank you sir. Pleasure is all mine." 

It took them a second, realizing they left their guests hanging in the air. "My friends", Mr. Oscorp started, "may I introduce another family member. Joanne Francesca Kennedy-Rothchild. The only grandchild my lovely wife Jackie has from her previous marriage." 

Joanne kept up a smile. She quickly took the helm and also began to introduce herself. She didn't really like this kind of elitist performance, where everyone had to list how they were better than their neighbours, who was better at what, or who had more influence in these circles. She shook hands and made elitist small talk, as was expected of her.

She quickly realised her only way out was her empty martini glass, which she held in one hand the whole time. "Excuse me," Joanne interrupted the conversation, "it was a pleasure to meet you, but I've just seen an old friend who I'd like to say hello to as well. Have a nice evening."

Zack, she was already on her way back to the bar, where Eloise was already waiting for her. "Round two?" she asked happily. "Sure, but if anyone asks, you didn't get the drinks from me." Joanne waved at the guy behind the bar, trying to get herself noticed.

"Thank god I spotted you", she said to her cousin facing still towards the bartender, "you were just my golden ticket to a very boring conversation, the beginning of which I may have missed and had no idea what it was all about." Eloise laughed. "Happy to help whenever I can."

Taking her second drink from the bar, she went her own way, leaving Joanne alone leaning against the bar, observing the room. She knew she would get stoned by her grandparents, if Eloise gets too drunk today, so she always kept an eye on her. However, it didn't look like she was going to make a big scene here today, as Eloise was already besieging the waiters with the canapés again.

She nipped on her drink, when all of the sudden she was approached from the side. "Joanne darling, what are you looking at so concentrated?" Her grandmother following her gaze She knitted her blue dress smoothly and adjusted the opulent jewellery.

"Eloise, I think it's funny how all the stuff tries to avoid her with all costs because she raids their trays with canapés." Jackie grinned at Joanne's comment.

"Our Eloise has always had a kind of seventh sense when it comes to good food", she stopped for a second, than patted Joannes arm softly, "I am so happy you came to visit. Sadly you choose a very hectic weekend." 

She was already moving on and Joanne heard the words 'orchids' before her grandmother launched into another conversation. She emptied her glas in one go, turned around and ordered another one.

"You don't look like you want to be here," a male voice sounded next to her. "Excuse me?" Joanne leaned on the counter and looked round at the voice. A man, middle-aged and tall, in a suit like everyone else here, also with a drink in his hand.

"Well," she began, "do I not look like I fit in with my styling choice?" He smiled briefly and then shook his head in the negative. "Not quite." 

She sight. "Actually wanted to spend a few quiet days here, but for my grandparents this is the definition of a quiet weekend. I could almost have guessed that they were having a party in some kind of way."

Joanne stoped for a second, yet didn't let the person opposite her get a word in edgewise. "I am sorry for coming of as rude perhaps, I apologise if I came across as a little unfriendly. Joanne Francesca, but Joanne is perfectly okay." She shook his hand.

"Toto Wolff, the pleasure is all mine. And no, I would not say rude but like someone who'd rather drown herself tonight than continue in engaging in any social contact." Now Joanne smiled. "Is it that obvious?" He affirmed. She just shrugged her shoulders and took her drink. "Then I would say, toast with me to the drinks not running out today. By the way you have a very funny accent Mr. Wolff." 

"Thank you Joanne, but Toto is totally fine. Do you say that to every guest?" She grinned mischievously up at him. "Only when my grandparents aren't within earshot." Toto laughed briefly, her honest manner was very refreshing. "So, what do you do Mr. Wolff, sorry Toto."

"I am the team principal of the mercedes amg personas formula one team. Your grandfather is a huge investor in the formula one world..." "Step-grandfather", she interrupted him. Langsam ging ihm ein licht auf.

"You are a Kennedy." "Unfortunately yes."