Twists and Turns in Monte Carlo: A Formula 1 Affair

{2.1}

Joanne closed Instagram and put her mobile phone in the pocket of her trousers. In her grandfather's trousers, actually. She and Eloise dressed up for brunch in the morning.

After much toing and froing, they helped themselves to their grandparents' clothes and styled themselves in perfect 'old money' style. Dressed in pearls and headscarves, just like their grandmother Jackie, the two of them giggled their way into the foyer.

She was already standing there, Jackie with her arms folded, her foot tapping quickly on the floor. "There you are at last," but when she saw the two cousins she froze, "you go upstairs at once and get changed. You can't be seen like this. We can't show our faces like this."

Joanne casually put an arm around her granny's shoulders: "How do you not think we're beautiful? We're dressed inappropriately in your clothes?" Eloise laughed and nodded in the affirmative. 

"You two look ridiculous." Mr Oscorp emerged from a side corridor, his walking stick echoing through the huge entrance. "However, the first guests are arriving, so please keep a low profile and get changed before dinner."

All the family members were posed before the doors opened and the first guests arrived. Eloise next to her always smiled warmly as she shook hands and wished them 'have a nice day'. Joanne's demeanour seemed more forced.

However, the cousins created an exuberant atmosphere with their costumes. Eloise is wearing her grandmother's dress and shoes. Joanne dressed up in a suit with a tie, waistcoat and shirt buttons. The fact that they were also standing next to their grandparents made it look as if they existed twice.

Joanne recognised some of the faces from the previous event on Friday. She remembered Geri Horner, the former Spice Girl. When Geri greeted the girls, she couldn't help but make a little comment. "You look lovely Miss and Miss Oscopr. I had to look twice to recognise who was who." She winked at the girls and Eloise giggled energetically.

"I'm so going to tell everyone that, Ginger Spice has been talking to us." Joanne did not listen to her cousin. When they were here, then Mr. Wolff might as well be invited today. She had not yet finished her thoughts when the tall man in the shirt and trousers entered the foyer.

God, he was hot. She was a little startled by her own thoughts and had to pull herself together. The fact that he was wearing glasses today didn't make things any easier. They made him even more attractive. Now she found the costume, which actually originated from her ideas, a little silly and childish. He would probably think so too.

Nervous she eyed everything he did. Toto greeted Jackie first then Mr. Oscorp. Then he turned to the two cousins standing a few steps away. To Joanne's surprise, a grin appeared on his face. First he shook hands with Eloise, who gave him the same smile as every other guest and greeted him with: "Eloise Rowlin, welcome".

Now it was her turn and she suddenly had the feeling that her hands were sweating. She quickly wiped her hand on her trousers before Joanne handed them to him.

"Joey Kennedy, dressed inappropriately for the occasion again." He took her hand and looked her in the eye, "I expected nothing less from you, Joey." Then he was gone again. Not gone, just already in the prepared brunch room.As Joanne watched Toto Wolff disappear into the brunch room, a sense of both relief and disappointment washed over her. She took a deep breath, trying to shake off the nerves that had unexpectedly gripped her during their brief encounter.

Eloise nudged her, whispering, "Jo, you're blushing! I think Mr. Wolff liked your 'inappropriate' attire."

Rolling her eyes, Joanne playfully shoved her cousin. "Shut up, Eloise. It's just a brunch, not a fashion show." However, despite her nonchalant exterior, her mind couldn't help but replay the interaction with Toto.

The greeting felt like it went on forever for Joanne. How many people were invited for a Sunday brunch? Then it was finally time for everyone to move into their seats. In old fashioned style, of course, men and women were separated at the tables and there were little place cards.

The brunch room was an opulent display of wealth and extravagance. Guests mingled, sipping champagne and engaging in polite conversation. Joanne scanned the room, searching for Toto among the sea of people.

Joanne almost felt a little cheated when she saw her seat. Not even Eloise was sitting near her. Now she also had to make small talk. She put her headscarf, her mobile phone and a packet of cigarettes down on her seat. 

Joanne ran a hand through her long hair and took a cigarette from the packet, put it between her red-painted lips and made her way between the guests to the outside area. 

Just as she re-entered from her smoke break, she was intercepted by a mysterious voice. Joanne turned to find Toto Wolff standing beside her, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "Mr. Wolff," she replied, trying to maintain her composure. "I see you've mastered the art of making an entrance."

He chuckled. "Well, one must make an impression, especially at an event like this." Toto gestured towards the lavish spread of food. "Care for a drink? It might ease the shock of seeing me twice in one weekend."

Joanne smirked. "Drinking before brunch is served? Count me in."

They strolled towards the drink station, engaging in light banter along the way. Toto, though significantly older than Joanne, seemed to effortlessly bridge the age gap with his charm and wit.

As they reached the drinks, Joanne couldn't resist a playful jab. "So, Mr. Wolff, what brings you to our humble abode again? Business or pleasure?"

Toto raised an eyebrow. "A bit of both, perhaps. But I must admit, the chance to witness your unique fashion choices was a compelling factor."

Joanne laughed. "Well, you certainly have a front-row seat to the eccentricities of the Kennedy-Oscorp clan today."