The Formula 1 Series - Part I: Liz & George

Night before the race

After our Uber dropped us at the location we went inside and passed the coat section. We all agreed that we would not step outside anyway and would not need coats tonight. The event was located in a type of museum. Many people mingled in the entrance hall and a small stage was used for announcements of the evening. But it seems like the rest of the nature history museum was open for the guests to walk through. I have been to such an event once before, but it was in Boston and organized by a student affiliation. This must be even better. I looked at the ceiling, which was at least ten meters high and out of glass. Obviously it was almost dark by now, but it still looked impressive. I felt someone's gaze on me and my skin started to tingle. I felt awkwardly naked around my chest and felt uncomfortable. I looked around and found him standing in a corner with some men, I didn't recognize. My eyes found his and he did not even make the attempt to look or turn away. He simple starred at me with his big blue eyes. Again, I felt naked under his gaze and slowly blinked as a greeting. He nodded once but continued to look at me in that intense way that simply was unbearable for me.

I took a deep breath, said to myself this non-verbal conversation would be over and turned around. I was surprised to not only see Sarah, Elsa and Naomi, but Ryan and a few friends of his. I exhaled. I literally hat no muse to talk to any men tonight and I am sick of those Ferrari guys. I still felt George's gaze on me and my whole right side tingled. Ryan introduced a few of the guys to us – at least the ones he hasn't introduced so far this week and we had a quick chat with the men. They offered to go get drinks for us and the whole joined group marched towards the bar. I started walking last and thought about George being alone here. At least I haven't seen any other girl around him the few moments I allowed myself to look in his direction. Maybe she is refreshing in the restrooms or something. Or maybe he did not bring anyone after all? I don't know what I thought for the better option. I followed the others and noticed one of the guys slowing down, waiting for me. If I remember correctly his name was Mark and he is an engineer with Ferrari.

"Hey, nice to meet you! What's your name again?" he asked.

"Hi, it's a – Liz. Nice to meet you too, Mark." I said, risking I am wrong regarding his name.

"Wow you picked up my name! I wouldn't have thought so. Ryan at least introduces five names to you girls, haha. I only could remember Sarah, but that's about it."

Of course he only remembered Sarah. I smiled.

We got through a few smalltalk questions until it was his turn to order.

"One Gin Tonic, please. And for you?" he asked.

I was confused for a second but then said: "Oh no thanks! I am not drinking tonight."

"Oh humor me! Come on! This event will be boring without alcohol!"

"No thank you very much. It is thoughtful of you, but I mean it. Thanks though."

"No I won't take no as an answer. You came her so you definitely wanted to spend a good night." He turned to the bartender: "Two Gin Tonics please."

Arrgh, I hated these situations. Some guys just don't get it. A no means no. Sometimes I should listen to Naomi and lose my somehow inherited british politeness and be a bit more direct. It is unacceptable to not accept a no. Mark immediately lost my trust. He paid for the drinks and everyone clinked glasses.

"Thank you..." I mumbled and took a small sip. The Gin tasted just fine, but I really wasn't used to alcohol anymore and this event was the last I would want to lose my composure.

We stood in our group for a while and I actually enjoyed the conversation with the men. Mark seemed to be the outlier downwards and I had a good time. He stood next to me the entire time but he was not pushy or weird, so I did not mind. I loosened up the more sips I took. I actually enjoyed the warm feeling in my stomach and my shoulders relaxed. I haven't even noticed how tense I was. Probably because I still did not feel confident in my dress.But why though? Everyone of the girls said it looked awesome. I am pretty sure Mark liked it as well and I noticed people starring when we made our way to the bar. But of course, I have been a part of a group containing Sarah and Elsa, so naturally people are starring. Anyway, I should embrace the dress and not try to hide away. I put it on, I should also wear it. With my new mantra and confidence I looked around. I tried to keep track were George went. I am not his pray and he isn't a hunter, but it felt better this way. Sometimes I got shivers and basically was sure he is starring into my back, but the last couple of minutes I must have lost track were he has gone. I looked around and found him standing on the opposite end of the bar. He was talking to a woman, a bit too old to be his date for the night. He twisted his head slightly and looked at me. He too seemed to know when I was staring at him.