Twists and Turns in Monte Carlo: A Formula 1 Affair

{10.2}

Joanne spent the next few days helping around the farm, finding solace in the routine and physical labor. She enjoyed the simplicity of it, the way her muscles ached from honest work, and the way the sun warmed her skin as she moved through the tasks with Hank. Today, she was helping him bring in the horses, her jorts and baggy tee contrasting sharply with her inked skin, which peeked out from every possible place, showcasing intricate designs that spoke of a life lived fully and passionately.

"You know, you really stand out here," Hank remarked with a chuckle, looking at Joanne as she guided a horse into the stable. "The guys in town already asked who I got to help on the farm. They didn't believe me when I said a Kennedy."

Joanne laughed, brushing a stray hair out of her face. "Yeah, I guess I do?"

Hank grinned. "Absolutely. You're a breath of fresh air, Joanne. Always have been. They thought I was joking about your family."

Sweat dripping from her face, Joanne patted the horse lovingly. "People always react the same way, when they hear my name. First shock, then pity."

Hank nodded, his expression softening. "I remember meeting your grandmother at graduation. Nearly gave me a heart attack. You never mentioned your grandfather was a president. You just sat at our table, grateful and well-mannered."

"Yeah, she loves that story. Her invite to visit is still open, and every time I see her, she asks about your family."

Hank patted her back proudly before they continued their work.

As they finished up, the sound of a truck pulling into the driveway caught their attention. Joanne looked up to see Andy, Daisy's older brother, stepping out with his girlfriend. Andy's face lit up when he saw Joanne.

"Joanne! It's so good to see you!" Andy called out, walking over with a broad smile. He had been stunned when Daisy first brought Joanne home, even more so when he learned about her prestigious family background. He had immediately accepted her as a fourth sister.

Joanne grinned back. "Andy! It's been too long." They hugged warmly, and Joanne extended a hand to his girlfriend. "Hi, I'm Joanne."

"Nice to meet you, Joanne. I'm Lisa," she replied, shaking Joanne's hand, her eyes narrowing slightly. The woman in front of her was a foot taller than her, even taller than Andy and Hank. 

The small redhead eyed the tall blonde for a moment before continuing. "So, how do you know all of them?"

Joanne ran a hand through her hair. "Daisy and I went to college together and now run a law firm in New York as partners." She smiled proudly, placing her hand on her hips.

Lisa's demeanor lightened. "Ah. So you are the city girl."

"City girl? That's what y'all call me around here?" Joanne looked at Hank, who nodded along.

"You are a city girl, Joey. You'll stand out like a sore thumb here."

They all made their way back to the house, where Karen had dinner ready. The table was filled with hearty Midwest dishes, everything homemade and delicious. Joanne felt a deep sense of contentment as they sat down together, the room filled with laughter and conversation.

"You know," Andy said between bites, "it's always great to have you here, Joanne. You're practically family."

Joanne smiled, her heart swelling with warmth. "I feel the same way. This place, all of you—it's home to me."

Karen beamed at her from across the table. "We're glad you feel that way, dear. You bring so much life to this house."

Daisy, sitting next to Joanne, nudged her playfully. "So, city girl, how's farm life treating you?"

Joanne laughed. "It's a nice change of pace. I could get used to this—well, maybe not permanently, but it's a good break from the chaos. Maybe when I settle down I might choose the countryside over city life."

"This countryside?" Daisy laughed loudly, prompting her mother to interject.

"I think she means the Austrian countryside. She's been quite fond of that lately," Daisy joked, and Joanne nearly choked on her drink.

"A German? Really, Joanne?" Andy looked at her. "I thought you preferred cowboys."

"Austrian. Tall, handsome—rich," Daisy answered before Joanne could. "Older."

"Joanne dear, as long as he treats you well, he's welcome here too," Karen placed her hand on Joanne's shoulder. Joanne glared at a grinning Daisy, who was helping herself to a third portion of dessert.

They continued to eat and talk, the evening stretching on with stories and shared memories. Joanne found herself leaning back, savoring the moment, the sense of belonging. Despite the differences in their lifestyles, there was a bond here that transcended all of that—a bond of love, acceptance, and family.

As the night drew to a close, Joanne stepped out onto the porch, looking out at the vast expanse of the farm. The stars were starting to come out, and the air was cool and refreshing. Daisy joined her, leaning against the railing.

"You know, I really needed this," Joanne said softly, her voice carrying a hint of emotion. "I didn't realize how much until I got here."

Daisy nodded, her eyes reflecting the same sentiment. "Yeah, sometimes you just need to come home to remember who you are."

Joanne smiled, feeling a sense of peace she hadn't felt in a long time. "Yeah. This is home."

"You know, if you brought Toto here and said he's the guy you're with, my dad would get a heart attack. He loves motorsport. Literally," Daisy hugged Joanne closely. "And he'd hate him. Because that's what fathers do."

They stood there in comfortable silence, two friends who had seen each other through the highs and lows, finding solace in the simplicity of life.