Twists and Turns in Monte Carlo: A Formula 1 Affair

{12.1}

"The worst thing is not knowing what to wear. It drives me crazy." Joanne put her hands in her hair roughing through her blond mane. 

"You look stunning in everything. But we have to hurry a bit, Jo." Toto already ready since ten minutes standing next to the door, waiting for his accompaniment. 

Joanne stood in a pile of clothes spread across the floor, suitcase and bed, only dressed in her underwear. "I know," she whispered through her teeth. 

"As much as I enjoy this view", Toto mumbled laughing, as she bent over to retrieve a pair of pants from the pile, "you need to hurry a bit."

"Okay, then tell time what to wear. Those pics of us today well be everywhere, for a long time and I want at least that they hate me but say in the same sentence that I am hot as fuck."

"Breath, honey", Toto put his hands on her shoulders and breathed with her once. "You look amazing in everything."

"To you. I actually look my best naked, but that is not doable. So please, tell me what to wear, Mr. I look way too good in this shirt and the glasses", Joanne got herself distracted very fast, placing her arms around Totos neck. "You sure we do not have time left?" She bit her lower lip, studying  his face with precision. 

Toto gulped, needing every braincell right now, to stay on track. "Keep that excitement for later." 

Fast he freed himself and handed her one of his shirts. "You like it so much, wear it." 

Joanne looked at the white button up shirt  in his hands, with the sponsors on it. "I think I can make that one work." 

It took her exactly five minutes and twenty seven seconds and they stepped out of the hotel, into their car, that took them the race circuit. 

Toto lovingly squeezed her hand a last time and they stepped out of the car, Toto first, the fans screaming, Joanne following him, the fans screaming even more. 

When the Mercedes team principal entered the paddock, all eyes were on him. Not on him directly, but on the young woman, Joanne, who was walking alongside him.

The tall woman, who was almost as tall as the team principal, wore her long blonde hair loose, hardly any make-up on her face, which emphasized the light freckles on her nose. The nonchalant manner immediately drew whispers from those present. The same shirt as her companion, only partially buttoned up, the sleeves also rolled up, tattoos visible up to the fingers, with accessories that tinkled with every movement. 

She easily held up and Toto explained to her what they now have to do until the race starts. Joannes heart was up to her throat, but she knew - fake it till you make it. With her baggy jeans and the dark brown loafers she felt a bit underdressed. What kept her steady was Toto at her side and slim gold cigarette case in her breast pocked weighing her shirt down a bit. 

Joanne and Toto walked through the paddock, her anxiety bubbling beneath the surface despite her cool exterior. The whispers and glances from the crowd were unavoidable, but she kept her head high, holding onto Toto's hand for reassurance.

"You're doing amazing sweetie," Toto whispered in her ear as they made their way to the Mercedes garage. His calm presence was a balm to her nerves, but at this moment she had to chuckle. Him citing one of her favorite memes, just cracked her facade a bit. 

As Toto got busy with his team principal duties, Paul Ripke appeared, his camera slung around his neck. "Hey Joanne, let's go explore a bit. I can keep you company while Toto handles his stuff."