Connected (F1 Story)

Chapter Six: Plain Sailing

I couldn't not write about Open House, seeing as it was the highlight of my summer. Hope you enjoy reading about it :) (ps, names have been changed for obvious reasons).

Hey!" I chirped, ignoring the intense heat of the mid-morning sun and smiling at the three people in front of me. They looked a touch nervous. Even the guy was trying to play it cool. "What are your names?"

"Olly...Oliver."

"Maya..." the other said and stopped when her friend began to nudge her. "Oh shit, it's actually him."

She had spotted Ricciardo, then.

A couple of people stood next to Daniel as the likes of ITV got ready to conduct their interview with him. I'd be switching places with Josh in a couple of moments once I had welcomed all of the guests to the cricket club in Milton Keynes. It was where the team were hosting their Garden Party and twenty competition winners (and their plus ones) had been invited to attend.

Early morning had been spent setting up, and I must say that the recreational ground looked pretty good. Even if parking for everyone was an absolute bloody nightmare.

Date wise, skip forward the Austrian Grand Prix (not really worth mentioning other than Daniel's constant lederhosen wearing) and we were starting the crazy PR journey to Silverstone. Exciting.

Back in the now, the final girl said her name and I ticked the three of them off from my 'competition winners' list, then handed them a bag each. In it was a Red Bull (quelle surprise) cap, bottle and some other bits of merchandise. I loved Open House... technically we were in a field not a house of any sorts but eh, I kept that to myself.

"We're going to have a big cricket game in an hour, and then there'll be a Q and A...then a signing, you'll be pleased to know." I smiled and Maya was still staring. Olly was doing the talking for her. I liked his shades. And his bag was a good idea's for Daniel's birthday present. Yes, yes, it was his birthday the following day. I had already got him something though, promise.

"Cool, cheers. Looking forward to it." he spoke. I couldn't help but think he looked vaguely familiar. And Maya definitely fancied him. Big time. Yup...I could see why.

"Feel free to go and have a game of badminton. Or, there's drinks in the marquee over there," I smiled. "The drivers will be walking around, and they'll be happy to stop for a chat." Just don't ask Daniel or Christian about the engine situation, I added silently. They will blow.

Just like the Renault power units. Happy days.

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Aaaaaaand, eyes up.

The person next to me was staring just as much but I didn't blame her. Although this man was firmly mine. Even if he had just awkwardly agreed to get married to a fifty year old super-fan. Inwardly I had laughed a lot.

"Ah, shit," Daniel muttered, swinging his cricket bat. He still hit the ball. Ish. On the whole however, I had been very impressed.

A ripple of laughter surged through the small crowd and Christian Horner came and stood by my side, wiping his brow.

"Saskia, you're free to grab your lunch now..." Red Bull's team principal attempted to engage in conversation but Daniel was still bent over in a batting position a couple of feet in front of me. I had a very good view...of the entire field...um. "How's he doing?"

"Yeah, good. I'd better make sure he doesn't hit someone in the face with the ball. Or bat," I replied, hearing Rebecca (Daniil Kvyat's press officer) laugh from the other side of me. I was lost when it came to cricket.