“Yeah, I went to the hotel to drop off my things before coming here.” I start packing my stuff.
“Let me just pack up, and we can grab a coffee.”
We begin walking toward the part of the paddock that has small cafes and restaurants, mainly used by staff working or volunteering during the race weekends.
“So how did you find me?” I ask her.
Luke told me he’d talked to his sister about me, which made me feel special. Having her show up was a nice surprise. I’m excited to get to know another person in his life.
“Well, I went to see my dear brother and got him to show me some pictures. He’d already told me that you’re a reporter and working at Star News, so I hunted you down like the stalker I am.” We laugh before we order ourcoffees at one of the stands.
We find a table and then take a seat.
“So, tell me all the gossip from the paddock. Are there any eligible single bachelors out there for me?” Lily asks, and I can imagine her giving her brother a few worried wrinkles over the years.
She has a carefree personality, and combined with her stunning looks, I’m sure she could snatch up any driver in the paddock if she went for it. Her brother would probably have a heart attack.
I tell Lily about the latest gossip, which isn’t much since I don’t really engage with online stories about potential new flames and such.
Luckily for me, nothing has been written about Luke and me. Just as I think of him, the man appears beside us, smiling down at us.
“Hello, ladies, care if I join you?” Before we can answer, he slides right into the bench next to me and quickly kisses my cheek.
It’s still early, and the weekend’s buzz hasn’t started yet, so I let him off the hook for the public display of affection. He grabs my hand under the table and starts drawing circles on it.
“So, what have I missed?” Luke asks, and we tell him that we’re catching up on the latest gossip of the grid. Luke rolls hiseyes at our gossip session but shares some interesting remarks every now and then.
As our conversation progresses with Luke and Lily sharing stories from their childhood, I notice a slight colour increase to Lily’s cheeks at the mention of Sebastian. Huh, interesting.
There must be more to that story.
I’ll ask her more about that when Luke isn’t around.
After a while, Luke has to go attend some meetings, and he leans down and kisses my cheek. I sigh like a lovesick puppy. Lily smiles at us, obviously happy for her brother.
Next weekend, there will be a gala, and Lily and I go look for dresses to wear.
Every year, various galas are organized, and this one will honour some motorsport and F1 legends. An evening dedicated to the wonderful sport of Formula 1 and the legends who have given us many iconic moments over the decades.
I’m excited to attend the gala with Lily.
Hopefully, I’ll get my answers about the whole “Can I date a driver while on my internship?” and be able to go as Luke’s date if he asks me.
We’re browsing the hangers for the perfect dress when I spot a stunning green velvet gown. It’s a deep petrol green with a sleek, slender slit up the leg, making it sexy yet classy. The dress has no straps, and the top is designed like a corset.
“You have to try that on!” Lily urges, pushing me toward the dressing room with the dress in hand. I get ready, and the sales assistant helps me zip up the back.
When I step out, Lily gasps.
“Oh my God, Jessica! You look stunning, that colour is beautiful on you.”
I glance in the mirror, hoping the price tag isn’t too crazy because I agree with Lily, the dress is gorgeous, and the way it hugs my body boosts my confidence.
“Do you think he’ll like it?” I ask Lily, obviously hinting at her brother. She rolls her eyes.
“Well duh. He’s already looking at you like you’re the bane of his existence. In that dress, you’re going to bring him to his knees,” she tells me, sending a boost straight to my heart.
I change out of the dress and decide to buy it, even though it will put a small dent in my account. Lily doesn’t find her dress for the gala, so we decide to explore more stores over the weekend.
