“There is actually something I wanted to discuss with you,” Anne says, and I immediately feel on edge, anxious, like I’ve done something wrong.
“Nothing bad, quite the opposite. Your work on our social media platforms is doing so well, Jessica. And we see that the other media outlets are starting to follow in our footsteps, your footsteps,” She tells me with pride on her face and a kind smile.
We are experiencing great success on social media, and although it would never have been possible without the rest of the team, this aspect has been my own little project. I’m proud of myself for pushing through and creating something for Star News.
“We would like to offer you a full-time job after you finish your internship. The job would be similar to what you’re doing now, but you would also be responsible for our social media. Based on the growth you’ve achieved so far, it’s only a matter of time before someone else offers you a position, so we’d like to give you a job offer to consider.”
I’m speechless.
Everyjournalism student’s dream is to land a job through their internship, but we also know that the industry can be tough, especially in sports, and even more so in a male-dominated sport like F1.
Landing this internship was a step on the way to having my breakthrough in F1-media, but I never would have dreamed that it would happen so soon.
Working full-time with Star News would be a fantastic opportunity.
“I’m honoured, Anne. Working with Star News has been an invaluable learning experience, and I’m truly grateful for your trust in me. I promise I won’t let you down,” I tell her, and she hands over an envelope to evaluate.
We spend some more time talking about this weekend and the gala when something Anne says catches my attention.
“Yeah, Harold was a little overwhelmed with the whole thing, but it’s a beautiful thing to see your husband honoured for the role he’s played in the sport we’re both passionate about.”
It takes me about two seconds to catch on.
Anne is married to Harold Grier, one of the motorsport legends who were honoured during this weekend’s gala.
How I never made that connection isbeyond me, seeing as they share the same surname and Anne was by his arm all evening.
It also raises my questions about dating a driver, and I see my opening as asking her how they met.
“Oh, it was quite romantic. I was just getting started in media, kind of like you, actually, and he was an up-and-coming driver trying to get into one of the top teams in Formula 1. The paper I was working with at the time had chosen a few drivers to write a detailed story about their road to F1 and all their dreams and goals.” Anne gets a dreamy look on her face, and I can tell she’s just as in love with her man as she was back then.
“I was young and clearly smitten with him. I was assigned to work on his story, and he made it his mission to make me his girlfriend by the end of it.”
We both chuckle at Harold’s determination, sportsmen, and their need to conquer the next challenge.
“Well, it’s safe to say that he succeeded and we’ve been inseparable ever since,” she finishes, and I sigh at the beautiful story.
“It sounds rather lovely, Anne. Hopefully, I’ll find the same kind of love someday,” I tell her, and she looks at me with a glimmer in her eyes.
“You’re young, Jessica. You shouldenjoy your youth and beauty. I’ve certainly noticed that you’ve gotten the attention of several of the drivers in the paddock.” She winks at me, and I blush.
“Yeah, I don’t know. I don’t want to do anything against the rules, I’m here to do my job.” Anne rolls her eyes at that.
“Don’t let any sexist idiots tell you that you can’t enjoy a little male attention. You’re doing an amazing job, and if any of those thick-headed men driving around notice not only your beauty but also your brains, I wouldn’t let any doubts stand in my way. If I’d done that, I’d never have Harold.”
Part of me has a feeling that Anne knows more than she lets on, but I’m happy to play along and get some answers.
“Anyone give you a hard time about dating a driver?” I ask her and hold my breath, waiting for her reply.
“Oh yes, dear. A lot of people had lots of opinions about us, but we were willing to fight a little, and soon enough, everyone went on with their own lives,” she tells me.
Before Luke broke up with me, I had decided I was willing to make our relationship public, consequences be damned.
I cared, still care, so much about him that I believed no matter what, I had to give us a chance. Before I could even tell him this,he broke my heart.
Still, it feels good to know that even if I got together with a driver or anyone in the circus of F1, no one could really do anything about it.
When I was with Luke, I checked my contract to confirm, and it stated nothing about it, but it still feels good to have Anne’s assurance, even if it came a little late.
