“Yes, we are the premiere motorsport in the world,” she enthusiastically replies before explaining what exactly Formula 1.
“I could speak about our sport for hours but that’s not what this call is about. Your resume is quite impressive,” she tells me.
“Thank you.”
I do my best to focus on the question when Éléanor asks me to elaborate on a specific experience that focused on increasing STEM scholarships to young girls in NYC. As I answer, I flex and bend my fingers, out of the sight of the camera to work throughthe tension that’d coiled inside of my body at the mention of Formula 1.
At the very least, even if I am hired for this position, my job wouldn’t have to do with the sport itself. More like aiding in the increase of charitable donations that will go to worthy causes on behalf of the FIA. That’s all.
It’s not like I’d be asked to attend a race or meet the drivers or anything like that.
An image of Travis flashes across my mind. That intense look in his eyes that I’ve yet to figure out.
“Your position will be a mix of contributing to our overall marketing efforts through research, strategy creation, and implementation, and a little bit of on-site participation when needed.”
Éléanor pauses and looks at me expectedly.
“I’m sorry.” I glance between Virginia and Éléanor who seem to be three steps ahead of me. “My position?”
“Yes, I am prepared to offer you the role of market researcher for the newly formed charitable division of Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile.”
“I-I—” Surprise makes it difficult to squeeze out a response.
None of my previous positions have moved this quickly. There’s almost always at least a follow-up interview.
“Then I would become an employee of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile?”
“Technically, you will be in a contract position for the Jacqueline Reed Foundation,” Virginia explains. “Since it’s a joint venture, your team will be comprised of FIA employees and employees from our organization,” she explains.
“That’s great,” I say.
It’s a little bit of a bummer that it’s only a contract role which means I’ll have to cover my own insurance, but I can negotiate my rate.
Also, if I could work from home, that would be awesome, but Éléanor did mention some ‘hands-on’ tasks, so I suppose working from home won’t be an everyday thing.
“Wonderful,” Éléanor exclaims.
Then I remember that it’s best to get some important information known up front.
“I should let you know that I’m pregnant,” I say, my gaze shifting between Éléanor and Virginia.
To my surprise, her smile grows.
“Félicitations.”
“Merci beaucoup,” I immediately respond, shocking Éléanor again.
"Est-ce que vous parlez français?”
“Oui,” I answer her question, asking if I speak French.
“Yes, that’s right. I read that on your résumé. You spent a year living in Paris?” she asks in French.
“Yes, I studied abroad during my sophomore year in college,” I reply in the same language.
“This is excellent. What a great find you are,” she almost squeals. “And to think I thought this might pose an issue.”
I frown, wondering what she’s talking about, but what she says next makes my jaw drop.
