‘Of course, but Caleb, my advice is don’t do it. I know it’s exciting right now because you’re caught up in the rush of it, but it’ll be a different story when it’s over and a dark cloud hangs over you at RBF. They may not be able to fire you for it, but they can hold it against you.’
This is exactly what I said to Johannes back at his apartment. I’ve just been conveniently ignoring my own good sense because I don’t want it to be true. They won’t sack Johannes. Race engineers are replaceable, but superstar drivers are not.
I get all of my prep work done in record time, before declining dinner with a gang of the engineers. Ian sighs disapprovingly when I apologise for already having plans, like he knows I’m going against his advice. But I don’t care. The only thing I regret is asking him for it in the first place.
My mom calls me on the drive back to the engineers’ base after work and I’m practically giddy as I’m pulling into the car park to start getting ready for this date.
‘Hey, baby, how’s your day been? Up to anything fun tonight or just work?’ she asks.
I’m almost tempted to tell her I’m going to a music festival with a super-hot guy who I’m head over heels about, but it’s too soon. God knows, if I mention a man, she’ll have the wedding planner booked before we hang up the phone.
‘Not much, Ma. Got a dinner with some work people and that’s pretty much it.’ It’s not a total lie.
‘I’m jealous. I bet you’re eating so well out there. Make sure to send me and your dad some pictures.’
‘Of course. How was your day?’
She launches into a story about having the youngest grandkids over today, what Dad’s been up to in the garden, and their plans for the evening.
‘We’ve got Gregg and Kelsea and the kids coming for dinner, too. Dad’s doing ribs and I’m making Mikey his favourite mac and cheese.’ She explains that fourteen-year-old Mikey has decided to become vegetarian and my meat-loving family are still struggling to adapt to it. It’s been a big affair in the Hughes household.
I listen to her on speaker as I pick out an outfit for the evening. It’s still warm out there, but I also know that it could get chillier later so I go for knee-length, beige chino-style shorts with a white T-shirt and drape a hunter-green cardigan around my shoulder like a shawl. I’m just sad that I don’t have a pair of cowboy boots on me. Lord knows, I have enough pairs back home in the US.
‘What time’s your dinner?’ Mom asks as I rummage through my wash bag for my favourite cologne. It’s tough to even get a couple of spritzes out as there’s hardly anything left, but after a vigorous shake I manage to coat myself in it.
‘Six. I’m just getting dressed now. When you have a chance, Mom, could you check the washroom cabinet in my bathroom to see if I have any Tom Ford Ombre Leather. I’m running out so need to know if I should grab another at duty-free or wait for winter break.’
‘Of course, baby. Any more thoughts about getting your own place?’ It’s her second favourite question after when I’m going to find a husband.
I get it. I’m approaching my mid-thirties but it’s not like I live in their basement eating chips and playing video games. There’s just no point getting a place I’ll spend all of a couple of months in each year.
‘At some point, Ma. Just a bit pointless right now.’ We’ve had this conversation so many times that my reply is automatic.
‘The Davidsons are moving into a retirement home after Christmas. I’ll send you the listing when it goes up for sale.’ I roll my eyes, thankful she can’t see.
What would I do with a four-bedroom house? I’m not even sure I could afford it on my salary alone, since I’m still technically in grad school. She’s living in dreamland. ‘You do that, Ma.’ I’ll take it just to have a little snoop at what the insides look like, but not much else. ‘I’m going to have to head off, though, as I don’t want to be late.’
‘Have a great night, baby. Don’t forget the pictures. Love you.’
‘I won’t. Love you, too, Ma.’ We hang up and with a last once-over of myself in the mirror I’m out the door.
It’s not that far to drive when I’ve got Luke Combs getting me in the mood for the night, and even when I have to park a bit further away from the restaurant I find it hard to be annoyed, because my whole body is thrumming with excitement for the evening ahead.
I’m almost giddy on the walk up to where we’ve agreed to get dinner, close to where the festival is taking place. I’m about to cross the road to the restaurant, when I spot a little stall selling glowsticks, feather boas and cowboy hats and I can’t resist. They’re plastic and flimsy and way overpriced at ten euros each, but I buy two hats before I can stop myself.
There’s an idiotic grin pulling at my cheeks when I enter the restaurant and spot him already at our table. The second he sees me his eyes light up, and it makes my heart turn over. He spots the hats tucked under my arm and he laughs.
‘I, uh, can see my… friend,’ I tell the hostess, who lets me make my own way over there.
‘Is that what I think it is?’ Johannes asks, gesturing to the purple plastic.
‘I thought they were exactly what we needed for tonight.’ I pop them down next to him in the mini booth and blush at the fact that he can’t seem to take his eyes off me. It’s been so long since I’ve been aesthetically appreciated.
‘You look really good, Caleb. I’m so used to seeing you in an RBF jumper or polo; the green looks good on you.’
I was told once, by my mom, that green complements pale skin and ginger hair, so I silently thank her for that.
‘So do you, but then you could wear a trash bag and pull it off.’
