Minnie’s still not sold. I knew she wouldn’t be. She’s had her doubts about my audience-building tactics from the beginning, and that was before they went anywhere near F1. Motorsport is her thing, with her dad being a legendary driver, and her getting a job presenting for Channel 3 last year. I know how hard she’s worked to be taken seriously in a male-dominated environment, even changing broadcaster to France’s Sportif+ to prove it.
The last thing I ever want is to undermine her credibility – I’ll always be her number one fan – but I can’t ignore F1’s status anymore. As last year was the NFL, this sport needs to be even bigger. More glamorous, more global, more renowned. I need results, and Tom Webber’s going to give them to me.
Minnie nurses her forehead. ‘You couldn’t help someone who’s not Jack’s biggest rival?’
‘Let’s see,’ I humour her, jutting my hip out, ‘there are only five drivers my age or older, three of whom are single?—’
‘Matteo D’Ambrosio?’
I give her a bland look. ‘No one would believe I chose him.’
Minnie concedes with a nod. ‘Tiago Cabrera?’
‘Minnie. He drives forLeone.’
‘He didn’t used to.’
‘Well he does now.’
‘I know, I know,’ she says through an out-breath, ‘you want someone successful. He’s really hot, though.’
‘Last season they finished joint bottom,’ I say flatly. ‘They haven’t scored a single point forthree years.’
Her eyebrows lift. ‘Someone’s been doing their homework.’
I smile sweetly. ‘I watched clips from your coverage. You’re a very good teacher.’
At last, she softens. ‘I love you, you know I do, and I’m so proud of the empire you’ve built – your lifestyle content, your podcast, your clothing line, your partnerships. I just… I wish you’d choose a different growth strategy and… try love for real. It’s not a business, Julesy, there doesn’t need to be purpose to it. It’s… the best.’
Ash snorts. She’s been with the same man since school and has no illusions about relationships. Just like me. Just like Minnie used to be.
I cross my arms. ‘One boyfriend and suddenly you’re an idealist.’
‘I’m not an idealist.’ Minnie rolls her eyes. ‘Ash, back me up.’
Ash tucks into her second cake as she flicks back onto Instagram. ‘Julesy isverypicky.’
‘Thank you. See, I can’t fall in love. And I don’t have time. I’m too busy manufacturing fake love.’ I plonk myself down and pick up a cupcake. I did a spicy reformer session this morning so I’ll allow it. ‘Why would I want a man anyway? I can watchSelling Sunsetwhenever I like – without being judged.’
Minnie huffs. ‘Some men likeSelling Sunset.’
‘No hetero man likesSelling Sunset, Minnie,’ Ash chimes in without looking up. ‘There’s too much yelling for their delicate palettes.’
‘Sure they?—’
‘Look, F1’s ranking fourth in the poll!’ Ash bursts out and I pause mid-bite. ‘Holy shit, there’ve been four-point-fivemillionvotes.’
I lean over her shoulder to see and swallow a gasp.
‘Crazy to think how much people get into this,’ Minnie says.
‘I’m counting on it.’ I settle back. ‘How else am I supposed to afford living in Hampstead?’
‘I think it’s an inspired plan,’ Ash decides, tucking her feet under her. ‘You two can travel the world together; I can fly out for fab holidays courtesy of Jules’ partnerships; Jules can bag a sexy new athlete. Everyone gets what they want.’
Minnie bites her lip. ‘It would be nice to have you on the circuit. It gets lonely sometimes, and yes, Jack refuses to watchSelling Sunsetwith me.’
I grin. She’s not fully sold, but sold enough. I raise my mug – now lukewarm but I don’t care, it still tastes like victory. ‘To F1.’
