Me too, brother.
I head back over to Isa, who’s sitting on the mechanics’ tool bench, glued to her phone.
I sigh heavily. ‘That was?—’
‘Oh. My.God.’She looks up, and the astonishment on her face sets my pulse racing. Could it be… Could they…
Already?
‘W-what is it?’ I force myself to say.
‘Jules has touched down in Melbourne!’
Huh?!
‘Jesus Christ, that’s it?! Your stupid influencer?’
‘It’s official: she’s picked F1! There’s already a poll for which driver it is.’
That changes things.
‘How many votes do I have?’
She snorts. ‘You’re not on it.’
‘What?’ It’s pitched higher than I meant.
‘A poll can only have four options.’
Well isn’t that the biggest slap in the dick. ‘Almost half the guys are too young to drink?—’
‘They’re European. They’ve been drinking wine since they were teething.’
‘—and most of the others are in relationships,’ I finish. ‘Who made the cut?’
‘Tom Webber, Kurtis Hatten-Meyer, Matteo D’Ambrosio, and Jack Bowden.’
‘Jack Bowden’s in a relationship!’
She nods disbelievingly. ‘I know, with Jules’ best friend. People are dumb. He’s the World Champion – maybe some voters think winners can do what they want.’
I can’t believe I’m offended, it’s so ridiculous. I don’t even know this woman, and her dating games are stupid. Still, after everything, it’d be nice to be chosen.
‘What if she chooses me?’ I fold my arms. ‘That’ll prove everyone wrong.’
Isa’s look is pointed.
‘What?’ I say.
‘I thought you were going cold turkey.’
‘Fuck cold turkey, we’re talking about a stable relationship. It would mend my reputation in a day.’
Isa shakes her long black hair. ‘Tiago, she dates sportsmen at the top of their field. She dated Damian Reisner, Brennan Okorafor, George Smith, Dominic Johnson, Loga?—’
My eyes narrow. ‘I would beverycareful about the point you’re making.Today of all days.’
She concedes with raised hands. ‘You don’t want to date her anyway. As a follower, I love her, but to date? She uses guys then dumps them at the end of the season. I don’t know why Logan’s taking it so hard. Everyone knew this was going to happen except him.’
