‘And you’re single right now?’ Kurtis nudges, holding a bowl of carrot shavings out to me.
I nod once. ‘I am, and I’m loving it. I can focus on my businesses and my health. I can see my girls. Make time for hobbies.’
‘And what are those hobbies?’ Kurt probes. The look on his face tells me he knows he’s ranking highest on the poll.
I glance up at him beneath my lashes. ‘Wouldn’t you like to know.’
‘What wouldyoulike to know about F1?’ Étienne butts in. ‘I can teach you.’
‘It’s not American football,’ Jack butts in, an arm slung around the back of Minnie’s chair. ‘We’re literally driving fifty-eight laps of Albert Park as fast as we can. The end.’
‘But—’
‘I’m not really good at the technical stuff, but I do love a bit of drama,’ I say. ‘Are there any rivalries this year? Teammate versus teammate?’
‘My new teammate’s a rookie,’ grumbles Kurtis, frowning at his plate. ‘He doesn’t know shit. But I only have to endure himfor this season – it’ll be Mr Jack Bowden next year and we can race for real.’ They grin at each other across Minnie and me.
‘Looking forward to it, mate,’ Jack throws back.
‘My teammate is Tom Webber. We are not friends.’ Étienne pouts, shovelling a big broccoli in his mouth.
‘Why’s that?’ I ask, sipping my water. The room could be on fire and I wouldn’t notice.
‘’E ’as no personality. Very calm, always calm. ’E doesn’t laugh at my jokes.’
Minnie pauses, her fork mid-way to her mouth. ‘You make jokes?’
‘You’re just pissed he’s already being called a title contender and you’re not,’ Jack quips.
‘No,’ Étienne retorts, flushing pink. ‘’E thinks ’e’s so much better than me because ’e’s the oldest driver and ’as three World Championships, blah blah blah. Not this year,mon ami.’
Jack laughs into his glass. ‘You’re on, pal.’
They move on to talking shop and I have a feeling I’m not going to learn anything new about Tom tonight. No matter, I have everything I need for the introduction. Just one more sleep to go.
Chapter 6
JULES
‘I’m here at the Martinelli Season Launch Party,’ I say to my iPhone, continuing the ‘Come to Australia with Me’ vlog I started at Heathrow. ‘I was kindly invited by Patrón who are sponsoring the event.
‘For all of you who are, like me, F1 newbies: Martinelli is an Italian Formula 1 constructor. I’m currently in the Albert Park paddock, which is a bit surreal. I’ve never been to a circuit before. It’sincredible. I’m so grateful to get these opportunities and bring you guys along.’
I’m not exaggerating. The way it looks on TV doesn’t do it justice. I’m on the grid, a sprawling stretch of tarmac surrounded by empty stands and hospitality units. I can’t imagine what it’ll be like tomorrow on race day. There’s a faint hum of excitement now and the only people here are scant influencers filming content like me.
My followers love when I do fashion content, so even though it makes me snooze, I gush over the outfits on display – the couture; the Australian designers; the custom designs themed to F1; the playful use of Martinelli’s signature navy blue.
I’m wearing Rachel Gilbert, a talented local designer who’s been a mainstay of my Pinterest boards for years. My gownis floor-length, dark green, and dripping in drama. I feel like a Bond girl. Honestly, playing dress-up’s the only reason this introvert can stomach evenings like this.
‘I’m giving you guys a behind-the-scenes look at the event, so let’s go!’ I round off and cut.
Nyla switches off the ring light as I shake out my arm.
‘How’s the battery?’ she asks.
‘All good. Let’s get some food before the drivers come in.’
Nyla packs up her bag and we head back into the party.
