Chaos on the F1 Grid

As Eleanore walked back to her own apartment after the twitch stream she felt exhausted – physically and emotionally. The sim racing had been the most enjoyable bit, but she had been annoyed at Landos back seat driving – especially as she knew what she was doing. By the time she got back into her apartment she couldn't be bothered to cook and ordered some takeout, and was just about to sit down to enjoy it when she received a text from Arthur.

Arthur: ummmm so, you are going to see some pictures of Alonso, Ricciardo, and Raikkonen's bare bums... because they just mooned a boat full of paparazzi... sorry.

OH, COME ON!!!! They had to be kidding... MOONING? What are they 12?

She quickly typed a response, then edited it, as it wasn't Arthurs fault.

Eleanore: can you boys not behave for one damn day?!

Her phone started ringing with tabloids and gossip websites asking for a comment. She ignored them all, she wasn't in the mindset to deal with that right now. Instead, she texted Mia and Pietra to ask if they fancied going for lunch in two days, both responded immediately with a yes, and they made the arrangements. Eleanore felt certain that Mia and Pietra would get along, and was excited to spend time with the both of them. She wished the lunch could be the following day, but she already had a meeting planned with Christian about his affair. They would be meeting at the office of a friend of hers, who was allowing them to use one of the meeting rooms. It was safer than him going to her apartment, or meeting in public. This way they could speak in private. She had to tell him that from a PR perspective the best option was to end the marriage, or speak with Geri and get on the same page about one hell of a lie. If Geri could forgive the affair, then it was survivable. The press side of things would be a simple: this is a private family matter. She would have Christian do a sincere 'mea culpa, I am a flawed man...' bit. The one that people seemed to eat up and forgive all manner of sins over. She hoped that she was right about Alicia not being pregnant, because if there isn't a love child, this is slightly better – and less expensive for the Redbull Team Principal. Not that that should be an issue Eleanore thinks about, but she couldn't help her mind going there.

On her way to the office building the next morning, she stopped at a café to grab a latte, she would need all the strength she could muster for today. As she left the café she noticed to younger girls starting at her, before they plucked up the courage to speak to her.

Girl 1: Hi, you are that F1 PR person right?

Eleanore: ummm yes, that's me. Nice to meet you.

She didn't feel comfortable in this situation and felt an unease.

Girl 2: I have something to show you then... I think you are going to love it. we were at a club last night – actually we are only just heading home now.

That explained the outfits.

Girl 2: and I have a picture of this one kissing Charles Leclerc!!!

Eleanore felt like she could vomit there and then. Charles a CHEAT? Charles betraying Mia... with this person?! Wow, he wasn't who she thought at all. She decided she had to protect Mia at all costs, so she pretended to be interested in what the girl had on her phone.

Eleanore: oh my god, no way?

Girl 2: yep.

Eleanore: can I see? I haven't seen it on any of the gossip sites, and between us, I live on those things.

The idiot girl handed her phone over, and Eleanore continued the pretence of being interested, while asking stupid questions. Really she was trying to keep the girls distracted while she did the necessary.