Standing in the bathroom Stevie braids her hair loosely over her shoulder. It took her forever to decide what to wear. It was either a dress or what she chose in the end. A pair of black, skinny jeans and a red blouse, she also has her black jacket just in case it's a bit chilly.
At first she wasn't sure about the red blouse as she is not there for Ferrari, but Red Bull has red in the name and it's not as if they don't have any red in the car as well.
Besides she's not dressing to impress Christian as she is not planning on taking the job anyways.
The dress had a bit of a cleavage and with the sports bras she still has to wear that would have looked a bit weird.
Once her hair is done she checks her make up. She just put some color in her cheeks and a red lipstick to match her blouse.
With her thick, long eyelashes she doesn't need mascara which is a true blessing.
Sitting on the edge of the bed she slides her feet in her black Louboutin pumps. She bought them from her first paycheck at the restaurant after she became head chef. It was the only time she really spoiled herself, usually she isn't really that interested in expensive shoes or clothing, but a pair of Louboutins had always been on her wishlist.
They are simple, just black but with the signature red soles and she loves them. After this one treat for herself she was a lot more sensible with her money, she was the breadwinner while Mitch was out pursuing his 'career' in showbizz.
She hardly wears them, for working in a kitchen these shoes aren't exactly the best and why would she wear shoes like this at home with her kids.
But today feels like a perfect day to put them on, she doesn't want to seem out of place between all those rich and famous people in the paddock.
After putting her phone in her handbag she wipes some invisible dust off her jeans.
She's very nervous about meeting Christian and telling him she won't take the job.
She really wishes she could accept the job, but she just doesn't see how.
There's a knock on the door, her dad came to get her so they can walk to the circuit.
The butterflies are bouncing around in her stomach. Not only is she going to meet Red Bulls team principal, but today is the day she will see those race cars on the track in real life for the first time.
"Hi dad, what do you think? Can I meet Mr Horner like this?" She spreads her arms and makes a pirouette for her dad.
"You are beautiful as always. And what about me?"
Her dad makes a pirouette for her as well, showing her his Red Bull shirt and cap.
"You look like a part of the team. Shall we go?"
He holds his arm out for her and she puts hers through it.
"So have you seen Daniel or Sebastian again today?" He asks her.
"No of course not. I'm sure they are already in their garages getting ready for free practice." She heard Daniel leave about an hour and a half ago. For a split second she thought about walking into the hallway at that moment, but she quickly dismissed that idea. Why would she do that? And what excuse could she give him for appearing in the hall at the exact moment as he did.
Especially if she would go back in her room after that.
"I still can't believe you met both of them yesterday. You're so lucky."
Her dad was shocked when she told him about them helping her getting in her room.
They had a nice walk on the beach and had dinner in one of the restaurants that was on the bottom of the dunes.
The food was fine, she had a seafood platter and she did enjoy it. She's just likes to think about what she would have done with the meal to make it even better.
After dinner they headed back to the hotel room, she took a long warm bath and enjoyed the scent of the bubble bath. She chose a bottle from which the liquid inside smelled like almonds and it smelled amazing.
After that she had a quick FaceTime call with her mom and Cole. Zara was having her bottle, but Cole was talking about how they went to the petting zoo with grandma and auntie Carol. His favorite animals are sheep, so he had a blast there.
It was good to see them, but she soon felt how tired she really was. So while watching the press conference from that afternoon in bed, she eventually fell asleep and for the first time since having kids she was able to sleep through the night.
When she woke up the next morning she realized how nice it is to not wake up every couple of hours to feed or change a baby.
During breakfast they saw plenty of team members from different teams, but they were quite late to wake up so the drivers probably already had breakfast.
It's only a short walk to the entrance of the circuit. When they go to the gates to scan their cards it's insane to see how many fans have gathered in front of the entry road hoping they will see one of the drivers passing by.
Both of them are amazed by everything they see, they can hear cars going around the track already and when they check the time schedule they see it's the formule 2 series that are having their first practice now.
There are people in every team gear imaginable and everybody just walks side by side.
"It's so different than the soccer fans right? I mean they have to separate them in the stadiums, but here everybody seems so friendly and accepting fans from other teams."
She can just feel the friendly atmosphere that hangs in the air and she's already enjoying it even when she hasn't seen anything yet.
"Alright I think we have to go there, see those gates with the big security guys. I'm sure that's where the important people go." Her dad jokes.
This weekend he feels like he's a VIP as well and he kind of is.
They have to scan their passes again and they come up with a green tick which allows them to walk through.
Soon the are walking in between the pit boxes and other large buildings with the team logos on them.
"Oh my god dad! We are really here! Just look at it!" Stevie doesn't even know where to look first, everywhere there are team members walking around, there are people with microphones closely followed by cameramen. She sees men and women walking around with massive photo cameras.
"You realize this could be your work environment right?" Her dad asks.
"Dad please. It's not as if it wouldn't be amazing to work for the team, but I just don't see how I could pull it off with Cole and Zara. So just let it go."
She has thought about it more than once, but she still hasn't figured out a construction to be able to accept the job and be there for her kids.
"What time did you have to meet with Christian?" Her dad asks as they walk past all the hospitality buildings.
"After first practice. Shall we find their hospitality so we can get a cup of coffee? I could use a strong one."
It's pretty easy to find the building but they both hesitate to go inside. They feel a bit out of place, unsure if they can just walk in.
Then a friendly looking, blonde woman dressed in Red Bull gear walks passed them and goes inside.
She holds the door open and turns to Stevie and Peter.
"Are you coming in?" She asks smiling.
"Can we just walk in?" Peter hesitates.
"According to those passes you have around your neck you can. I'm Britta and I'm guessing this is your first time here?"
She holds out her hand to introduce herself.
"I'm Stephanie and yes it's our first visit. Is it that obvious?"
They shake hands and Britta laughs.
"Only a little bit. Come on in, we won't bite."
Britta and Peter also shake hands and then they follow her inside.
Britta glances to the young woman walking besides her. Black hair and light blue eyes, was this the woman Daniel was gushing over? She understands his instant attraction to her, she truly is beautiful. But she also has this air of vulnerability over her.
Daniel really should leave her alone, this is not the type of girl he can add to his list of one night stands.
Somehow Britta feels a protectiveness over her even though she doesn't even know her.
"Were you invited by somebody? You have the VIP passes, but you two don't really act as if you are used to having VIP access. Forgive my nosiness. I've been in this crazy world for so long that I know the regulars by now and I also recognize people who are used to this world and the ones who are not."
"My daughter was invited by Christian Horner. He wants to meet her and offer her a job." Peter explains proudly.
"Really? Which job?" She didn't hear of any vacancies except the one for the chef's position, but there's no way this young woman is qualified for that job.
She can't be older than 24 or 25.
"I'm a chef actually." Stephanie says and Britta widens her eyes.
"But you are so young? How much experience do you have?"
"I was head chef in a restaurant near us for a couple of years. I know I'm young, but it's my passion and I managed to work my way up very fast. Due to some circumstances that job ended for me and Christian heard that so he invited me to discuss the vacancy here."
Britta slowly nods impressed by what she just heard. She also realizes if this woman comes to work here Daniel would be over the moon. So would Seb, she could tell he was impressed as well, but he wasn't as outspoken as Daniel.
"Have you been to the garage yet? I'm sure Christian would love to know you are here."
They order a cup of coffee from one of the girls behind the counter.
"No we just arrived in the paddock a short while ago. I wasn't really sure if we could just go there. It's all so surreal being here and I don't want to get in anybody's way."
"No worries. How about I show you the way and introduce you to Christian. I'm Sebs media officer and I've been around quite a while. He's getting ready and he doesn't need me for that, so I can show you around." Britta might as well help them out.
She understands it can all be a bit overwhelming to be here for the first time.
"Really? You would do that? You really don't have to, I'm sure you have a very busy job. So you work with Sebastian Vettel?" Stephanie feels a bit stupid that she didn't know that, but she is still new in this so she barely knows all the drivers let alone their media officers.
"When Seb is driving I have some time. Don't worry about it. Let's go find Christian. Do you want to watch Free Practice from the garage?"
"Can we? Wauw this weekend just gets better and better." Her father quickly grabs a cookie from a plate on the counter and then they follow Britta outside.
She takes them to the front of the pit boxes where they see the mechanics working to get the cars ready for the first practice session.
"Oh my god look! The cars!" Her dad almost passes out when he sees them.
"Don't forget to breathe dad." Stevie laughs when she sees him stare at the cars.
"Come on in. Christian is right there in the back."
They follow Britta and suddenly a voice shouts out "Peter!"
A tall, dark man with braided hair calls to Peter.
"Calum, thank you for this! It's because you mentioned Stephanie to Christian we are now here having the best time."
Both men slap each other on the shoulder as they greet each other.
"You're welcome. Come back later and I'll show you guys the car. Stephanie, I hope we will soon get to taste your amazing food. I have to get going but I'll see you later."
"So that was Calum? I'm not sure if I should thank him or be mad at him."
Surely it's thanks to him they are where they are now, but it's also thank to him that she will have to say no to this amazing job opportunity.
They walk past the colorful Red Bull car with number 5 on it. Sebastian's car. He's not in it yet, they still have some time before the first practice starts, but he will get in there soon and hopefully he and Daniel can have another amazing weekend.
"Christian! I have somebody here you are dying to meet." Britta says pulling Stevie's attention away from the car.
"And who might that be Britta?"
Stevie's sees Christian come out from behind some computer screens. He's a lot shorter than she expected, but it's definitely him.
"Christian, this is Stephanie... I'm sorry I didn't catch your last name."
"Stephanie Dawson! Wow I expected somebody a bit older. But it doesn't matter. I'm really pleased that you decided to come." Christian jumps off his stool and wraps his arms around Stevie which takes her by surprise.
He is super friendly and seems very enthusiastic about the fact that she is here which will make it even harder to let him down.
"Thanks for inviting us here. It's been amazing so far and we haven't even seen any action yet. I just don't want to waste your time. I really don't think I....."
Christian raises his hand to interrupt her.
"Please don't say no just yet. I get that this job would be a lot, you won't be home much, but please let me tell you what I'm offering you before you turn it down. I don't have time for that now, but I would really want to have that meeting with you after this practice session."
There goes her attempt to let him know she's not taking the job. Oh well it's guess it's probably not such a big deal to hear him out.
"Britta could you arrange some headphones for them so they can hear everything?"
Britta leads them to a part of the garage where more VIP guests have already gathered. Stevie doesn't really recognize any of them, some smile friendly while others look straight through her.
Just when they both get their headphones, Seb comes out from the back of the garage.
Stevie's heart begins to race, Sebastian looks amazing. He's wearing his racing suit, but the top is down and tied around his waist. His dark blue fireproofs are like a second skin and they show his abs and pecks.
He grabs a pair of ear pieces from a shelve and another man standing next to him is wearing his helmet and balaclava.
Seb blows on the ear pieces to get them warmed up and turns around while he's putting them in.
He waves at the people in the back of the garage and then he sees her.
It's the girl from the hotel, in his garage. She looks even more beautiful than yesterday. Her long, black hair is loosely braided and hanging over her shoulder.
Her skinny jeans show off her perfect curves and the red top combines with the red lipstick makes his body respond.
Unable to restrain himself he walks over to her, she didn't expect that and her beautiful blue eyes widen when he's in front of her.
"Hello Daniel's neighbor." He smiles.
"Hello Sebastian Vettel."
Daniel was right, her voice is soft and sweet with a cute British accent.
"So you are a guest of us then?" He asks ignoring his trainer Antti who wants to hand him his helmet.
"I am. Invited by Mr Horner." She grins
"I think somebody wants you to get ready." She nods her head towards his trainer.
"Yeah he can wait. So are you here by yourself?" Maybe he can take her out for dinner. Although he knows Daniel was smitten by her, he can't blame him for shooting his shot.
"No I'm not. My dad is here with me." She touches the arm of a giant of a man standing next to her. Even though the man looks like a grizzly bear, he has a bit of a starstruck expression on his face which gives him an innocent appearance.
"Hello sir, it's nice to meet you, I'm Sebastian." He holds out his hand.
"I know, I'm Peter Dawson. It's amazing to meet you. I heard you already met my daughter Stephanie when she couldn't get into her room. Thanks for helping her with that."
They shake hands while Sebastian repeats her name in his head.
Stephanie, so that's her name. It suits her though. He would have never guessed, but it's a beautiful name for a beautiful girl.
"Nice to officially meet you Stephanie. I should get going, but I hope to talk to you again later. Enjoy your day." He winks at her and he sees her cheeks turn a bit red as she blushes.
"I'm sure you are very busy. Good luck out there." Stevie feels all those eyes of the other people here burning on her back and she doesn't really like being the center of attention.
Sure it's nice of Sebastian to come over for a chat, but now everybody is looking at her as if she and Seb are a thing which they definitely aren't.
She can hear the whispers behind her even though she doesn't know what they are saying exactly. There's too much noise in the garage especially when they start they car and Seb gets ready to head to the track for his first part of the practice run.
"I hope you realize he was flirting with you darling." Her dad softly nudges her with her elbow.
"Stop it dad. He wasn't and even if he was, I'm not interested."
"Well I wouldn't mind having Sebastian Vettel as a son in law."
"Forget it. I don't need or want a man in my life, not even if his name is Sebastian Vettel."
Or Daniel Ricciardo, she thinks. If only Mitch wouldn't have destroyed her trust like he did, then maybe she would be open to finding love again. But he has and she doesn't see herself ever trusting a man with her heart again.
~~~~~~~~
"Stephanie, Christian can see you now." Britta comes to hospitality where Stevie and her dad just finished lunch. It was amazing to watch free practice from the garage and now they have to wait for the second one.
But first her meeting with Christian.
"Well I guess I might as well let him down right away." She sighs as she gets up.
"Sweetheart, please hear him out. Don't decide right now. Just hear what he has to offer and sleep on it before making your final decision." Her dad pleads.
"I don't see the point, but if that makes you happy then fine. I'll hear him out, tell him I need to think about it and I'll give him the bad news tomorrow."
She leaves her father who is going to get some gifts for Cole and maybe for Zara if they have any baby stuff while Stevie talks to Christian.
Next to the hospitality building is another, smaller building where they have some offices.
Britta knocks on a door and they hear Christian tell them to come in.
"Thanks Britta, Stephanie take a seat."
Britta leaves and closes the door behind her.
"Do you want coffee or tea?" Christian asks her.
"No I'm good. I just had lunch." She looks around the room. It's small and obviously it's build to be taken apart quickly so they can move it to the next race location.
"Very well. I know you wanted to tell me no this morning, but I'm glad you are willing to hear me out first." He says before taking a sip from his tea.
"Yeah well, of course the job sounds amazing. It's a dream really. But there's just something that makes it impossible for me to say yes right away."
"And that is?"
"I have two young kids. My son is two years old and I have a three month old baby girl." Stephanie explains with pride in her voice.
"I know. Calum heard that from his father, I think that's a colleague of your father right?"
She nods. He already knew about her kids and still he wants to hire her. She did not see that coming.
"I understand you don't want to be away from them so much. It doesn't have to be an issue though. Would you consider the job if you can take them with you?" He asks her.
"Maybe, I don't know how they would handle all the traveling, but I can't watch them while I'm in the kitchen working with knives and hot pots and pans."
Christian gets up from his chair and sits down on the corner of his desk, closer to Stevie.
"No of course not. But I have a solution for that."
Stevie looks at him raising one eyebrow.
"A nanny."
Stevie wants to protest. She's not having somebody else raising her kids while she is working all the time.
"No wait. You seem like a devoted mother and that's amazing. Of course she wouldn't be raising your kids for you.
You would work from Thursday to Sunday and I would like you to work with Antti and Michael to make sure Daniel and Sebastian maintain a proper diet. You won't have to do it alone. We have some amazing people working in the kitchen, but we need a proper chef.
You would work out the menu and then the preparations would be done by the others.
Once the dinners have to be served we will need you in the kitchen again.
So you wouldn't be working the entire day and for the hours that you are working we have an amazing nanny for you to help you with your kids."
It sounds like he has thought about everything to make sure she would be able to accept the job. But still, a nanny to help her out? She's not really sure how to feel about that. Of course now her parents watched the kids when she was working. How different would it be if it was a nanny?
"But how do you know it's a reliable nanny? I don't want to leave my kids with a stranger." Is she really considering this option?
"We already have one. She was a nanny for our kids this last year. She was supposed to only stay for the year and our kids are now old enough to go without a nanny. Besides, my wife is home most of the times. But she is an amazing girl, 22 years old from Slovenia. My kids adore her and she has her teaching degree."
So it wouldn't be a stranger, or at least not for Christian.
"Doesn't she want to go back home to Slovenia then?"
"No she would have loved to stay to look after our kids, but this would be even better for her, she can travel with us and make sure your children are well taken care of when you are working."
Stevie takes a moment to let it all sink in. Does this change anything? She doesn't know the girl, but Christian seems pretty fond of her. He wouldn't suggest anybody he didn't know or trust that she is sure about.
She really doesn't know how to feel about all of this, so now she wouldn't even have to lie when she says she will need to sleep on it.
"I don't know Mr Horner. I've only ever left my kids with my parents. I understand you know and like the girl, but I don't know who she is. Your kids aren't babies. My Zara is only three months old. Does she have experience with infants as well?"
A baby is a lot different than children who are already going to school. How is a 22 year old able to look after her very energetic son and her baby at the same time. Even for her it's a struggle sometimes.
"I guarantee you she will be up for the task. I have a suggestion and I hope you will consider it. What if you come to Monza next weekend, bring the kids and we will have Tina fly over as well? Then the two of you can get to know each other. She can meet your children and then you can decide whether you feel comfortable with her taking care of your kids."
She was so sure that she would turn the job down because she couldn't leave her kids so much, but now he gives her an option that sounds pretty good and which makes her determination about saying no to the job, wobble.
"I will have to think about it. I really appreciate the offer and you clearly thought it through. Now I have to do the same. So I hope you don't mind that I can't give you an answer right away."
"Not at all, this isn't a decision to take lightly. Sleep on it. Talk about it with people you trust and open this when you are back in the hotel."
He hands her a small, folded piece of paper.
"What's this?" She asks curiously.
"That's what we would pay you." He says and she looks at the little, white paper in her hand.
"I see. Alright I will give you an answer tomorrow."
She gets up from the chair, her head spinning with everything she will have to think about. Luckily her father is here so she can discuss it with him as well.
"That's perfect. I hope you will enjoy the rest of the day and I really hope you will at least decide to come to Monza next weekend to have a bit of a test run." Christian also gets up and shakes her hand.
She leaves the office, totally lost in her own thoughts.
She doesn't notice her surroundings and that's why she doesn't notice the handsome, Australian man with his brown curly hair and beautiful brown eyes.
Eyes that do notice her. As soon as he spots her, his heart skips a beat.
There she is, the woman who appeared in his dream last night. The woman he can't seem to get out of his head.
Who is she?