Page 104

“I’m also driving for one other person,” Mason says quietly.

“Ruby?” I ask, thinking of how much he loves his little sister.

He shakes his head. “No. I’m driving for you, Catherine. I’m driving for you.”

Chapter Thirty-Three

I wait in the lobby of the Collings Motors headquarters on Wednesday, staring out of the large windows. It’s a gloomy autumn day in Surrey, with grey skies and rain splattering against the glass, but it doesn’t bother me in the slightest.

Because today is going to be incredible.

The week has been interesting so far. As I predicted, my ruched Collings Motors shirt continues to go viral on social media, racking up views and product requests across all major platforms.

Pictures of me in that shirt also went viral because I was revealed as Mason Clark’s girlfriend, of course. The tabloid press had a field day with that, and yes, flashback pictures were used of Mum and Lars, with crappy headlines like, “All in the Family: Racing Heiress Claims Fit F1 Driver!” and “Like Mother, Like Daughter?” It’s stupid, but I see it for what it is—stupid headlines that are going to eventually die down. I’ve seen some nasty comments about me, and yeah, it’s weird, and it stings. But those people don’t know me. I always remember that.

If only Mum could see it that way, too. She, of course, is furious at me for going public with Mason, and I received an angry, hysterical text when I got home from Baku. That it’s just as she predicted: everyone is bringing up the affair, and she has to relive this nightmare she has tried so hard to put behind her. I told her I was truly sorry about that, and I hate that she’s hurting. Because I do feel awful that she’s in pain. That’s nothing I’d ever want for Mum, and I reassured her of that.

I also told her I’m in love with Mason, and he’s in love with me. I’m not going to live my life in secret or in shadows, and it’s not fair to ask me to do that. I acknowledged her feelings and said I understood the pain, but I also suggested she get therapy to help her navigate this because no matter what she thinks, I do love her and I want her to be happy. I don’t want her to struggle.

I haven’t heard from her since. Caleb told me she just needs to get through the next few weeks, and when she sees the media has moved on, she will, too.

I exhale. I hope Caleb is right. But at least Dad is with her, and I know he’ll guide her to get some therapy, too.

Thank God my brother doesn’t mind running interference for me.

Speaking of Caleb, I flew in early this morning from Nice with my brother, Isla, and Mason. Mason and Caleb are in their pre-sim engineering meetings now before getting on the simulators. Isla is working in White City today, at the network, but she will meet us back here at the end of the day so we can fly home together.

And whilst they are all doing their jobs, I’m embarking on my new one. I have a meeting today with merchandising and marketing to discuss the very idea they didn’t think was worth their time. But I’m doing more than presenting a rushed T-shirt and report numbers. I’m here to discuss CM by Catherine.

With my grandfather spearheading the meeting.

When I showed Grandfather the capsule collection on Monday during a video call after I was able to pick it up from the embroiderer, he loved it. LOVED IT. Then he had his assistant call the offices in Surrey and request a meeting on Wednesday that he would specifically travel in from Zurich for.

A smile plays on my lips. Requested might not be the right word for this meeting. Ordered is more like it.

I’m waiting for him to arrive any minute now. I’ve already gone ahead and set up a rolling rack of clothing in the conference room to show the staffers attending the meeting, including my now-famous ruched shirt. I take a sip of my Earl Grey latte and try to fight my nerves. Yes, I know I’m getting my line, and yes, I’ve proven its viability with a viral social media post. I am going to show them how I’m positioning myself as a fashion influencer in the F1 space and the relationships I’m able to bring to the table because of my name.

But the anxious feeling still kicks up in my stomach. I know what they really think of me. I know they are not going to like Grandfather’s involvement, but I also know why he demanded this meeting. He’s making it clear he believes in me and is taking this line seriously.

And so should they.

I talked to Mason a lot about it last night. He said I need to use the opportunities I have at hand, and if that’s in the form of Elliot Collings, so be it. He told me I could be noble and fight alone, but the truth is, I need my grandfather’s help to be seen at first.

So I should use it.

Once the line takes off? Then they’ll see Catherine. But if Grandfather is willing to get involved on my behalf, I need to take every advantage I have to launch CM by Catherine in a way that will set it up for long-term success.

I smile. I love Mason so much. Despite his own major issues with his parents, and his frustration over waiting for data analysis to come back and vindicate what happened at Baku, he sat down and listened to me. Talked me through my concerns. And once again made me feel as if I could do anything if given a chance.

I see a luxury Collings Motors SUV with blacked-out windows pull up to the front of the building. The driver quickly gets out of the car and opens the back door, and Celine, Grandfather’s assistant, exits the vehicle.

I rise as I watch him walk through the building, dressed in grey trousers and a white dress shirt. Grandfather is a total silver fox, still lean and fit, with thick grey hair. He greets everyone at the reception desk as he enters the building, the famous Collings blue eyes shining warmly. Then he fixes his gaze on me.

And the biggest smile appears on his face.

“Catherine,” he says, walking over and embracing me in a huge hug. I hug him back, inhaling the familiar scent of his cologne, and step back from him. He puts his hands on my shoulders and stares down at me. “I am so proud of you.”

“That means everything to me. Thank you.”