Since I was young, I've been into cars. Posters of sports cars hung on the walls of my bedroom, and I always tried to spot expensive cars on the street. Fortunately, I was born into a family that can also afford these kinds of cars.
A distant great-grandfather was an industrialist at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. Since then, each heir has only grown the family fortune, and we have companies or investments in almost every sector. The fortune has now grown so large that the descendants wouldn't have to work for the next 200 years. But my family does not agree with that. Every heir must have studied and must work, preferably within the company, before you gain access to your trust on your 25th birthday.
I am Arthur, now 26 years old, and I have had access to my share of the family fortune for a year now. I studied economics and work at one of my father's holdings, namely the one that deals in exclusive real estate. And no, I don't mean the 2 million euro apartment, I mean the 25 million euro villa in Saint-Tropez. It all sounds arrogant, but that's how I'm used to it.
Contrary to what most people think, I have a close bond with my parents. Especially my father. A true role model for me. Not only do I work for him. I also race with him.
Together we have established a beautiful car collection. And these are cars that are driven, not parked in the garage as an investment. Together, we race a 1963 Ferrari 250 GT SWB during various classic rallies, but also in the Mille Miglia and on racetracks. Of course, a special version of father-son activities, but it is one and keeps us close together. It also ensures that we are in Ferrari's famous customer book and that we can afford almost anything.
So when the new Ferrari 12Cilindri was launched, my order was in the order books within 24 hours. Then I will drive to all our expensive villas on the Riviera instead of flying. Okay, the Ferrari isn't very environmentally friendly, but it's better than the private jet.
About two weeks ago, I received a call from Jacques, the owner of the Ferrari dealership, with an interesting proposal. To increase publicity, he wants someone to go to Italy to pick up a 12Cilindri and drive it to Belgium. Along the way, there should be stops at various places so the car can be seen and photographed.. Driving the new Ferrari as one of the first in the world sounded quite tempting. But Jacques' explanation wasn't finished yet. To help me with this, he asked an influencer to join and boost the attention even more. In any case, publicity and attention are not words my family likes to hear, let alone the word influencer. But I would only be the driver and not have to be in the photo. The proposal was too tempting to ignore.
That's why I'm standing in the departure hall of my local airport on a Friday morning, waiting for that influencer.
Of course, I immediately looked her up after the phone call with Jacques. Judging by her photos, I could easily understand why she has more than 200,000 followers. A handsome brunette with green-gray eyes, a slim, toned body, and a not inconsiderable bust. And then she had a nice tan from all her vacations, sorry, her 'business trips'. I had already resolved to set my prejudices aside and to give her the benefit of the doubt. I am indeed very fortunate with my background, but I do work as well.
So after about ten minutes of waiting, I see her coming. In real life, she looks even better. Especially now that she hasn't put on makeup for the camera. Truly a natural beauty, even in the white tank top and gray sweatpants she was wearing.
Just as I scan her, she scans me too. She looks me up and down. I'm just glad I put on a white shirt and dark pants, otherwise I would definitely feel like a beggar.
"Hello, I'm Arthur, your driver for the week. Pleased to meet you," I greet her with a smile.
"Hey, I'm Martha, but you probably already knew that," she replies quite confidently.
"Are you looking forward to it a bit?" Not everyone gets such an opportunity," I try to keep the conversation going as we head to the check-in counter.
"It's a great opportunity for me to do something new. Even though cars don't mean anything to me," replies Martha. A bit awkwardly, I say: "then I will try to teach you something. Cars are so much more than a means to get from A to B. And a Ferrari is the best example." Martha nods, but doesn't elaborate further. I'm going to have to learn not to talk too much about cars. That's not a great conversation starter for most people.
While we walk through the airport, I see that some girls recognize her, but I mainly see how boys and men stare at her. I can understand that, but at least do it a bit less obviously. Once at the gate, I ask her: "Don't you find it annoying that everyone is staring at you?"
"In the beginning, for sure, but I've gotten used to it by now," she says in a flat voice.
"Sounds pretty unpleasant anyway," I reply just to say something.
In the meantime, we've stepped onto the plane, of course in business class. Luckily we're sitting next to eachother. Because I am taller than she is, I have to make a huge effort not to constantly look at her cleavage.
With my black hair, blue eyes, and broad shoulders from all the racing with cars without power steering or brakes, I've never lacked attention from women, but this woman is truly the pinnacle. To avoid being caught staring or worse, with a flagpole in my pants, I quickly set up my laptop to do some work. Next to me, I see Martha editing some photos and videos on her smartphone to post on her social media.