Well, they thought wrong.
“I’m a direct person,” I say. “If you insist on watching Caleb’s interview, I can tell you right now he’s going to turn around and walk out. And I will walk out alongside him. There’s a reason he hasn’t agreed to a sit-down interview with any reporter. He doesn’t trust the media. But he does trustme.I’ve promised him a light-hearted interview, a way for the audience to get to see a different side of him. If Caleb doesn’t walk out at seeing you all gathered around, I can practically guarantee you it will be a shitty interview if he stays.”
“You have some balls to make demands like this,” Craig says, his expression neutral. “You’re young. I believe prior to the Miami Grand Prix, you were coveringpickleballfor Total Access Total Sports.”
He’s testing me. Reminding me of where I am on the totem pole.
Which would be the bottom.
Well, I might be on the bottom, but I have the one thing Craig can’t get without my help.
Caleb Collings.
“Yes, I was covering pickleball,” I respond. “And prior to that, high school sports. I’m proud of the work I’ve done for Total Access Total Sports, but also for The Downforce Network at the Miami Grand Prix, where I secured your first feature with Caleb Collings. The Vipera team has welcomed me back to shoot more features. I know I can get Mason Clark for an interview, and I’m pretty sure I can get Xavier Williams, too. If you want to label me difficult for trying to get you the best interviews possible, I’m fine with that. Because if you don’t want a closed set, I’ll just put my interview with Caleb up on my YouTube channel and post segments on TikTok and Connectivity. I’ll leave that decision to your discretion, Craig. So what would you like me to do?”
Craig stares at me. He is still taken aback, but I see something else in his eyes.
Respect.
“You’re rather fearless, aren’t you?” he finally says.
“I wouldn’t say fearless. I just know the reputation I want to build. I want to be known as a reporter who is true to her word. I will stand up for my journalistic integrity, even if that means losing an assignment. Or my shot with a network. My dream is to work for your network. But it won’t be at the expense of my word. Word travels fast in a paddock, Craig. And I won’t have my reputation ruined because I went back on it.”
He continues to study me, and the villa remains eerily quiet.
“I’ve never had a conversation like this with a young reporter,” Craig finally says, folding his arms across his chest. “You’re impressive.”
“Thank you.”
“And if you need a closed set, you’ll have it.”
I can’t contain the smile from spreading across my face. “Thank you. I promise you, it’s for the best.”
“I expect this to be good, Isla.”
“As long as your expectations are for a fun, relaxed interview with one of the most mysterious personalities in Formula 1, you will get a good interview.”
Craig appears to be appraising me again. “You not only have balls, you’re confident,” he says. Then he smiles at me. “I like that.”
I thank him again, and then I excuse myself to go over to Melody and Derna. “Can we check out the logistics for an outdoor interview?” I ask. “It’s beautiful outside, and if there’s enough light in the garden, I’d love to talk to Caleb there.”
Derna nods. “There’s a gorgeous garden. If that’s what you want, I can set up there.”
“Yes, thank you,” I say. “I appreciate your extra effort on this.”
Then I go upstairs to get my hair and makeup done. As I sit in the chair, I glance down at my iPad, reviewing the questions I plan to ask Caleb this afternoon.
“I can’t get over this,” I say to Michele, watching as she clamps down on a lock of my hair with a flat iron. “I’ve always had to do my hair and makeup myself.”
“Oh, you’re getting the A-team treatment today,” she says with a smile. “Do you want me to cover up your freckles?”
I blink. “No. Why?”
“Oh no, I think they’re beautiful, but sometimes talent want them covered up.”
I stare back at my reflection, studying the smattering of freckles across my nose and cheeks. My mom raised me to be proud of them. Taught me that I was given something unique and special, just like my red hair, too.
“I would like them to be visible, please,” I say. “It goes with the theme of being true to myself.”