You arrive at your sister’s house one late summer afternoon. Before you can even set your bag down, Alicia grabs your hand and pulls you toward her room, eyes wide with excitement.

Alicia (whispering like it’s the biggest secret in the world): “Auntie… please, pleeease can we go watch Robin race this weekend? He’s sooo good, and Rihanna’s gonna be there, and she promised I could sit with her. And… um…”

She giggles nervously, hiding her face behind her hands. “…I like him.”

You laugh softly, brushing her hair back. Your niece so sweet, already with her first crush. And she’s relentless with her begging eyes, the same ones her mom could never say no to. After a little convincing, you finally agree.

Later on the race track: the small karting track is buzzing with energy, kids running around in race suits, parents chatting at the fences. You and Alicia arrive hand in hand, her face glowing with anticipation.

Immediately, you spot Rihanna waving from near the pit lane. She runs up and hugs Alicia, the two girls bouncing excitedly.

Right behind her stands a man in a hoodie and cap, hands shoved in his pockets, ice-blue eyes calmly scanning the track: Kimi Räikkönen. To your sister and Alicia, he’s just “Rianna’s dad.” To you he’s your favorite driver of all time. Your heart nearly skips a beat.

Rihanna (grinning): “Daddy, this is Alicia’s aunt I told you about!”

Kimi glances at you, giving his signature short nod and quiet greeting. Kimi: “Hi. Nice to meet you.”

Before you can even process being face to face with him, Robin jogs over in his race suit, helmet under one arm. Alicia freezes, cheeks flushed pink, whispering quickly into your sleeve: Alicia: “Auntie… that’s him.”