30. The GUTS Finale

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA. OCTOBER 2025.

As the final leg of the tour approached, Jake's excitement grew. He was eager to get back behind the wheel, but he was also grateful for the time he had spent with Olivia. It had given him a new perspective on life and his career. He realised that while racing was his passion, it wasn't the only thing that defined him. His relationships and personal growth were just as important.

The afternoon before Olivia's final concert, Jake was on his phone and his attention was drawn towards articles written about his two friends Jaxon and Sophie about their success. Upon seeing them, Jake immediately clicked out of interest, first reading Sophie's.

Sophie Phoenix: Hollywood's A-List Sensation

Hollywood is no stranger to overnight success stories, but every so often, an actress emerges whose talent and charisma captivate audiences and critics alike. Sophie Phoenix is one such star. From her breakout role as Cassie Howard in Euphoria to her upcoming role in the highly anticipated Barbie movie, Sophie Phoenix has firmly established herself as one of Hollywood's brightest talents.

London-born Phoenix holds a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Juilliard School, having completed her education alongside her commitments as an actress. Her path to stardom truly began with her role as Cassie Howard in the first season of HBO's Euphoria, which premiered in 2023. Her portrayal of Cassie, a complex and emotionally charged character grappling with the tumultuous reality of teenage life, earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

"Playing Cassie was an incredibly transformative experience for me," Sophie said in an interview. "It was my first major role, and it taught me so much about the craft and about myself."

Following her success in Euphoria, Sophie took on the role of Harper Moore in the romantic comedy Set It Up, released in 2024. Her chemistry with co-star Glen Powell was palpable, and the film quickly became a fan favourite.

"Harper was such a joy to play," Sophie reflected, "she's witty, determined, and has such a big heart. It was a great contrast to Cassie and showed a different side of my abilities."

In early 2025, Sophie took on the role of Lucy Gray Baird in the highly anticipated The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Her performance as the enigmatic and rebellious protagonist captivated audiences and critics alike.

"Lucy Gray is a survivor, a fighter, and a performer," Sophie explained, "she's complex and multifaceted, and playing her was an incredible challenge that I was eager to take on."

Sophie's talents aren't confined to live-action roles. She lent her voice to Gwen Stacy in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, released in mid-2025.

Later in 2025, Sophie joined the star-studded cast of Dune: Part Two as Princess Irulan. The epic sci-fi saga, directed by Denis Villeneuve, offered Sophie another opportunity to showcase her talent in a complex and visually stunning narrative. Her portrayal of Irulan, a key figure in the intricate political landscape of Dune, added another layer to her impressive filmography.

"Working on Dune was an incredible experience," Sophie shared, "the scale of the production, the depth of the story, and the richness of the character were all so exhilarating to be a part of."

As if her resume wasn't impressive enough, Sophie is set to play one of the Barbies in the upcoming Barbie movie, slated for release in 2026. The film, directed by Greta Gerwig, promises to be a fresh and exciting take on the iconic doll, and Sophie's involvement has already generated significant buzz.

"I can't reveal too much, but playing a Barbie is going to be so much fun," Sophie teased, "it's going to be a vibrant, empowering film, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it."

Sophie Phoenix's rise to stardom is a testament to her talent, dedication, and versatility. With each role, she continues to captivate audiences and prove that she is one of Hollywood's most promising stars. Her journey from New York to London, and from Euphoria to her upcoming role in Barbie, is just the beginning.

As Sophie looks to the future, she remains committed to taking on challenging and diverse roles that push her boundaries. Her passion for storytelling and her ability to bring characters to life with authenticity and depth ensure that she will remain a fixture in Hollywood for years to come.

For now, fans eagerly await her next performance, knowing that whatever role Sophie Phoenix takes on, she will undoubtedly shine.

Jaxon Kenner: The NFL's Next Great Quarterback

In the high-stakes world of professional football, few stories capture the imagination quite like that of Jaxon Kenner. From his collegiate success at the University of Michigan to his transformative impact on the Los Angeles Chargers, Kenner's journey is one of talent, determination, and undeniable star power. Drafted as the number one pick in 2023, Jaxon Kenner is not just a player; he is the future of the NFL.

Jaxon Kenner's path to the NFL began at the University of Michigan, where he attended on a football scholarship. As a star quarterback, Kenner quickly made a name for himself with his exceptional skills, leadership, and football IQ. His outstanding performance on the field earned him the title of Offensive Player of the Year, cementing his status as one of the most promising talents in college football.

"Playing at Michigan was an incredible experience," Jaxon recalled in an interview with us, "the support from the fans, the relationships with my teammates, and the guidance from the coaching staff all played a huge role in shaping me as a player and a person."

In 2023, Jaxon Kenner was drafted as the number one pick by the Los Angeles Chargers, a franchise eager to rebuild and reclaim its place among the NFL elite. The selection of Kenner was a clear signal of the Chargers' intent to invest in a bright future, and he did not disappoint. From his very first game, Kenner demonstrated the poise, skill, and leadership that had made him a standout in college.

Since joining the Chargers, Jaxon Kenner has been instrumental in turning around the team's fortunes. His presence on the field has led to a noticeable change in results, with the Chargers emerging as serious contenders for future Super Bowl titles. Kenner's ability to read the game, make decisive plays, and inspire his teammates has been pivotal in this transformation.

"Jaxon's impact on the team has been incredible," said Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, "his talent is obvious, but it's his work ethic and leadership that set him apart. He's the kind of player who makes everyone around him better."

With Jaxon Kenner at the helm, the Chargers are not just looking to compete; they are aiming for Super Bowl glory. His performances have ignited hope and excitement among Chargers fans, who see in Kenner the promise of a bright and successful future. The team's trajectory under his leadership suggests that the Chargers could soon be lifting the Lombardi Trophy.

"We have big aspirations," Jaxon stated, "the goal is to win Super Bowls, and I believe we have the team and the drive to make that happen."

Off the field, Jaxon Kenner is known for his humility, dedication, and commitment to giving back to the community. Despite his rising stardom, he remains grounded and focused on the values that have guided him throughout his career.

"I've been blessed with a lot of opportunities, and it's important to me to use my platform to make a positive impact," Jaxon said, "whether it's through community service or mentorship, I want to give back and support others."

Kenner's journey is still unfolding, but his impact on the NFL and the Los Angeles Chargers is already profound. As he continues to develop and refine his game, the future looks incredibly bright for both Kenner and his team. Fans and analysts alike are excited to see what lies ahead for this exceptional quarterback.

"Jaxon is the future of the NFL," commented sports analyst Brian Baldinger, "he has all the tools to be one of the greats, and he's just getting started."

As Jaxon Kenner leads the Chargers into a new era, one thing is clear: the best is yet to come.

Jake smiled as he read the articles, he was filled with pride reading about his friends' accomplishments. They deserved every bit of their success and Jake knew first hand how hard both of them had worked to get to where they were at today.

"Do you want to come to the soundcheck?" Olivia asked as she walked out the hotel bathroom.

Jacob looked up from his phone and smiled, admiring his girlfriend. She was just finishing up with getting ready. "I'd love to babe."

It didn't take long for Jacob to get ready, he was already dressed and he never did anything with his hair - how it woke up looking was how it was going to be (with the exception of extremely bad hair days where Jacob would resort to a hairbrush).

They made their way towards the Quodos Bank Arena - the final venue for Olivia's tour in Sydney. Jake took Olivia's hand in the car and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

Olivia turned to him. "A mixture of things, I'm sad it's all coming to an end but I have been desperately craving a holiday."

"That's what two sold-out tours does to you." Jacob commented and Olivia gave him a playful roll of her eyes.

"I know," Olivia replied, "I'm glad I did it though."

Jacob hummed in agreement. His first priority was always Olivia's wellbeing but he understood her aspirations to solidify her status in the industry and this tour did exactly what she planned.

They arrived shortly and as they exited their vehicle they saw all the dedicated fans that knew where Olivia's car normally stopped for her soundcheck waiting to catch a glimpse of their idol.

As Olivia and Jacob approached, the fans erupted in cheers, their faces lighting up with joy and anticipation. Olivia beamed, her hand squeezing Jacob's as they walked toward the enthusiastic crowd.

"Hi, everyone!" Olivia called out, her voice full of warmth and excitement. She moved forward to greet the fans, her genuine smile making each person feel seen and appreciated. Jacob, feeling a bit out of place, initially stepped back, letting Olivia bask in the adoration of her fans.

But Olivia wasn't about to let Jacob fade into the background. She turned back, extending her hand to him and pulling him closer to her side. "This is Jake, everyone," she introduced him, her eyes shining with adoration, "I'm sure you guys know him already."

The fans, clearly familiar with Jake's story, responded with equal enthusiasm. "We love you, Jake!" one of them shouted, prompting a chorus of agreement from the crowd.

Olivia and Jacob spent the next few minutes taking pictures, signing autographs, and chatting with the fans. They made sure to engage with each person, asking questions and showing genuine interest in their lives. Jake, who was used to the fast-paced and often impersonal world of Formula One, found himself enjoying the heartfelt interactions.

Even in the paddock where he would interact with fans he would try to make it as personal as possible but due to the sheer amount of commitments and people he often found his interactions with fans fleeting.

One fan, a young girl, asked Olivia. "What's been your favourite part of the tour?"

"Oh wow," Olivia gasped, "I honestly don't think I could decide! I've loved every second of it!"

Another fan, a boy wearing Liv's merch, turned to Jacob. "What's it like touring with Olivia?" he asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

Jake smiled, appreciating the question. "It's been pretty crazy. Watching Olivia perform and seeing how much her music means to you all has been really inspiring. She's super talented and I love seeing her in her element."

The fans continued to ask questions, their excitement and admiration evident. Olivia and Jake shared stories, laughed with the crowd, and made sure to make each person feel important. It was the most they could do, without her fans Olivia wouldn't have a career.

As the time for soundcheck approached, Olivia glanced at Jake. "Ready to head inside?" she asked.

He nodded, but before they could leave, one last fan called out. "Good luck tonight, Olivia! And Jake, we can't wait to see you back on the track!"

"Thank you so much!" Olivia replied, blowing a kiss to the crowd. Jake waved, feeling a warmth in his chest from the kindness and support of Olivia's fans.

Inside the venue, soundcheck began promptly. Olivia took the stage with her usual confidence, her voice filling the space as she ran through her setlist. Jake watched from the sidelines, unable to take his eyes of her.

As Olivia's final notes echoed through the venue, she glanced over at Jacob, who gave her a thumbs-up. She smiled, her eyes meeting his in a moment of shared triumph and joy before she beckoned for him to join her.

Jake was taken aback as he stepped onto the stage. The blinding lights were overwhelming and for someone who was so used to the spotlight on the race track, this was a completely different experience.

"How the hell do you do this with a sold out arena?" Jake exclaimed. "I feel nervous just standing here!"

Olivia wrapped her arm around Jake. "Well it's different isn't it? It's like how I can ask the same with you and racing around roads at over two hundred miles per hour!"

Jake laughed, he appreciated and understood the severe difference in their chosen career paths.

"You want to try?" Olivia asked, handing Jake her microphone."

"Seriously?" Jake said, looking at Olivia incredulously.

She nodded.

Jake tentatively took the microphone from her hands and spoke into it. "Testing...testing...one, two, three."

Olivia laughed, jumping off the stage to stand in the audience.

"Sing us a song!" she called from where she was stood.

"No fucking way," Jake said immediately, "I can't sing."

"Come on!" Olivia pleaded. "What's your go-to karaoke song?"

Jake thought for a moment. "Well I guess back at school we used to sing Mr Brightside."

He reminisced back to the days where himself, Thierry, Sophie and Jax would sing this as a group when they'd had a bit too much to drink.

Almost as if on cue, Olivia rushed towards the piano she was playing on earlier and started playing an accompaniment.

"Woooo!!!" Olivia cheered from where she was sat. "You got this."

Filled with a truckload of nerves, Jacob brought the microphone close to his mouth and began to sing the words. He wasn't a bad singer, he just wasn't the best. He could sing in tune but he was no where near to Olivia's level.

Liv watched in awe, falling in love with Jacob all over again. She joined in, singing the words with him. Jacob moved over to where she was and sat next to her - Olivia had shifted slightly so there was space for him to join her. He watched her play the piano as the two of them sang, looking into each other's eyes with nothing but all the love in the world.

In that moment, it was just the two of them, two people madly in love who could take on the world.

The day quickly turned to night as the sun set over Sydney as fans poured into the venue for Olivia's final concert of her GUTS tour. Whilst fans were all excitedly waiting for Olivia to take to the stage, Jake was backstage with the singer, soaking in the moment.

"This is it." Olivia said, her eyes sparkling with a mix of nerves and excitement.

"You're going to be incredible," Jacob assured her, his hand gently squeezing hers, "they're all here for you, Liv. Just go out there and do what you do best."

A stage manager called for Olivia, signalling that it was almost time. She took a deep breath, kissed Jacob gently, and headed toward the stage entrance. Jacob watched as she disappeared before he made his way to where he would be stood, watching her proudly.

The opening chords of Olivia's starting song blasted through the speakers, and the crowd erupted into cheers. Olivia emerged, her silhouette framed by a dazzling array of lights. She strutted to the centre of the stage, radiating confidence.

"Hello, Sydney!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the venue. The crowd roared in response, their enthusiasm fuelling her performance.

Jake had watched this show many times but there was a finality to tonight's. A culmination of all the months of hard work and passion Olivia had poured into her career.

Song after song, Olivia dazzled the audience, including Jake. She poured her heart into every note, her voice carrying the raw emotion of her lyrics. Between songs, she interacted with the crowd, sharing stories and connecting with her fans in a way that only she could.

The concert continued, each song driving the audience into a frenzy. Olivia's energy was infectious, her stage presence commanding and electric. Jake could see how much she thrived in these moments, feeding off the energy of her fans and giving back every ounce of it.

As the show neared its end, Olivia took a moment to address the crowd. "Thank you all so much for coming out tonight," she said, her voice filled with gratitude, "this tour has been an incredible journey, and I couldn't have done it without your support. And there's someone else I want to thank, someone who's been by my side through everything."

She looked out towards the crowd where Jacob was stood right before the barriers to the rest of the audience. "Jake, come up here for a second," she called.

Jacob hesitated, this was definitely not planned and he was very taken aback. He didn't want to steal her spotlight but the crowd's chants and Liv's encouraging smile convinced him. He jumped up onto the stage, feeling a lot of awkwardness as the crowd cheered.

"Everyone, this is Jake Thompson," Olivia said, wrapping an arm around his waist, "he's been my rock and my support throughout this whole tour, even when he's thousands of miles away in a racing car. Let's give him a big round of applause."

The crowd erupted, and Jacob couldn't help but smile. He waved politely, feeling happiness from the overwhelming support. Olivia leaned in and whispered in his ear. "Thank you for everything baby, I love you."

He turned towards her and gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek - sending the crowd into even louder cheers. "I love you my talented girl."

As the final song of the night began, Jake retreated backstage as Olivia launched into a high-energy performance of 'get him back!' the perfect ending to an unforgettable night. The crowd sang along, their voices merging with Olivia's in a powerful chorus.

The concert ended in confetti, the crowd roaring with applause and cheers. Olivia took her final bow, blowing kisses and waving to her adoring fans. She left the stage, her face flushed with joy and exhilaration.

Backstage, Jacob was there to greet her, his arms wide open. "You were amazing, I'm so proud of you." he said, pulling her into a tight hug.

Olivia beamed, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "We did it." she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"You did it." Jacob corrected, still holding onto Liv's waist.

She beamed at him, tears of joy in her eyes. "God I can't believe I'm done."

"You deserve a long rest now." Jacob told her, he would personally see to it that Olivia took time for herself. Two worldwide tours in such a short span of time was so draining and Liv definitely deserved a break.

Jake intertwined his fingers with Olivia's, the two enjoying a comfortable silence together. Jake was glad he was able to experience this with Olivia, it was her who showed her that there was more to life than just racing and he would be forever thankful for it.

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