Forever and always

Chapter twenty-eight

Olivia's pov:
September 2021

Saturdays on race weekend always brought a specific kind of thrill—tension laced with anticipation, the energy of qualifying in the air. And this Saturday felt extra special. It was my first day back in the Red Bull garage in weeks.

Charles and Max had both banned me from attending any of the practice sessions this weekend. Their reasoning was sweet—protective even—but entirely frustrating. "Focus on your recovery" they said. "Just rest" they insisted. I understood where they were coming from, but ultimately, my body was my decision, not theirs. Still, I hadn't felt like fighting about it, so I'd just nodded along and stayed home, watching the sessions from bed like a grounded teenager.

But today? Today was mine.

After a hot shower, I dried my hair and got ready—simple makeup, comfortable clothes, and my go-to sneakers. Before I left, I made sure to take my meds, a quiet routine that was becoming a second nature now. The I stepped out into the crisp Dutch air, heart buzzing with anticipation.

As I arrived at Zandvoort track, a few fans spotted me.

"Olivia!! Can I get a photo"

I smiled and walked toward them—there was a mix of Bed bull, Ferrari, and even a few Mercedes fans in the group. I posed for a handful of photos, exchanged a few quick hellos, then made my way through the paddock toward Red Bull hospitality.

And then I saw him. My best friend.

"Danny!!" I called out, my heart leaping.

"Livia!" Daniel turned and caught me in a bear hug so tight I nearly lost my breath.

"I've missed you" he said, finally releasing me.

"You have no idea. We need to catch up again soon!" I grinned up at him.

"We do! And—how dare you not tell me what's been going on!" He said, his tone shifting to lock indignation.

"I'm sorry, Danny..." I looked down at the ground, suddenly feeling guilty.

"I know. Max told me everything" he said more gently, slinging and arm around my shoulder. "But next time, call me, Livia. I'm always here for you"

"Thanks, Danny. I love you"

"Love you too, dummy"'he chuckled.

We parted ways with a promise to catch up properly soon. He had pre-qualifying duties, and I had a brother and a father to track down.

Inside the Red Bull building, I was greeted by familiar faces—Max's race engineer, a few mechanics, his manager, his person trainer. Everyone was warm and welcoming, and it genuinely felt like coming home.

"Have you seen Max?" I asked one of the mechanics.

"Last I saw, he was in the garage talking to Christian."

"Perfect, thanks" I smiled, and headed that way.

Sure enough, I found Max and Checo mid-conversation.

"Hey guys" I said, stepping into Checo's side of the garage.

"Olivia, hi" Checo said, offering a quick hug.

"Hey sis," Max added, pulling me in for one too. "How are you feeling? Honestly?"

"I'm good. I promise" I said with a firm nod. He seemed satisfied with that.

"You two ready for quali?" I asked.

"So ready" Checo grinned, and Max echoed the sentiment. I had a good feeling about today.