Dancing In The Dark

Chapter Six

Turkey was just the beginning of it all.

From that point forward, Vica found herself attending more Grand Prix races than she could have ever imagined, including those in Sakhir and Abu Dhabi. Her sudden shift in attitude toward racing perplexed her family, particularly her mother, who grew increasingly irate because of Vica's active avoidance of her father, even though they were often in the same vicinity.

Within the paddock, Vica kept her distance from Max, staying at the Ferrari hospitality. She acted like she was there for business which eventually became true because by the first race week of the 2021 season, Medicea-Riccardi (which managed designer brands like Bottega and Valentino) signed a major sponsorship deal with Charles Leclerc. However, as soon as they were outside the paddock, she was always with Max.

On the second race of the season, Vica wasn't able to make it. She was on a business trip in Madrid. As soon as the race wrapped up, Max hopped on a plane to Madrid to be with her, driving with her to Portimão. Vica multitasked as she read financial reports and navigated.

While they weren't officially a couple as they hadn't talked about it, both of them were well aware that they shared something deeper than friendship. Everyone saw ittoo but no one would bring it up. Not even her snobbish grandmother, Maria Tatiana, could deny her only remaining grandchild the opportunity to find true love, much like she had when she chose love over rank. So, everyone let their story unfold on its own.

The 2021 Monaco Grand Prix marked the moment when Vica introduced Max to her mother and grandfather, both of whom were in Monte Carlo at the invitation of the Prince of Monaco. They enjoyed a low-key, private dinner at a restaurant near Place du Casino, with Beatrice de' Medici having it closed down for the whole time they were there. Max chuckled when Vica excessively apologized for her mother's extravagance. He didn't mind; he only wanted to have dinner with Vica.

"Well," her grandfather stood up. "Dinner was great. Let's call it a night. Max has a big day tomorrow after all."

"Thank you for inviting me, sir." Max shook hands with her grandfather.

"Invite me to dinner when you become world champion, young man. I feel you will be soon."

"Of course, sir."

"It's been a pleasure to meet the one man who could make my Vittoria watch Formula 1." Beatrice smiled knowingly, then turned to Vica, who sported an unimpressed frown.

"We'll introduce Vica's nonna next time."

"Are you going with us back to the house, Stella?" Her grandfather asked as they waited for the valet to bring their car around in front of the restaurant.

"I'll catch up with you, nonno. Max and I are going to get coffee."

Under the bright streetlights, they walked, side by side. It had been about an hour and a half since they left the restaurant on foot, somehow ending up at Les Jardins de Saint Martin.

"We should've gotten your coffee before coming here," Max remarked when she yawned. Their hands brushed as they walked side by side. "You've been up for more than 24 hours."

"I'm fine, Max. I think I'm still on Singapore time."

"How was your trip?"

"It was great. We met with the client as soon as we landed. She's a great chef and loved the wines we brought for the taste test."

"So it's not a shot in the dark to say you got the deal?"

"Nope, it's not."

"Let's celebrate then!"

"After your GP. You should focus from now till the finish." Vica said serenely, her voice light and airy, thoroughly absorbed in the tranquility of the garden.

Max suddenly halted, and Vica quickly backpedaled a few steps. He appeared nervous but also hopeful. "Vivi, this will probably be weird and out-of-the-blue. I love you. So much in fact."

"You do?"

"Yes." He nodded his head as a child would when asked if they would want candy. "I'd marry you right now if I could."

Vica giggled.

"Will you marry me?"

"Is this one of those theoretical questions?" Vica asked, closing the little distance between them.

"It can be if you want it to but I'm being serious."

"Well... are you willing to marry me in a Church? A Catholic Church because my nonna wouldn't have it any other way."

"I'm practically a Catholic. Are you willing to marry me in a Church? Big white wedding and all?" Max beamed broadly, confident.

Vica tried to hide her smile. "Theoretically?" She managed to say.

"Seriously," Max produced a small black velvet box from his jeans pocket, feeling his other hand growing moist. Vica couldn't believe what was happening, despite her experience of love from her brother and sister-in-law. This was unreal! "I know we've only known each other for a short time, and that we aren't even together but I'm sure about you. About us."

"How are you so sure?"

He shrugged, still smiling. "If you know you know, and I've known since Italy. So, what's your answer?"

"Yes. Big white wedding and all," Vica replied, smiling as she cupped his cheeks. "Now, will you fucking kiss me?"

"Small thing," Max chuckled. He caressed her cheek, tilting her head up to kiss her, his stomach filled with excitement, and she kissed him back, her heart beating slowly and steadily. This was their first kiss, under the moonlight in the garden, and it was better than anything Vica could have imagined.