🔺Love Triangle🔺

Part 15

After a healthy breakfast prepared by Kelly, we are now going to shop. "I know a few stores where they have insanely good clothes. Have you thought about how you will dress for the race?" she asks when we park in the shopping center. "Actually no. I'll probably wear jeans and a top," I answer, when she looks at me seriously: "No way. You need a dress."
"I have many dresses, I don't need one more."
"Do you have red one?"
"Probably at home."
"Fine. We're going to buy a red dress. What about underwear? What are you wearing? Thongs, lace panties?" I start laughing. "Why are you laughing? You must be perfect." "You're the same as Sofia, my best friend," I answer with a laugh. "I'm glad. Come on, let's go."
First she takes me to the biggest lingerie store. "This is the kingdom, my dear friend. Choose what you want", said Kelly. "It's all so expensive," I say when I look at wonderful bra and thong set. 60 €. "Honey, think of Carlos. He's going wild when he sees you. What number are you wearing?" I laugh again. "I used to wear an S, since giving birth I can't lose any weight and now I wear an M, sometimes even an L" I say. "Don't worry. You have wonderful curves and it's good to show them off. We'll take M," she says and takes the red set. "What about nightwear? You need a sexy nightgown. Silk or lace," she says and I can barely follow her between the shelves. "Tadaaaa, this. Wonderful." She waves with lacy and almost transparent nightgown in front of my eyes. I bite my lip when I think of Carlos. "Okay," I say with a smile. "What? A garter maybe?"
"No, it will be enough. Let's go get a dress." Satisfied with my answer, she directs me to the cashier. I have never spent so much on underwear. We visit a few dress shops, but none of them are particularly good for us. After almost two hours of searching and shopping, we are both tired. "I give up, Kelly. I'm going to wear a jeans and a top."
"No. We won't give up. I know one store. It's a bit expensive, but let's go have a look."
"Okay."
We take the elevator to the third floor. "Vanessa? Is that you?" I turn and see Carlos' mother. "Hola," I say with a gentle smile as she rushes up to us and hugs me tightly. "You are so beautiful," she says and kisses me on the cheek. "Thank you, you're beautiful too," I reply. "Carlos didn't tell me you were here. Where is Vivi?"
Kelly jumps into the conversation: "Vivien stayed at home. Carlos doesn't know Vanessa is here. It will be a surprise." I give her a grateful smile as she winks at me. "Oooh, how nice. Did you come to buy a present? I don't know what to buy him, he has everything." I nod: "I don't know either."
"Do you have time for coffee?"
Kelly looks at her watch: "I promised Max that I would come to the qualifications. We were going to go to a store and then have lunch."
"Would you mind if I go with you?"
I wouldn't mind, I don't know what Kelly thinks. I'm waiting for her to answer. "Of course not. Come with us," Kelly said and we walked together to the store.
We bought two dresses, one more decent for the race and the other a bit sexier for the evening celebration. Since Carlos' mom was there, we had to avoid those really sexy dresses. "I'm inviting you to lunch," says mom, "what do you want to eat? Asian, Mexican? Maybe traditional Dutch? Kelly, what do you recommend?"
"You should try Erwtensoep, it's pea soup and maybe some Rijstaffel."
"Sounds good. What do you think Vanessa?"
"Sure. I'm soo hungry."
We sat down at a table in the restaurant and ordered some Dutch specialties.
"My dears, I'm leaving you. I have to be on time for qualifications. Vanessa, you have the keys to the apartment, so you can come back whenever you want. Thanks for the lunch Mrs. Sainz," Kelly said and hugged us both. "Thanks for the shopping," I thank her. When I stay with Reyes alone, it is time for a more serious conversation. "Vanessa how are you?" she asks and takes my hand. "I'm fine," I reply. "I know that the cheating hurt you a lot. Can you forgive him?"
"I hope so. I'm curious about something..." "Just ask, dear."
"That Rebecca...she was on the yacht with you, right?" She nods.
"Did Carlos loved her?"
"To be honest, I think so. But never the way he loves you."
"And what is she like? Is she nice? Did you two get along?"
"I don't have a bad word to say about her. I can't judge anyone. It's your and Carlos' business. You know that, right?"
I nod.
"Do you want some coffee?"
"No, thank you. I'm tired. I have to go. Thank you very much for the lunch. I'll see you tomorrow." We both get up. "De nada, querida." She hugs me. "Please don't tell Carlos I'm here. I really want to surprise him."
"Don't worry. I'll keep quiet."

When I get back to Kelly's apartment with full bags, I freshen up and then flop down on the couch with a glass of wine. 5 minutes left to qualify. I'm getting a little nervous. How will Carlos do. The theme song starts, then after a few minutes it's Q1. Carlos holds on well and the first part ends in 9th place. Which is good, considering the training sessions. In Q2 he picks up the pace and finishes in third place. "You can do it, love," I say and tense up as they start Q3. He quickly starts a fast lap and jumps to first place. "Keep it, keep it."
At the end of the last minute, Max jumps to the top, and Charles ousts him from second place. Carlos ends in third place, which is an excellent starting point for tomorrow's race. I'm proud of him.

At the interview he says that he had a good feeling on the track and that he had good speed. When he was asked about tomorrow's birthday, he answers: "I have two wishes, to win and to see my wife and daughter. That's all."
Tears come to my eyes. You will see me tomorrow dear.
I'm still watching TV and I see Carlos with the phone in his hand, when it rings. He's calling, so I answer quickly. "Hey. I'm watching you," I laugh. "Wait, I'll wave," he replies, turns to the camera and starts waving. "Yeah, I see you. I'm waving back."
"What do you think? It wasn't that bad, right?" he asks.
"It was good. Tomorrow will be better. I like the last answer at the interview," I admit.
"I hope my wishes come true."
"Carlos, you should end the call, the conference is waiting for you," I hear in the background. "I have to go. I miss you."
"Okay. I'm sending you a big kiss and a hug. Oh, and say congrats to Charlie."
"I will. Love you."
Now I'm more nervous about tomorrow.

I open my eyes and look at my phone.
2:43 am.
I don't sleep all night. My heart is beating. I walk into the kitchen and drink some water. I have to sleep.
*
I am woken up by the annoying ringing of the alarm clock. I reach for the phone and turn it off.
Now I hear knocking at the door.
"Vanessa, get up," I hear Kelly. I don't respond. I just can't. I can't open my eyes, I can't talk. "Vanessa? Are you in here? Can I come in?" She knocks again. "Mhmmm," I mumble loudly. Kelly enters. "Why are you still sleeping? We have to get ready," she quickly walks across the room and opens the curtains. The sun! "Ahh, no," I cover my head.
"It's time to go. Get up now."