Too Sweet | A Max Verstappen Story

Twenty

Scarlet

Droplets of sweat trickled down the back of my neck, the collar on my shirt catching each one. A round fan was sat on the floor in front of me blowing around the strands of hair that weren't long enough to be slicked back into my ponytail. Between sounds of the wind, echos coming from different located speakers, and the roaring crowd after each thing Daniel or Lando said, I could barely put together the questions they were being asked. Only catching bits and pieces as the woman on stage directed a question about the last race towards Daniel. Back in Monaco, Lando finished P3 and brought home a solid twelve points. Daniel bringing in none.

Turning my back, feeling sorry for him, I spotted Max in the distance. Charles was by his side as the two of them made their way over to the back of the stage. We were now on the sixth race of the season in Baku and Max and I had spent every fleeting moment together. On race weekends we would spend our nights exploring each city with our friends, afterwards, sneaking into each other's hotel rooms. Alternating between our homes during the breaks. After my romantic time with Max in Monaco things have been good. But as if overnight, my social media following doubled and I suddenly have become hyper aware of what I choose to post. Each moment I've captured with Max just sat collecting dust in my camera roll and I couldn't seem to shake the feeling of disappointment. Upset that I wasn't allowed to show anyone our amazing adventures together.

Blair nudged my arm with one of her elbows, my eyes refocusing as I snapped back to where I was. My train of thought abruptly ending. "Anyone home up there?" She laughed, playfully tapping my temple.

    "Sorry, I guess I just got lost in my own world for a second." We were far enough away from where Max was now standing and her eyes danced between the distance. She gave me a hum and narrowed her eyes like she was suspicious of something.

    "Oh you're one to talk!" I spoke again, laughing into my words. My gaze moved over her shoulder and Pierre came into view. He rocked back and forth on his heels as he stood huddled in a circle with Charles and Max.

Without having to turn and see, Blair knew exactly who I was staring at. Her hand lightly smacking against my shoulder, she rolled her eyes and turned her focus back to the stage. Pointing myself in the same direction I crossed my arms over my chest. Quietly clearing my throat I opened and closed my mouth a few times. Trying to find a way to ask questions so she won't shut them down.

    "Just spit it out Scar." Annoyance clear in her voice. I turned my body slightly and looked back at where the three drivers were still huddled together. Max's eyes immediately catching mine and he flashed me a smile. I rubbed my fingers together, giving him a short wave, before turning my back.

    "I was just going to ask if you and Pierre have been spending any more time together, that's all." I threw my hands up in defense as my question earned another eye roll. She never kept details of her relationships from me but with this one she was and I wasn't sure why.

    "Aside from our group excursions? No, we haven't." It wasn't the answer I was expecting her to give. I bit down on the nail of my thumb. Going back and forth with myself on if I should push the topic further or just leave it.

    "Has he asked you out yet?" I was pretty sure I knew her answer but still wanted confirmation. But she didn't give me it. Her eyes just stared straight ahead like she didn't hear me. I could see her pressing her tongue against the inside of her cheek like she was holding something back.

Letting out a sigh Blair turned to look at me. Her eyebrows were raised, giving the impression she was annoyed, but I knew it wasn't directed towards me. "Not yet. And since when did guys start waiting months before asking a girl, that they clearly like, on a date! What happened to people putting themselves out there? You know, guys always complain that us, women, are complicated but they're the ones who can't even communicate their feelings!" She flung her arms around, making big gestures, to add emphasis to her point.