This Love

18

A phone alarm wakes me up the next morning, I groan "shut it off" I mumble while bringing my hands over my ears. The deep laugh that greets my request makes me smile, "okay it's off" I sigh at the silence snuggling back into Dan's warm body. Fingers move through my hair gently, "Cal we gotta get up, qualifiers start at 10" I open my eyes squinting at the sunlight entering the room, "okay okay I'm up" his fingers leave my hair and he moves off of the bed. I stretch before sitting up to grab my glasses off of the nightstand, putting them on sleepily as I get out of bed. The first thing I notice when I open my suitcase to choose an outfit is the Renault logo graving a shirt that I know I don't own. I pick up the shirt by the shoulders letting the fabric unfold, "I wanted you to cheer me on properly today" I turn to Dan who is smiling sheepishly at me, "you didn't have to buy me a shirt, I could've done that" he shrugs, "I didn't need to pay so it's no trouble, and I won't take it back so it's yours" I smile, "thank you" he nods and turns back to what he was doing on his phone.

Once I have paired some jeans with the bright yellow shirt, that has Dan's name and number on the back, I go change for the busy day ahead. "Wow you look amazing in those colours" I look up at Dan's compliment blushing, "it's alright I guess" he scoffs, "you could model that and no one would question it" I bite my lip as I drop my pjs into my suitcase. His phone starts ringing, thankfully giving me a second to compose myself after his compliments. "We gotta go Cal, you ready?" I turn and nod grabbing my purse before following him out of the room.

——

When the two of us arrive at the track Dan leaves to go to the garage. I decide to walk around the little village of team hubs before qualifiers start. I snap some pictures to keep this day in my memories, I go to take a selfie in front of the Ferrari lounge but squeak when hands come to my waist, "Callie" I peer over my shoulder seeing Charles smiling, "geez don't scare me like that" he shrugs and I roll my eyes. "Be in the picture with me" I say he nods and I bring my phone up to proceed with the selfie but with Charles smiling over my shoulder this time around. "I have to go but i'll see you later" he tells me, "good luck out there" I say and he smiles before going towards the correct garage. My fingers quickly type on my phone as I send the pictures to Jill and Lexi knowing that they'll appreciate getting the update. Once the message is sent I smile as I look up to continue strolling through the venue.

I hear engines revving a few minutes later so I jog to the Renault garage hoping to see Dan drive out onto the track. A smile comes to my face when I get to the garage to see that I haven't missed anything, the pit crew takes the covers off of the tires and step back as Dan drives off. I walk over to where I can watch qualifiers on a screen, my foot taps anxiously as the speeds increase across the board. I'm smiling as Dan keeps near the top of the board, my eyes stay on his bright yellow car as I bring my hands up covering my mouth to contain the happiness I'm feeling.

When the Australian finishes the team members cheer and I let out a breath that I didn't realize I was holding in. He appears in front of the garage making me smile, Dan climbs out of his car before the pit crew backs it into the vacant space. I walk over to where everyone is celebrating the P4 qualifying time with Dan and I squeeze through easily before hugging the dark haired Australian. He seems surprised at the action but quickly wraps his arms around me, "you did so good out there" I mumble into his shoulder, "you should save this for the actual race Callie" he replies I pull away slightly to look at him, "don't worry there's no shortage of happiness here" he laughs before we're separated so that he can prepare for the actual race that happens in a few hours.

——

After eating some lunch at the Renault lounge I slide on the pass Dan gave me so that I have access to all seating areas. I make my way to the area where I was told most other family members sit to watch. When I get to the area I see that majority of seats are taken, I find an empty spot and take a seat while pushing up my glasses to focus on the crowded race track in front of me. A smile comes to my face when I spot Dan's car surrounded by Renault guys for all of the last minute things that need to be checked. A horn goes and I see all of the people run off the track to the sidelines, a tick sounds with the first red light that appears followed by another and finally all lights turn off and the drivers start the race. My arms rest on my knees as I lean forward my nerves already high this early on in the race.