Exes

Chapter 10

They're in France for the race and it happens to be MacKenzie's favorite holiday back home. The 4th of July. It's summer, the weather is always great, they have hamburgers and hot dogs, there's usually a bonfire and lots of fireworks. It's more of an atmosphere thing but she's sad to once again be on the road in a foreign country instead of home celebrating.

She doesn't get to celebrate anything at the moment because Carlos has a DNF at no fault of his own. His cars just sort of stopped working. He is grumpy, it's his fourth of the season. While Kenzie would usually be overly sympathetic to him, she isn't. He has Mariette for that. She's finding it difficult but she can't seem to juggle being his friend and assistant while his girlfriend is incredibly critical of her every step of the way. She gives him a pat on the back and says she's sorry for his luck but nothing more. Caco hugs him and Rupert takes his things. His interviews are quick then they walk back in silence.

He stops suddenly and Kenzie stops a few steps ahead of him. She turns looking back and he looks exhausted. "Kenzie, I can't stand this." He motions between them. "It's like we don't even know each other. I hate it." He shifts his eyes from the ground to her.

She bites her lip. "I'm sorry, Carlos. I can't be all the things you need right now. You have Mariette for some of them."

"What if she isn't -" Carlos stops himself and sighs looking toward the sky.

Kenzie takes a few steps back and stops closer to Carlos. "I'm not sure what you're going to say, but only you can decide what she is to you. I'm sorry for your DNF." She takes a few steps more and gives Carlos a hug. She hasn't been this close to him in a long time and to be honest, she's missed it, missed him. She breathes in his scent. It's mixed with sweat and the smell of an F1 car, but it's still Carlos. She pulls back and smiles. "Let's get you back."

She may not get to celebrate anything with Carlos but what she does celebrate is Daniel's first place. Daniel takes advantage of it. He puts his arm around her waist and pulls her back into his chest so he can whisper in her ear. "I have something special for you. Come with me."

It's dark and Kenzie can't imagine why they need to be trackside for whatever special thing he's done. Daniel pulls out his cellphone and sends a text. When he gets one back, he smiles and Kenzie thinks it's bigger than usual.

Suddenly, Kenzie hears the unmistakable whirr of a firework being shot into the sky and then the boom. Brilliant colors fill the sky as more fireworks start to go off and suddenly it's a huge display in front of them. She turns to Daniel who has laid out a picnic blanket on the ground for them to sit on. He reaches in a small bag she didn't notice before and pulls out a small American Flag. "Happy Fourth of July, Kenz." He leans in and kisses her cheek.

"You did all this for me? To celebrate Fourth of July?" She's awestruck that he would.

"Of course. I know it's your favorite holiday and you're sad you don't get to be home for it often. So, I brought it to you." He smiles and she melts a little. She kisses him hard and she makes a decision.

"Stay with me tonight? Please?" She looks at him through her lashes.

"Whatever you want, princess." He kisses her again softly.

They exit the hotel room early the next morning, Daniel's flight doesn't leave for another few hours, but Kenzie has to go now. They stand outside elevator and kiss. Carlos walks up and he looks tired. He sees the couple standing there and he looks like he has a sudden realization. The realization of whose room is next to his. Of who he heard through the night. Kenzie smirks as the elevator pings announcing its arrival. This feels like a slight victory to her.

On the plane Carlos sits next to Kenzie and she's sort of surprised. Usually he sits with Mariette. "What did I do to get so lucky to sit next to the driver?" She's a little annoyed but tries to get past it.

"What did I do? Why won't you talk to me? I had to find out from Lando that Daniel created Fourth of July for you. I'm sorry by the way, I forgot."

"It's fine. I mean, yeah, he did. It was really special. I didn't think you'd be interested." She blushes.

"I'm always interested when it involves you. I love you, Kenzie." Carlos looks at her softly and takes her hand.

What the hell? What is she supposed to say to that? Is it a true confession of love? Just a friend thing? She says the first thing that comes to her mind. "I'll keep that in mind." He lets go of her hand. She smiles and puts her headphones on. What is happening?