This Love

28

A half hour later the two of us get to the track, Charles parks in the reserved lot and I hop out of the car smiling. "Okay this way Cal" I turn to the race car driver who is pointing in the direction of the team trailers. I nod following him as we go across the parking lot, I put my pass around my neck grinning.

"So do you want to tell me why you're here? Nico didn't tell me anything" I look over at Charles shyly, "I was talking to my mom yesterday and she tore down a wall for me, not literally but mentally" he looks at me confused, "at the end of it all I realized that I love Dan and I wanted to tell him in person" he smiles, "took you long enough" I shove him, "why does everyone keep saying that" I whine as we walk, "because it's so obvious to everyone except you two" he explains, "damn we're hella blind" he laughs and pulls me to his side messing up my hair, "yeah but you got there so it's okay" I huff but don't say anything.

When we get to the team trailers Charles suddenly tugs me around a corner. I stumble into him shocked, "that was a close one" he tells me, my eyes widen realizing what he means. "Okay so you're going to be coming to our garage for the beginning of the race, less chances of Daniel seeing you" I nod as we continue on to Ferrari's garage, "when the race starts getting to the last few laps someone from Renault is supposed to come get you so that you're there when he finishes" I smile, "sounds good" he nods and leads me to where I can sit before leaving to prepare.

——

The weird looks I get while watching the beginning of the race because of my Renault shirt makes me shrink into my seat as the cars get to the first turn. My gaze is locked on the screen showing the race a few minutes later having forgotten about the eyes on me as I bite my lip nervously. I move to the edge of my seat as the race gets more intense with tight turns and risky passes.

"Excuse me" I turn to the voice to see a teenage girl smiling at me shyly, "are you Callie?" I nod with a smile, "can I get a picture with you?" My eyes widen in surprise, "uh sure" I reply and stand up to get next to her as she holds up her phone in front of us. "Thank you, also I think you and Daniel are really great together, don't listen to the haters" I bring her into a hug, "you're so welcome" I tell her before letting go, she grins and walks away.

An hour later I'm still smiling about the girl's comment as the race gets to it finishing laps. Someone taps my shoulder so I look away from the screen to see a familiar Renault team member, "ready to get down there Cal?" I nod and stand up following him out of the Ferrari garage. "He's going to be so surprised, we've somehow managed to keep this quiet" I laugh, "I'm glad you guys managed this secret" he shrugs and we catch up more on the way to the garage.

When we step into the Renault garage I smile taking in the familiar scene, having missed being this close to the action. "Callie, long time no see" I spin towards the voice seeing one of the PR girls coming my way, "Luce I've missed you" I say as we hug briefly, "so today's the day" I nod enthusiastically, "I'm happy for you, he compliments you perfectly" she adds, "yeah he really does" she smiles and pats my shoulder, "good luck, he's about to cross the line" I bite my lip nervously as she walks away speaking into her mic.

I must've zoned out because I stumble when some brushes by me. My eyes move to where the pit crew is at Dan's car. I go on my toes to catch a glimpse of the dark haired Australian that climbs out his helmet still on. I take a deep breath preparing myself for what I'm about to do, my determination overshadowing the nerves as I keep my gaze on my still distracted boyfriend who has taken off his helmet. Lucy goes over to Dan talking into his ear, and he spins around, when his gaze meets mine he grins. I give him a wave smiling as he approaches me. When he's close enough he takes me into his arms lifting me off the ground, I wrap my arms around him burying my face into his neck, "you're here" he says, "I am" I reply my fingers woven into his hair gently.

Dan sets me on my feet again cradling my face in his hand before pressing his lips to mine, I relax into him my hands on his chest. I suddenly remember why I made this trip so I pull away from the kiss a smile coming to my face, Dan opens his mouth to talk but I put my hand over it to stop him, he lifts an eyebrow in confusion. "Let me say something first" he nods so I pull my hand away slipping it into his. "My parents came to visit me this weekend, nothing new there, but I had a heart-to-heart with my mom yesterday...about our relationship" his expression becomes concerned, I bring a hand up smoothing out the worry lines on Dan's forehead, "don't, it was nothing bad" I say and he smiles, "she brought up an important question and it kinda made my mind open up" I bite my lip,. Dan brings a hand up using his thumb to release the hold I have on it, "you can tell me anything Cal" he says softly, my hand moves up to his face my thumb stroking his cheek, "I love you Dan" I finally say. After a few seconds of silence a huge grin appears on the Australian's face, "really?" He asks, I giggle "yes really" I reply my gaze locked with his. "I love you so damn much Callie" he tells me before lowering his head for another kiss, hoots and hollers sound around the garage making me giggle, which unlatches our lips. "Where are you staying tonight?" He asks quietly, "with you hopefully" I reply with a smile, "definitely but where did you stay yesterday?" I shrug, "bunked with Nico, didn't want to ruin the surprise" he lifts an eyebrow, "I slept on the sofa relax, be grateful because without him I wouldn't be here right now" he rolls his eyes but is smiling. I press a kiss to his lips, "now go wrap up this race because I want to spend some time with you before I have to leave again" I mumble as I pull away. He leaves ons last kiss on my forehead before walking away. I take a seat nearby to wait for him to finish what needs to be done post-race.