After the Hate Has Gone (Sebastian Vettel)

5. Unavoidable

"Lottie! How are you babe?" came the familiar voice down the phone.

"Ben!" she exclaimed, thrilled to hear from her old college friend. "I'm good. How are you? Long time no see."

"I'm great babe. Was ringing because I'm in town for a few days. Wondered if you wanted to catch up before I head back to the States."

"Definitely. I'm off to Hungary on Wednesday but got a couple of days. "   They arranged to meet the next day for lunch. Charlotte was looking forward to it. She hadn't seen Ben for a couple of years. He'd moved back to America a few years ago after studying in the UK. They'd been inseparable throughout college.  Everyone had thought they were a couple but although Ben had made it clear that he would be more than happy to progress their relationship, Charlotte was happy with how things were. The day after, she made her way to the diner where they had arranged to meet. Ben was already waiting. He stood as she approached the table, enveloping in her in a big hug.

"Lottie, you're looking great. So good to see you."

"You look great too. I've missed you so much Ben."  She sat down and started looking through the menu. Deciding on a basic cheeseburger and fries, she gave her order to the waitress.  They spent the next hour catching up on each other's lives.  She told him all about Formula 1, omitting any mention of Sebastian.

"Lottie, actually I had another reason for asking you to meet." She gave him a curious look. " Well, as you know, I started up a business with my brother, Brad, when I returned to the States. It's done far better than either of us expected. Initially we were just covering local sporting events, the football, baseball, bit of basketball. But now we've expanded nationwide. And we we plan on testing the water in the motorsport world.  We've got quite a few photographers on our books but I thought of you. So how about it? Fancy it?"

Charlotte was gobsmacked.  She really didn't know what to say. This time last year she would have jumped at the chance, but now....she loved her job. Even if she did have to suffer the less than delightful Sebastian. Ben sensed her hesitation.

"You don't have to answer yet. Please, just think about it?"  She nodded.

"I promise I'll give it some thought. Wow, I'm proud of you. You've really done well for yourself."

"It's been hard, if I'm honest with you but we're finally getting noticed. I'd love it if you could be a part of it," he smiled. Charlotte thought more and more about the offer. It made sense. What about her dad though? She decided she would pop and see him after leaving Ben and see what he thought. There was no harm in thinking about it after all.

***

"Lottie, love," said Martin Lawson. "Please do not worry about me. You have to do what you need to do. I just want you to be happy.  Besides I'm not all alone. I wasn't going to say anything until I was sure but I've met someone. I think she's the one darling. You'd like her. She works behind the bar at the social club."

Charlotte was shocked but happy for her dad. In all the years since her mum had left he hadn't even looked at another woman. He'd dedicated his life to raising his daughter. Charlotte was pleased that he was finally getting a life of his own.

"Her name is Lindsay. She's a widow. I'd like for you to meet her. I know it's probably a shock to you. "

"Dad," she interrupted. "Of course I'll meet her. I'm so pleased for you. It helps that I know you wouldn't be alone if I decide to accept."

"I'll miss you kid, but it is a big opportunity. And it's only a plane flight away."

" I dont know dad, I just don't know." Martin Lawson pulled his daughter into a hug. He knew she would make the right decision.