After the Hate Has Gone (Sebastian Vettel)

27. Moving Forward

Seb's head was banging when he woke up the next morning. He took a couple of painkillers with a swig of water. He cursed when he remembered the events of the night before. He had some grovelling to do.

He could see why she was pissed off.  It did look like he had expected her to hang around waiting for him. He knew he owed her an apology. If she was even speaking to him. He looked at  the time on his phone. Shit! He'd overslept. Lottie would have left for the Netherlands now. The team were travelling by coach. He was driving with Britta and Antti.

He would have to go and see her as soon as he got there.  The drive would take about three and a half to four hours all being well. He was grateful that he had packed most of his stuff yesterday before going out.

He quickly grabbed some clean clothes and had a quick shower. He stuffed everything into his case. He sat on the bed, waiting for Antti to message that he was ready. Britta already had. She was always ready before they were. He glanced at his phone. No message from Lottie .  He quickly typed out a message, then deleted it. He tried again. Deleted it. Third time lucky.  He sent it before he could change his mind.

Seb: Liebling.  I am so sorry for yesterday. I didn't think. Please don't be mad. I love you. Please say you'll meet me tonight. Not for a booty call. To talk. I just want to hold you.  Xx

He sat and waited. Antti then messaged to meet down in the lobby. Time to check out. Time to head for Zandvoort.

***

Antti and Britta shared the driving as Seb guessed that he was probably still over the limit.  He made himself comfy in the back. After about an hour he finally received a reply from Lottie.

Lottie: OK, apology accepted.  We need to talk. It won't be tonight though. I already have plans. Come round to mine in the morning. I'll message you room number when I check in. Love you too xx

Seb frowned. She still sounded pissed off,even if she had accepted his apology.  But she had said she loved him. He closed his eyes and nodded off only waking when they were half an hour away from the hotel. He looked at his phone. There was a message.

Lottie: Just arrived. I'm in room 222 if you wanna pop around in the morning. Will be in til midday. Then out sightseeing with Sophie, Laura and Abby. Let me know when you arrive safe xx

He'd been intending on asking her to spend the day with him tomorrow. Looked like that was a no go now. Now he was annoyed.   Didn't she want to spend any time with him? When they got there he just texted her one word. "Here." 

He stomped off to his room after checking in, shutting the door firmly behind him. Britta and Antti looked at each other.

"Someone's in a mood," Britta said.

"Woman problems."

"Already? They haven't even gone public yet."

"I only know what I managed to get from him when we stopped at the services earlier.  He's managed to piss her off. He won't say how." 

"I'm sure they'll sort it out. Now, as he obviously doesn't want us shall we find our own rooms then go get some dinner?"

"Sounds like a good idea to me."  So off they went leaving Seb to sulk in peace.

***

Lottie felt guilty as sipped at her glass of wine. Maybe she had been too hard on him. Their relationship was still so new and they were still learning about each other. She wasn't really listening to the group's conversation. She knew that she didn't really want to be there. 

She made the excuse that she was tired and headed back to her room. She wondered what he was doing. Only one way to find out.

Lottie: Hey, what are you up to? Xx

Seb: Not a lot. Probably go to sleep soon. How's your evening?x

Lottie: It was ok. To be honest all I could think of was you.  I wasn't much company so I left early x

Ten minutes passed and he didn't reply. Maybe he had fell asleep. Then a knock came at the door. She got off the bed to answer it, thinking it would be Sophie questioning her about the argument with Seb. She opened the door and found a grinning German.

"Seb," she exclaimed.

"All I could think of was you too. So I thought I'd come surprise you." She opened the door wider so he could come in. They both sat on the bed, an awkward silence descending.  Finally he spoke.

"Lottie, I really am sorry. It's no excuse but I was hoping to leave the celebrations early and come back to you. I didn't think about how it would look. I didn't ask you as wasn't intending to stay long."

"And I'm sorry too. I overreacted.  I think it was just because I'd missed you all week and just wanted to be with you."

"Come here." He lay down on the bed and opened his arms.  She fell into them. "I've missed you too. 
We need to tell people, then I can kiss you whenever I like. "

"What about the media?"

"I know, but if we are having silly fights after just one race weekend of being apart then what's it going to be like if we keep on like this?  This relationship, you and me, it's important to me. We will cope with everything but together."

"I still need to tell my dad. Have you said anything to your family yet?"

"I've said I'm seeing someone. I haven't told them your name or anything. I'm going to after this triple header is over." His hand stroked up and down her back. She found it so relaxing that she began to feel sleepy. Seb noticed and kissed her softly on the mouth.  "Shall I let you sleep Liebling?"

"Stay," she said. Seb looked at her and couldn't resist.

"I will have to leave early so I don't get spotted on my way back."

"As long as I get to sleep in your arms I don't care."

"Let's get ready properly. He sat up and removed his shoes. Then stripped down to his boxers. Lottie changed into a baggy night shirt. They slipped under the covers together. Seb realised how tired he felt too. He pulled her to him. She rested her head on his chest and together they fell asleep.