Halo

XLIV

Mick and I walked through the Paddock before the Italian Grand Prix. Our hands swung beside us, like a high school couple in the movies, but we could care less. 

"Are you nervous?" I questioned Mick. 

He chuckled, "You know I always get nervous before I race, but knowing you're here helps a little bit." 

I reached up, ruffling Mick's perfectly styled hair, causing him to pout and the camera shutters to go off. When we reached the Haas garage Mick gripped onto my hand a bit tighter, unconsciously causing my heart to break ever so slightly. 

This isn't the best rookie season in the history of F1, but it can't be the worse. I think he was expecting more Charles Leclerc rookie season or Lando, but instead, he gets stuck with The Egg and an unfortunate team. 

"Be safe Mick," I whispered. 

"Always for you and our children," he whispered before leaving me alone again. 

I made my way over to Ferrari where Charles and Carlos were gearing up to head out as well. Charles quickly ran to give me a hug and check on the babies, along with Carlos who along with Lando also knows the news...well pretty much all the drivers know, but everyone's managed to keep it under wraps for our sake. 

"How you three doing?" Charles whispered. 

"We're good actually," I replied with a smile. 

"So, what brings you to our garage?" Carlos asked while wigging his eyes brows. "Couldn't bear to stay away from the top teams for once?" 

I flicked Carlos on the head causing the whole garage to burst out laughing. "You've been here what...two races and you're already arrogant. It must be the Ferrari curse." 

I let the two continue getting ready and I walked over to find Mattia talking with some of the crew. I caught his eye and he motioned to follow him to hospitality. Once seated, he launched into conversation. 

"It seems we have a joint goal, which is to see Mick succeed." He started. "Charles is our star, but his second is always replaceable." 

I raised a brow, "That already raises some red flags. One does Carlos know you think of him as replaceable and Two, Mick Would be Leclerc's second which would make him replaceable." 

Mattia shook his head, "Not if he does well. I know you haven't been on the best terms with Ferrari since the Sebastian split, but think about doing this for Mick." 

I laughed out loud with little actual humor in my laugh, before settling for a smirk. "You want what from me?" 

"Money, your time, and Uniform design." 

"With my money, I could easily buy you out and become team principle...or I could–" I paused momentarily as an idea came into my head. It's a great thing to be a multibillionaire. 

Mattia looked at me with a confused look. "Deal or no deal?" 

"Trust me, this deal you'll like a lot more." I chuckled as I stood and Mattia led me out of the hospitality. I shook his hand, making sure some media caught the interaction before leaving to watch the race from the Mercedes garage with Toto. 

Toto eyed me as I sat by the pit wall. 

"You are playing a dangerous game, Stella." 

"I know." 

"What if...hypothetically I could offer you something different." He suggested. "Come to my office after the race and we'll talk some serious business."