The One That Got Away (Sebastian Vettel)

43. One Step Closer

Mollie took a long swig out of the bottle of champagne. She'd just won the Mexican Grand Prix and with that sealed the constructors' championship for TBR. She'd also put herself just three points away from claiming the drivers' title, with two races to go.

Elena had done her a big favour and spun out of the race on the second lap.

Only one thing could have made this better. Sophia being on the podium with her. Unfortunately Sophia had had to retire the car a couple of laps from the end with a brake problem. Mollie knew though that Sophia would be waiting for her after to celebrate.

She looked down at her team gathered below. She saw Sophia sat on Ash's shoulders. Cassie and Joel were hugging each other. The whole team were ecstatic. Even Luca, Will and Matthew Thorne were there to celebrate the team's achievement.

However, Mollie was more concerned by who wasn't there. Seb. She'd expected him to be there but he wasn't anywhere in sight. Maybe there was a problem at Aston Martin or he'd been held up by the media.

After finishing her turn in the media pen Mollie headed back to the motorhome. Perhaps Seb would have messaged her. She sat down on the sofa in her room and looked at her phone. Nothing. Not a thing.

She tried calling him. There must be a simple explanation. It rang and rang before going to voicemail.

She sighed. She tapped out a text to him, feeling a little angry and let down.

Mollie: in case you hadn't noticed we won the constructors. I'm in my room if you wondered where I am x

An hour later she was ready to leave the circuit and head back to the hotel. Seb still hadn't replied. Where the hell was he?

***

Earlier that day ...

Seb made a fist. Yes!!! Mollie looked like she had this in the bag. It would seal the constructors' and move her one step closer to the drivers' championship.

Of course he felt sorry for Elena. She was having such a shit time and now her own mistake had probably cost her the title, but he was over the moon for Mollie. She truly deserved this. After all the obstacles she had overcome, she was now on the verge of greatness.

He felt a little envious. It had been a long time since he had been in that position. Would he ever be in that position again?

He carried on watching the race from the Aston Martin motorhome. There were three laps to go. He stood up to head over to Park Ferme. He wanted to be waiting for Mollie when she got there.

Then his phone rang. He answered it without paying attention to who it was.

"Ja?"

"Sebby," cried Elena. "Sebby, he's gone. My dad, he's dead." She was hysterical.

"Ellie, where are you? I'll be straight there." After she told him he hung up.

He turned to Antti.

"Antti, I have to go. Elena's dad died. She needs me."

"What the hell are you playing at Seb? Mollie is going to be fuming. They've just won the constructors' and you're binning her off for your ex. I thought you were smarter than that."

"Antti, Mollie will understand."

"I wouldn't bet on that. Well, I'm not covering for you this time boss. I'm sorry but Mollie deserves better."