SCARLET
Champagne flowing, gorgeous women in sensational gowns and handsome gentlemen in tailored tuxedos. The FIA Gala was about as far away from the paddock as I was from an office job. If I hadn't been on the arm of the most successful Formula One driver I would have felt incredibly out of place, no matter if I was now part of the Formula One dynasty.
According to Toto tonight was all about maintaining appearances. It wasn't mandatory to attend but those who didn't were thought down upon. "This is our table." Toto said pointing to the circular table in the forecourt of the ballroom. It was decorated with a vase of white roses and a number of small candles.
Lewis pulled my chair out and I sat down. I was next to Lewis and Toto who was wearing the most outrageous sequin jacket. I wondered whether it was part of dare but apparently it was not and he just that cool
I still wasn't entirely sure what I was supposed to do at this gala, but the alcohol was flowing and in my experience an open bar was only cause for chaos. I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around to the grinning face of Daniel Ricciardo. "Hey we are table neighbours." He enthused. Sat next to him was Beau who looked drop dead beautiful. The gown she had picked out put all the focus on her rather than the Aussie who had brought her, and as a fellow woman I was all for it.
A waiter came around and topped up the champagne glasses. Toto tapped his glass ever so lightly with his knife and the attention of the table turned to the Austrian. "I just want to say that I am so proud of our season so far. George and Scarlet have hit the ground running and I think we have a great chance of retaining both championships." He announced.
I looked over to my fellow Brit and teammate who was beaming. Toto continued, "I hope everyone has fun, but not too much fun tonight, and I look forward to Monaco."
Our team principal finished his speech by requesting a those who sat at the Mercedes table take a shot of tequila. The shock of watching my very professional boss necking a shot of tequila was short-lived as the burning liquid hit the back of my throat.
"So Lew, was is the point of tonight?" I asked as I turned to the handsome man sitting on my left. He looked at me, "I mean do we just sit here all night?"
He shook his head. "Nah, once the President has said his opening remarks then everyone more or less gets up and mingles. Although we do have a Q&A with FIA Social Media team." Lewis informed me as he brought the flute of champagne to his lips.
The whole event continued to confuse me long after Jean Todt had made his speech which congratulated the success over the last year, and long into the opening remarks of Michael Masi who most were surprised still had a job.
George was deep in conversation with Bono, and Lewis was talking with Toto about the upcoming Q&A which I had found out would be between George and myself on the ongoing season. Neither our Communications nor Social Media managers were in attendance but according to Toto, it was going to be pretty standard questions.
The applause finished and the ballroom came to their feet as the President officially opened the FIA Gala. Quickly, Lewis, George and I were ushered by a very elegantly dressed lady over to a bar lounge that had a recording and lighting set up.
She introduced herself as Robyn Sharma and she asked both George and me to sit on either side of a small drinks table. The chairs were the sort you would expect in Sherlock Holmes' house, but instead, they were a plush velvet. Yuck.
Robyn informed George and I that we would be both answering a few questions, nothing personal but about the season and the partnership we had forged. However, I wasn't sure that her asking if I found 'dating' Pierre a conflict of interest was about my season.
The FIA communications assistant awkwardly shuffled in her seat. "And do you ask other drivers whether their personal lives are a conflict of interest?" I bit back. I took a deep breath before continuing. "Because as far as I am aware, George plays golf with Carlos every other weekend, could that not be considered a conflict of interest?"
Lewis glared at me and at that moment I knew he was not happy with me. He had this telling look, his pupils dilated and his lips glued together. "I think perhaps that is enough, Robyn?" Lewis suggested.
The look on the coms assistant seemed to agree with Lewis. "It was lovely to meet you both." Robyn smiled and shook both George and My hands.
Whilst George was seemingly 'allowed' to leave and join the rest of the gala, Lewis requested that I hang back for a word.
Once Robyn and George had exited the room along with the rest of her media crew, Lewis invited me to sit down. Knowing the look in his eye I politely refused.
He took a step towards me and placed a hand affectionately on my shoulder. "Scarlet, I know you're new to this, but the purpose of the FIA Gala is to seem open," Lewis said with a less than happy tone to his voice.
I rolled my eyes, "Lewis, have you ever been questioned about who you were sleeping with an FIA Gala interview?" I watched as he went to speak but then shook his head. "Exactly, so please don't shake me down for not being, open," I added.
Lewis pinched his nose, and I knew he was frustrated. "I'm only trying to protect you, and this is coming as your friend, but you need to decide on your priorities. Is Pierre really a priority?" Lewis questioned with a sigh. I knew he had my best interests at heart, but given the context and the alcohol in my system, I refused to believe it.
I shook my head, "Lew, I love you and I respect you, but please don't ask me to pick my relationship over my career. No other driver on the grid has had to pick, so don't expect me to." I bit back,
Lewis took a step back, "But no other driver has ever dated someone else on the grid? Scar, you're going to be world champion, and maybe in your rookie season, but Pierre is a distraction. Just hear me out." He replied grabbing my bicep.
I knew he was right, and Lewis was my mentor and idol but in that moment I was angry. I pulled myself away from him and walked out of the bar lounge toward the bar.
I requested two shots of tequila and downed them very quickly. I then asked for a glass of champagne. The lady behind the bar nodded and poured me a glass.
Scanning around the ballroom I noticed all my fellow drivers schmoozing with others and other officials. I was done with this. I needed air.
I looked around and saw the balcony. My attention first turned to my boyfriend who was currently chatting with Michael Masi and I knew that was not a conversation I wished to involve myself in. Instead, I walked towards the balcony. I pushed the double doors and I felt the cool Spanish air hit my face.
And just like that, I felt calm again. I rested myself against the balcony that looked over the coastline.
My calmness was shortly interrupted. "Can we talk, Scarlet?" The Dutchman asked as my calmness was broken.
I took a sigh, "What do you want, Max?"
Max looked to the ground. "You were my first love Scarlet," His lips and hands shook in the cold evening air.
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The Fight • Max Verstappen•
Fanfiction•in which a new battle reignites old passion•