The Race Director's Daughter (Sebastian Vettel)

22. Something To Celebrate

Leah perched on the edge of her desk, her eyes glued to the television fixed on the far wall of their temporary Miami office. At the moment the camera was focussed on the battle for second between George Russell and Charles Leclerc, but she was more interested in the green car that was leading the race.

Seb had started on pole after a qualifying masterclass, and he'd led the race from lights out. However, over the last few laps he'd started dropping time. The commentators suspected he had a problem. Would he even be able to finish the race?

Leah dug her nails into the palms of her hands. Surely he wouldn't be robbed of that first Aston Martin victory for the second race in a row?  There were two laps to go and George and Charles were closing in on him fast. 

"Come on Seb!" she shouted at the television, earning herself a death stare from Bella.   Jenna and Tamara joined her in cheering Seb on. 

The last lap began.  "Please let him make it," she whispered under her breath.  

She bit her lip and watched, feeling sick with nerves.  He deserved this so much.   Three corners to go, George was right behind him.  Two corners.  Seb had to defend.  Last corner.  Chequered flag.  He'd done it!  

Leah leapt up off of her chair, punching the air. "Yes!"

Tamara laughed at how excited Leah had got.   Jenna brought her fist down on the desk.  "Woohoo!"

"Talk about an overreaction," Bella said, snottily.  "I thought you were a Lewis fan anyway.  That's what Shelley told me."  Leah glared at the blonde. 

"Well, now I'm a Seb fan."

"Always support the winning driver, eh?"

"No, she's supporting the driver she went on a date with Thursday," Tamara said. "Actually, make that a lunch date and a dinner date on the same day."

Leah knew she should be mad at Tamara for broadcasting hers and Seb's business but the look on Bella's face was worth it.

"Oh don't talk crap Tamara. Seb would never date a plain Jane like Leah." She flounced out of the room with her nose in the air.

"Leah, I'm so sorry," Tamara said. "I just couldn't stop myself. She was being such a bitch to you."

"It's ok," Leah sighed.  "The look on her face was priceless."  

She began to wonder about how Bella would act towards her in the future. She was already a bitch.   This may make her worse. 

"Your man is going to be celebrating hard tonight," Tamara said.

"I've told you, he's not my man." Leah sighed. Tamara had it in her head that she and Seb were as good as a couple.  And that was just because of the date! God knows what she'd be like if she knew about the kiss Leah and Seb had shared.   "I haven't even seen him since he dropped me off at the hotel."

"But has he texted you?" 

"Yeah, several times actually," Leah admitted. 

"Aha! See! That man is so into you. And you are really into him, aren't you?"

"Yes, but it's not that simple."

"Why isn't it?"

"Because...." She fell silent.  She couldn't explain the things that were holding her back.

"So," Jenna said, changing the subject. "Are we going out tonight?"

"Maybe for a short while," Tamara answered.  "We have to be at the airport for 8.30, so we don't want to be out too late."