Friends with Benefits - Daniel Ricciardo

Just Friends

SOPHIE

Sunday noon I found myself walking around the paddock looking for Max. I was trying to avoid Daniel. Let's be honest though, it was impossible. I needed to do my job. On my way to the Redbull hospitality I said hi to my uncle and walked with him to the building where Max was standing outside. 

-"Hello champ! Are you ready for today?" I asked hugging him. Max was a title defender this year. Although most people would carry a lot of pressure on their shoulder Max seemed very calm. 

-"He is always ready" my uncle answered for him 

"Don't take too long guys. We have a pre race meeting and you should be with Daniel Soph. I don't want you losing your job" he said getting into the building and giving me and Max a warm smile 

-"I can always work for you!" I yelled and heard him laughing. Max's eyes were so bright. I knew how much he loved racing and 3 months away from the tracks were long enough for him

-"How are you Soph? You look tired" Max asked. He knew me way too well 

-"yes, I couldn't sleep last night. I had nightmares of Leclerc beating you" I said jokingly and Max softly punched my right arm

-"I really appreciate you trust my abilities. I won't let you down" I heard a French accent behind me. Once I turned around Charles was standing in front of me with a smile on his face. I could feel my cheeks burning. I looked at Max seeking for help and all I found was a cheeky smile on his face 

-"She seems to be dreaming about you lately Leclerc. Take her on a date or something"

-"No no no, I was fucking with Max. That's not why I couldn't sleep" I rushed to say and both guys looked at me with the same cheeky smile

-"Well that's a shame. I would have loved to take you out" Charles winked at me and started walking pass me 

"I get your number if I win today" he whispered "Bye Max" he said out loud. 

After a short chat with Max, duty called. I was in front of Daniel's driver room knocking on his door. I needed to inform him about his interviews. As the door opened I could see Barbara, the Portuguese model that was in his room the night before. 

-"Danny, your PR is here. I am going to the hospitality to let you work" she said without even saying hi 

-" Hey, I'm Sophie. It's nice to meet you and you are welcome to stay. I'm just letting Daniel know about his post race interviews" I said trying to be nice and getting a smile from her as she moved to the side to let me in. Daniel was sitting on the couch. He had being listening to our 2 words exchange. 

-"Soph I actually need to talk to you about something personal. Barbara, if you don't mind I'll see you around after the race" Daniel said not looking at me but at her

-"Of course Dan. Good luck" she said walking towards him and leaving a kiss on his cheek to later leave the room. The silence was awkward between us. I opened my mouth to start talking about his interviews when he decide to start talking

-"She didn't stay last night" the sentence blurred out of his mouth. His eyes were looking right into mine waiting for a reaction. I had to fight myself to stay calm and keep my poker face. What was he doing? Why did he think I cared?

-"What you say? You are talking too fast" I said slowly and maintaining the eye contact. I was not backing down now

-"Barbara. She did not spend the night. I was waiting for you. You were the one I wanted to spend the night with"  he said leaving the couch and standing right in front of me. I could swear I was going to have a heart attack. Daniel had always being sweet towards me, but hearing that felt different this time

-"It's not a big deal Dan. We can watch have a movie night any time" I said pretending I didn't care. I was dying from the inside but I had to learn to not care if I didn't want to get hurt

"You don't owe me any explanation regarding to girls" I said after realizing he wasn't going to talk. Daniel's eyes didn't leave mine for one second. It was almost like he was trying to find a hint of frustration on mine

-"what do you mean?" he said low

-"Dan I told you I was pretty aware we are just friends. No matter how many times we make out, I won't change my opinion on that" I replied patting his shoulder. His eyes opened wider showing him surprised

"I love you. You are like an older brother to me so you don't need to worry about explaining these things" I wasn't sure if that was what he wanted to hear but it was for the best 

"C'mon, lets talk PR" I concluded before he sat back with a straight face on the couch