In the Spotlight (Max Verstappen - Book Two)

Chapter Nine

Flashback central warning! Enjoy!
*****

"You look freaking stunning," Lewis says as he stands up from where he was sitting at the table he had booked for us.

I grin and roll my eyes but thank him nonetheless before we do the traditional French greeting and kiss each other on either cheek, Lewis lending me a hand as I take the seat opposite him before he sits back down himself, ever the gentleman. "I figured I had to when I looked up this place online!" I said raising my eyebrows at him, the photos showed how fancy it was and as soon as I got back to the hotel room I had begun to try and transform myself so that I might fit in.

I was in an orange patterned silk Dior mini dress and nude Dior heels to go with it and as per usual, I was wearing Cartier jewellery. But I kept it light, just a simple pair of stud earrings, the necklace I never took off since I received it (except I would have to start taking it off for the races of course) and the ring that Toto gave me, all items that had been gifted to me rather than given by the brand itself. The whole outfit and my makeup gave off a summery vibe that matched my tan nicely, even though it was still only March. To show off the jewellery and earrings my hair was in natural waves and pulled into a messy bun on top of my head, with gentle curls coming down neatly around my face.

"Only the best for you darling!" He says as a waiter arrives and pours me some water, I pull an impressed look at him and he rolls his eyes at my slightly childish antics and orders a bottle of red wine.

"You better be drinking that with me," I say pointedly and he nods as we both pick up our menus and talk about anything other than racing, which is kind of difficult for us as we're both obsessed with the sport, but we manage to make it until the main course arrives before running out of other conversation topics. I raise my glass in quick cheers before not knowing what to cheers to exactly. "To a competitive season for both of us...and good sportsmanship!" I tell him and he nods a smile on his face, we clink glasses before both taking a sip and beginning on our food. "We'll be alright this season, right?" I ask him uncertainly after a few moments have passed.

"Of course, don't get me wrong, I'm sure we'll have moments where we don't like each other. But I'm proud of you and I want you to do well! Like really well...second in the championship behind me kind of well!" He says jokingly towards the end and I shoot him a quick glare.

"Your car looks good, so I'm sure you'll manage to come second this year...behind me!" I tell him and he laughs out loud at that attracting attention from the people at the tables closest to us although neither of us pays any attention.

"Yeah, we'll be fine. We both want to win, I don't think it should get too personal, but we are both petty motherfuckers." He points out and I hum in agreement. "How are you finding it?" He asks tentatively and I smile.

"Good, way better than I thought I would right now, to be honest! Like I thought it would be a lot more of a struggle to win people over into wanting to support me over Max but I haven't found that at all! It felt like home surprisingly quickly!" I tell him and I see him smile but there's some light disappointment in his eyes. "I miss Merc coffee though...it's like they think just because they're an energy drink company that no one drinks coffee anymore so it's not as good!" I tell him with a pout causing a genuine smile to come over his eyes as he chuckles.

"Have you had a Red Bull yet?" He asks and I shake my head.

"Marketing wants me to do a taste test video this week so I actually think that's the plan for tomorrow and then I'm going to spend the afternoon working out or something since I'll be slightly hopped up on caffeine." I tell him with a grin, "you should join me for the workout or something! I could do a challenge video similar to what Max and I did with Netflix last year but for my YouTube!" I tell him and he nods with a surprised look on his face.