The DILF (Sebastian Vettel)

11. Seb's Dilemma

A/N: crisis over.   One of my wonderful readers saved the day.  Thank you so much! You know who you are! She still had it on screen and sent to me.   I added a few bit of dialogue that wasn't there before.  Please, please, please could you all vote again as lost all votes.   Hopefully I've learnt my lesson and will be more careful in future. 

Savannah wasn't a fan of motorsport, but even she knew who Toto Wolff was. Mercedes had been the dominant force in Formula 1 for the past decade, winning eight out of the last nine constructors championships, and were currently on course to regain their crown from the current champions, Red Bull.

Legendary British driver, Sir Lewis Hamilton had won six drivers titles for them and stood a great chance of winning his seventh, eighth in total, for them that season. Hearing he was retiring was a big shock. And hearing that Mercedes wanted Seb to replace him? Wow, now she completely understood why Seb had been a bit off. This was not an easy decision he was faced with.

"Oh my God," she exclaimed. Seb gave a small laugh.

"Yeah, exactly."

"Do you know what you're going to do?"

"I know deep down that I can't accept it. My situation is still the same as it was when I retired. I'm a single father Savannah. I can't keep leaving my children with Maddy, or with my parents. Every now and again would be ok, but it's twenty four races! I'd be gone from Tuesday or Wednesday, not back til the Monday. Factor in time at the factory, testing, media commitments.... If their mother was here I could do it, but I can't ask my parents to give up that amount of time. And Maddy, as much as I adore her, she's not family. And the kids need stability!" Savannah sighed. "But it's my last chance Sav. And it's the opportunity of a lifetime. I got so close to my fifth championship with Ferrari, but I always fell short."

Savannah didn't know what to say. What could she say? It was a decision only he could make.

"I really don't know what to say Seb."

"It's ok. You don't have to say anything. I just had to tell someone, it's been driving me crazy Sav."

"What did you say to Toto?"

"I promised him I'd think long and hard about it before making a final decision. He gave me a couple of weeks. They're not announcing Lewis's retirement until the season gets underway again. I must admit, I'm shocked. I didn't expect Lewis to retire for a few years yet."

"My brother will be gutted," Savannah added. Seb unwound her arms from around his waist and moved so he was stood behind her. He slid his arms around her, resting his chin on the top of her head.

"It's just messing with my mind Sav. I thought when I left Ferrari that I was done. I never thought I'd get another roll of the dice, and it's killing me that I'm going to have to say no."

"Is there really no way? I wish I could help you. I would have the kids, but like Maddy I'm not family, and also I'll be long gone by the time the next season comes around. My grandparents will be back in November. Even if I stay until the end of my residency permit I'd have to leave in May."

"It's ok Sav. I know you'd help if you could."

"I adore those kids, and you! I just want you to be happy." She felt tears pooling in her eyes. Why was life so unfair? Why couldn't Seb have everything he wanted? He deserved the world!

Seb held Savannah tight against his body. She felt like she belonged there in his arms. Maybe if they'd met at a different time, in different circumstances...... He was surprised by how much his heart ached when she'd mentioned her inevitable departure from Switzerland. He'd miss her so much. Sure, he'd probably see her every now and again when she came to visit Charlie and Olivia but that wouldn't be very often.