The Limit (Sebastian Vettel)

92. Just Drive

The drivers all huddled together, smiling at the waiter who held Lewis's phone in his hand.    Lily was sandwiched between Lewis and her future teammate, Lance Stroll, with Seb right behind her.  

They'd just come out of a restaurant where they'd had dinner to say goodbye to Seb, although it wasn't really goodbye. He'd still be around,  but as a WAG, according to Daniel.  

He wasn't the only one they were saying goodbye to.   Nicholas and Mick were leaving too, although not by choice like Seb was, and of course Damon, although everyone was secretly pleased to see the back of him. 

"Ok, one more," the waiter said, holding his finger up in a gesture that reminded Lily of Seb's finger celebration.    It really wasn't going to be the same without him on the grid, she thought to herself.   

The waiter took one more photo and then handed the phone back to Lewis.   The drivers disbanded, and one by one drifted away.  

Lily turned and wrapped her arms around Seb's waist and laid her head on his shoulder.   He hugged her back, an aching feeling in his chest.    It was all getting real now. 

He knew that it was what he wanted, but he couldn't help feeling upset.  This was it.  His last race weekend.   Tomorrow would be his last media day. Each day would be the last something. Still, at least he'd be able to be with Lily 24/7, there to protect her from whoever the creep was who was threatening her.

For now he was trying to push the note he'd received out of his mind. He still hadn't told Lily about it, and he wasn't going to until they got home. He was determined to make the most out of this last weekend. His parents and his siblings had all flown here to Abu Dhabi to be here for him.  

Everything was pretty manic. The media were following him everywhere. In fact, he was getting more attention than all the other drivers put together.

"I'm really gonna miss you man," Lewis said, from by his side.  "You'll soon get bored. You'll be back."  He shook his head. 

"No mate, this is it for me.   But don't you worry, you'll see
me all the time.  Remember what Daniel said, I'm a professional WAG now."

Seb let go of Lily and he and Lewis hugged, slapping each other on the back.    He knew he'd miss racing the Brit a hell of a lot.   Lewis had been there for the whole of his Formula 1 career, and for a lot of his junior career too.

"You will definitely be back!" Fernando Alonso declared, heading over to shake hands with him. 

Lily took a few steps backwards and let Seb have a moment with his old rivals.   She was feeling extremely sad.  She didn't know why she was feeling it so strongly.   She would have him with her every day.   It wasn't as if he was disappearing never to be seen again.

"So are you looking forward to driving for us?" She looked around and saw Lance Stroll stood there.  She didn't know Lance all that well.  He was one of the quieter drivers who kept himself to himself.  

"Yeah I am actually," she replied.  "After all, green is easier on the eye than red."

Lance smiled.  "I'm sure going to miss having him as a teammate, but I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do together."

"Win a championship hopefully," she replied.  

"Are you ready to go back to the hotel Schatz?" Seb asked, taking her hand in his.  

"Sure. Catch you later Lance."

They began walking hand in hand along the street.  It was only a five minute walk back to the hotel.  "I just realised me and Lance have the same initials," Lily said randomly, making Seb laugh.  "And our driver numbers both end in an eight."