Style: M.Verstappen

Chapter 1

MONTE CARLO, MONACO

It was early evening and 23-year-old Lilianna McNair was preparing for a nightout with her brother and some if his friends. The girls parents agreed to look after her 5-year-old daughter, Isla-Rose, for the night while she went out and enjoyed herself while in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

"Lily, are you ready? We need to go!" her older brother, Paddy, calls to her. "Yeah. Let me get my bag." Lilianna calls back as she walks out the bathroom of her hotel room. After putting her lipstick on, Lilianna walks out her room and picks up her bag. "Gorgeous as always, Lil. Lets go." Paddy says. "Alright. Isla, be good for Nan and Grandpa." Lilianna says as she walks over to her daughter and kiss the top of her head. "I will, Mummy. Bye." Isla says, waving at her mum and uncle as they leave. "Have fun, kids." Claire, Lily and Paddy's, mother smiles. "We will, and we'll be careful." Lily says as her mum and dad, Alan, nod.

The duo left the room, shutting the door behind them. In the lobby, they met some of Paddy's friends. "Hey guys." Paddy says as he greets his friends. "Oh, hey Paddy. Hey Lily." Dael Fry, one of Paddy's teammates at Middlesbrough, smiles. He gives Lilianna a long hug. "Hey Dael." Lilianna smiles. After greeting some of the others, the group all head out to the night club.

NIGHT CLUB

Arriving, the night club was already busy with party goers all dancing and drinking. "So, what's everyone having as their first drink?" Paddy asks. "Uh,  I'll have a dirty martini. Haven't had one of them for a while." Lilianna smiles. The rest order their drinks and find a booth while Paddy goes to the bar.

"So, I heard that there are going to be some F1 drivers here tonight." Another of Paddy's teammates, Ryan, says. Lilianna's ears perk up. The girl has always been a fan of Formula 1 ever since she was 5 and has watched every race since. "Do you know which drivers?" Goalkeeper, Liam Roberts, asks. "I'm not sure. If any of us spot one, let the others know." Ryan says as everyone nods.

The drinks soon came and everyone chatted. "Come on. Let's dance." Liam says. Lillianna at first was reluctant until Paddy grabs her hand. "No, Paddy. I'm not going." Lilianna says. "You are and you will. Now, enjoy yourself. You are child-free tonight." Paddy says as Lilianna laughs and nods. The group all dance to the music.

As the night went on, Lilianna sat back at the booth the group. As she looked to the dance floor, Lilianna can't spot her brother or his friends. Slowly, panic sets in. Lilianna pushed her way through the crowded Monte Carlo night club, her heart racing as she searched for her brother, Paddy, or one of his friends. She had lost sight of them in the sea of people and was starting to panic.

As she weaved through the throngs of people, she collided with someone, causing her to stumble. She looked up, ready to apologize, but her words caught in her throat when she saw who she had bumped into.

He was tall and lean, with piercing blue eyes and a shock of messy blond hair. Lilianna couldn't help but stare, feeling a strange flutter in her chest.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice deep and smooth. Lilianna nodded, unable to form words. He offered her a hand and helped her back to her feet. "Thanks," she managed to say, her heart still racing. "Is everything okay?" he asked, his eyes scanning her face. Lilianna shook her head. "I'm looking for my brother and his friends. I lost them in the crowd." The man smiled sympathetically. "I know how that feels. Let me help you look."

Lilianna nodded gratefully, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. They made their way through the club, searching for any sign of Paddy or his friends. As they walked, the man introduced himself as Max Verstappen. Lilianna didn't immediately recognize the name, but he seemed friendly and genuine, so she didn't mind. They eventually found their way back to the booth where Lilianna had been sitting before she got lost. Max pulled out a chair for her and they sat down, continuing their conversation.

Lilianna found herself opening up to Max, telling him about her worries and fears. He listened attentively, offering words of encouragement and support. As they talked, Lilianna felt her panic attack subside. Max had a calming presence about him, and she found herself feeling more relaxed and at ease. They waited for Paddy to return to the booth, chatting and laughing as the night wore on. When Paddy finally showed up, Lilianna introduced him to Max, grateful for the unexpected help he had provided. As the night came to an end, Lilianna realized that she had made a new friend in Max. She didn't know what the future held, but she was grateful for the chance encounter that had brought them together.

The girl turned back to Max as she left and mouthed 'Thank You' as she left the night club with her brother and his friends.  The RedBull driver gave her a smile and a nod.

"Lily, you could have told us you've met AND spoke to Max Verstappen." Dael says, in shock. "I didn't know it was him, okay? My mind was in overdrive to even register it was him." Lilianna defends herself. Dael holds his hands up in surrender and the others all laugh as they head back to their hotel.

Once she was back in her room after hugging her brother goodnight, Lilianna can't get the encounter with Max out of her mind. The girl lays in bed, scrolling through social media

A/N: The first official chapter is out.

And on a day where motorsport experienced yet another tragic death at the same track which took Anthoine Hubert in 2019. Nothing has clearly been learnt from the multiple motorsport deaths and Dilano Van't Hoff is the latest at only 18. 18 and took too soon! My thoughts are with Dilano's family at the truly heartbreaking and awful time for them