Unexpected Love - Max Verstappen

Chapter two / Sofia's POV

After I have all the workout and warm up plans ready I decide to walk through the paddock. I get myself a big coffee..The smell of the coffee and the sounds let me sink into thoughts.I remember how much I used to love being here..how much fun i had with my family..

I must have been deep in my thoughts when I ran into someone. My coffee fell right in front of my feet and onto the shoes of the person across from me. I look up and my eyes meet deep brown eyes.

„I'am very sorry... actually I'm not that clumsy. Of course I will pay for cleaning your shoes."I smile nervously at mine opposite

„Oh nonsense that's no problem. I think there are a few more in my driver's room. By the way, I'm Charles. Im a Driver for the Ferrari team."he answers easily.

Only now do I notice that he is wearing a Ferrari race suit. „For real? I wouldn't have thought of it with your red racing suit." I wink at him. „I'm Sofia Wolff"

„Wollf like Toto Wolff? I heard from you, Georges bestie, right?When he's not talking about Carmen, he's always talking about you."he says and has to grin. Now I can't suppress the grin anymore „That sounds a lot like Georgie.. Haha"

Charles looks me in the eyes and I can fell he's getting nervous. Why is he getting nervous? Oh no, he's not going to ask me about what happened last year, is he? „So ehmmm ... I heard what happened and i would like to say .." He starts but I interrupt it immediately. „Sorry I have to go now... See you soon good luck for the weekend Charles"

As fast as I can I turn around and run. I turn into the first side street that I see between the motorhomes where no one sees me. I lean against the wall and feel my breath getting heavier and heavier. My chest feels very tight...I close my eyes and remember what the doctor told me to do in this situations...It's about 25 minutes before I feel better and I look at my watch. „shit I'm late for my appointment with George"...I take another deep breath and run to the Mercedes garage.

I let the day go by and I'm glad when I'm in the hotel and just go to sleep. Tomorrow will definitely be a better day. 

I wake up and felling better... It's media day...I hate the media day but I look forward to the track walk. It is important for me to see how I can prepare George physically for the race. We starts with a little run with George and a short strength and neck workout. Me and George are headed to the track walk.

„And how was your first day yesterday? Anything exciting happening?"I can tell he has something in mind but can't see exactly what it's about yet.

„not really... I met Charles and after our appointment yesterday evening I was still busy with the results of the test drives and sleeping" It wasn't a lie I hadn't done anything else.

„So that's why you were late to our appointment yesterday? He winks at me. I roll my eyes.. "Georgie please... You know I don't need something like that at the moment and he's not my type at all, too sweet and has a girlfriend" I hope that's the end of the topic now, but I know George better..

George has to laugh a little. „right.. my bestie only likes real bad boys haha" ..„Oh shut up Georgieee..." I look at him annoyed.

„okay new topic ...tomorrow after the FP's we want to go out to eat with some drivers. Are you coming, too ? Lewis, Alex and Lando are there and you know Charles now too... other drivers will also be there" He looks at me with that pleading look he knows it works always...but this time I want to hold against.

„Georgie I don't know... I think I would like to prepare myself for the next few days"

„Sunshine. we've always said we're honest with each other and my bestie is not a workaholic and never will be... Come and have fun and you won't regret it" and again he looks at me with his big eyes. He knows that's how I always say yes...

I actually have to laugh and throw my hands over my head...I wink at him „Alright.. I come ..what time will you pick me up at the hotel?"

„7 am I'll be there" He says happy.

„Alright... but I don't have to dress up, right? You know I prefer to dress casually"It was true I didn't like spending hours getting ready.

„Just feel good and be yourself, that's all I want" He hugs me tight. I'm really glad that I was persuaded to take this job. I'm slowly starting to feel like I'm being myself again...I smile and are surprised by myself that I'm looking forward to tomorrow...

Everything went smoothly on Friday. I warmed up George and both free practice sessions went well. After the team meeting I made my way to the hotel. I put on comfortable jeans and a top. It's so warm here I'm really more of a spring person. I wear a little mascara and my hair down.

Suddenly there's a knock on my door. I look at the clock.. it's almost seven. George is punctual but never early. He thinks being early is rude. I open the door and look into my uncle's eyes..

„Hi darling.. I wanted to check on you... you were off the track so fast. I thought maybe you didn't feel well and wanted to stop by..." he says it and I see his worried look straight away. Besides George, Toto was my closest person after what happened last year.

„Very kind of you...but everything is fine I just wanted to get ready.. I'm going out to dinner with some drivers tonight. and don't worry, Georgie and Lewis will be there too."

Toto's eyes light up. „I'm glad to hear that. Have a lot of fun and enjoy the evening. Tomorrow it starts early so not too long Sofia"did he really just use his serious voice?

„was that an uncle's advice or my boss's advice?" I have to laugh and also Toto.„probably a bit of both" Toto hugs me and leaves my room and I go down to the hotel lobby.

I want to prove to George that I can also be on time and I'm down in front of the hotel at 7pm. George is already there, of course. I jump in the car and on the way we talk about all sorts of things..We go in the restaurant and most of the drivers are already there...Are they all always so punctual?

George introduces me in front of everyone. „So guys this is Sofia.. I may have mentioned her before"

Lando interrupts him „a little understatement of the year... you always talk a lot about here. Hey little Wolff nice to see you again. You guys probably remember when Charles couldn't stream with me. Sofia filled in for him so Alex and I know her. But be careful, she will kick asses" Lando laughs and gets up to hug you. He's right back then in the stream you mercilessly destroyed all the boys.

I roll your eyes and stick my tongue out at Lando. „Thanks Lando for this great introduce. Hello everyone nice to meet you „ Everyone has to laugh a little and greet me warmly. I sit between George and Lando. I find it funny how both are British, both drive Formula 1 but are otherwise completely opposite.

Most of us are just ordering the food when the door opens and another driver enters the restaurant...

I lean in to George and whisper in his ear. "You told me only cool people would come. Why didn't you mention that the most annoying and arrogant driver is also coming?" I have to roll my eyes..

Unfortunately, I really can't stand him, but I don't really know him either.. my luck.. What I get over the edge is enough. I'm surprised that George hangs out with someone like that voluntarily in his free time.

„Hello everyone. I'm sorry I'm so late. I still had a few things to do with the mechanics and engineers" You can see that Max is uncomfortable, but who can blame him? He is way too late..