The Limit (Sebastian Vettel)

116. All Eyes On Her

Lily marched through the paddock, sunglasses on, head held high.  Her hand was in Seb's, their fingers interlocked, as the press fired questions at them left, right and centre. 

Behind them, Antti followed carrying Lily's bag, filling in for Seb who was still recovering from concussion.  

"What happened after Goodwood Lily?"

"Is it true that Liam Ashcroft tried to kill you both?"

"Lily, how are you feeling?"

"Lily, how did you get those bruises?"

"Seb, what happened to your head? Why is your jaw bruised?"

Seb leant in close.  "Don't let them bother you," he whispered into Lily's ear. Her mouth turned up at the corners in a small smile.

"Oh they're not.  I don't think anything could bother me right now." It was true. She'd come through so much and she was still standing. She could handle a bunch of pushy journalists.

"Lily, you're nineteen points off the lead in the championship, do you think you're still in the fight? Or has your slow start to the season ruined your chances?"

Lily stopped in her tracks.  Seb tried to stop himself from laughing.  The questions about Liam and about her bruises hadn't bothered her, but a question about the championship had.

Hunter.  Of course it was Hunter, and Seb knew Lily was about to hand his arse to him.

"Mr Hunter, there are twelve races left.  Why would I be out of the race?   I'm only four points behind Daniel, have you asked him if he considers himself out of the race? I'm nineteen points off of the top.   A second place with a fastest lap and a DNF from Charles and I'll have caught him."

"You'd still have Max and Daniel to contend with."

"On what basis do you think I can't contend with them Mr Hunter? Is it the fact that I am not in possession of a cock and balls?"  Seb couldn't contain himself a moment longer.  He snorted with laughter, as did several of the other journalists.

"But, I. I..." spluttered David Hunter, lost for words.

"As I thought. Your opinion is moot. Now if you'll excuse me, I have somewhere else to be.  Have a good weekend!"

She started walking again, almost dragging Seb along with her. 

"Baby..."

"Yes?"

"You are fucking amazing!"

Lily laughed, heading up the steps into Aston Martin hospitality.  

She could feel everyone staring at her as she crossed the dining area.   She knew rumours would be spreading about what had actually happened four days earlier.  Some would be right, some would be wrong.  She wasn't going to correct anyone.  The truth was between those that needed to know. 

They headed up the stairs and into Lily's room.  Seb immediately sat down and sighed, putting his hand on his head. 

"I knew you should have stayed at home," Lily told him.  "You only got out of hospital on Tuesday, and you flew straight to Switzerland, then twenty four hours later we flew here.  You're over doing it!"

"I'm fine Lily.  It's just a bit of a headache. There was no way I was letting you out of my sight."

"Here, take these," Antti said, handing Seb a packet of Paracetamol.  Seb popped a couple out and then walked over to the sink.  He turned the tap on and filled a glass up.  He took the pills.