Valerie

Part 24

DANIEL

I'm standing outside the back entrance of the Mercedes garage when I see Valerie speed-walking towards me. When she reaches me I pull her into my arms before she can say a word. I feel her whole body relax into me and she takes in a deep breath.

When I eventually let go of her she takes a step back and punches me right in the chest.

I groan loudly. "What the fuck was that for?"

"Dont. You. Ever. Do. That. Again." She punches my chest with every word. "You scared the shit out of me!"

"I know Val, I'm sorry honey. But I'm good. The medical team checked me out, and I'm good. Are you okay? You looked like you were on another planet." I take both her hands in mine to stop her from hitting me again. I'm pretty sure I'll be bruised in the morning, she throws a mean punch.

She nods once and a small smile brushes across her lips. "I'm good, Danny. I'm just glad you're okay. Are you done with your media duties?"

I beam at her. "You know it, babe. Let's get out of here?"

"I just need to grab my bag. I'll meet you out front?" she squeezes my hand gently.

I lean in and place a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I'll meet you out there, honey."

I watch as she walks back into the garage, only moving when she disappears out of sight.

Race day proceeds as normal, and I make sure I'm super careful not to hit the wall again. Seeing Valerie in that state yesterday shook me. I finish in 9th. It's not great, but it's in the points, so it's okay for now.

A full week passes with Valerie in Monaco, spending time with Jack, while I'm in England, doing work on the simulator.

When I see Valerie again, it's in France.

I take her out to dinner on Friday night.

Qualifying comes and goes, and I qualify P10.

The race is uneventful for me, I finish the race in P6. A good position to be in considering the car I'm in.

"Danny, come out with us," Val begs, batting her eyelashes at me.

"Honey, I really want to stay in tonight. Go with Maddie, and let me know when you're safely back in your hotel room." I squeeze her hand. "It's been a crazy weekend, I just want to relax."

She pouts but pulls on her heels. "If you change your mind, call me and I'll send you a location."

"Val, go enjoy yourself, you deserve a night out, I've seen how much you've been working. If I change my mind I'll call you."

I'm exhausted from the race and don't plan on going anywhere but my bed, watching Dumb and Dumber and relaxing.

There's a knock on the door and I walk with her to open it.

Lando, Carlos, Maddie, and Charles are all on the other side. I give Val a quick kiss before she leaves with the gang. Lando asks again if I'm sure I don't want to go out.

When Val is gone, I have a hot shower and then order room service before I put Dumb and Dumber on. It's my favourite movie and the best way to just relax after a long and hard weekend.

I'm pretty much dozing off when my phone starts ringing. I pick it up and immediately answer it when I see Lando's name on the caller ID.

"Lando?" I answer, sitting up. "Look man, I don't wanna come out tonight."

"You need to come and get Valerie," he says quickly.

I frown, getting out of bed and looking around for my shoes. "What's wrong? Is she okay?"

Lando lets out a nervous laugh. "Uh, she and Maddie are super drunk, bro. I dunno. I think Carlos and Charles decided to pay for their drinks tonight and things got a little outta hand. I'd bring her myself but I know you'll kill me if I drive her while under the influence. So basically I need you to come and get both of us."

I sigh and run my hand over my face. "Send me your location, I'm on my way."

I finally locate my shoes as I hit the end button on my phone. I pull them on and then rush down to my car.

I pull up to the bar they're at and jump out of the car. I greet the bouncer when I walk in, looking around. I see Valerie laying on Lando's lap at a booth. He's talking to Carlos and waves me over when he spots me.

"Lando, Carlos." I stare at them for a second. "You promised you'd take care of them, not get them blackout drunk. Where is Maddie?"

"I know, man, I'm sorry." Lando mumbles. "Maddie left with Max and Charles."

I nod. "You better hope those two aren't drunk because if Lewis finds out..."

Lando shakes his head. "Max wasn't drinking. But there wasn't enough space in his car for all of us."

I nod. "Okay, let's get out of here."

Lando shakes Valerie awake and she blinks up at me before beaming. "Hi, Danny."

I smile at her. "Hey, gorgeous."

"You decided to come out with us?" she smiles.

I shake my head. "I'm here to take you home. Come on, princess."

She giggles and holds her hands out to me. "Take me home, Danny boy."

I put my arm around her waist to hold her steady while we walk out.

I put her into the front seat, and Lando and Carlos hop in the back.

Carlos apologizes multiple times on the way back to the hotel.

I end up laughing. "Stop. We're all adults and we can make our own decisions, she obviously felt like she needed to let loose tonight. I'm just glad you guys were around."

We all look at Valerie who is sleeping, her head resting against the window.

When we pull up to the hotel I gently shake her awake. "Val, honey, we are at the hotel. Come on, let's get you into bed."

She looks over at me and smiles softly. "Hi, Danny."

I chuckle. "Hi, Val. Come on." I wrap my arm around her shoulders and walk her up to my room.

She holds onto me tightly all the way up to the room.

When we're in my room I take her shoes off and pull the covers back on the bed.

She frowns. "I need to take my clothes off."

I laugh. "Okay, honey, here, let me help you."

I help her take her jeans and her top off and pass her one of my T-shirts.

She smiles at me and leans in, kissing my lips gently. "Thanks, Danny. I love you."

My eyes grow wide and I stare at her. "What?"

She pulls the shirt over her head and looks at me. "Hmm?"

I frown. "What did you just say, Valerie?"

She looks at me, confused. "I- What? I didn't say anything."

I sigh and shake my head. "Oh, baby, you're going to have a headache tomorrow, let's get you into bed."

My heart is pounding at the words that just came out of her mouth. I shook my head as I pulled the covers up over her, she was already asleep again. If only she could say that when she was sober.

I turn out the lights and slide in next to her, pulling her to me. I kiss her head. "Good night, Val. I love you too."