Sparks - Daniel Ricciardo

Forty Two

   📍8th July 2022 - Spielberg, Austria

As qualifying was about to take place in Austria, Amber leaned over the halo of Daniel's car, peeking down at the driver sat in the hot seat.

His fingers moved in his gloves as he loosened up his grip, before testing the waters and holding tightly onto the steering wheel.

"Ready for your helmet?" Amber asked sweetly as she made eye contact with the Australian driver.

Simply nodding, he blocked out any distractions prior to a race, sprint session or qualifying. He couldn't let anything be a potential distraction before he had to prove himself out on track.

As Amber reached over and retrieved Daniel's special race weekend edition helmet, she smiled over towards Michael who was briefly conversing with Blake about the potential risks to today's session.

Although, Amber's smile was only for Michael. She hadn't even seen or spoken with Blake since his outburst at Daniel's birthday dinner, and she was finding it incredibly rude that Blake had not yet extended his olive branch.

Even for Daniel's sake.

Amber was also hiding her frustrations with Daniel as he hadn't spoken to Blake about his behaviour either. Amber thought that Daniel may try to defend her honour, but so far he hadn't even made an attempt.

As Daniel fitted his helmet down onto his head, Amber batted her eyelashes down at him, reaching her hand down to hold onto his gloved one.

"Drive safe today. I want you back here in one whole piece." Amber giggled before moving back slightly.

Daniel hadn't spoken a full sentence in at least an hour, causing his next line to take Amber by surprise.

"Don't worry baby, I'll make sure to come back for you." Daniel smirked as he readied his hands once more to take grip onto the steering column.

Amber blushed profusely before stepping down and moving out of the way. She soon found where Michael was stood, choosing to take position next to him, regardless of how awkward it was between her and Blake at the moment.

Michael cleared his throat briefly, sensing the tension, and waved off Daniel's car as he carefully drove it out of the garage; the noise of the engine rattling the small room as it departed.

"Are you watching from in here or will you be heading back to Dan's room to sit with Fran?" Michael quickly asked to avoid any awkward silences.

Francesca had decided to extend her time on the road with Michael, as she had originally planned to head back home to New York once Silverstone had taken place.

Amber may have had some persuasive reasons to keep her best friend by her side; offering child care whenever she needed to take a break or to simply have some well earned time for herself.

Michael didn't complain about Francesca's sudden change of plans. This way he still got to spend quality time with his son.

And if he told the truth, he liked having Francesca around too.

"I'll head back to see Fran, she's probably getting lonely." Amber replied as she picked up her oversized cardigan off the side before proceeding to wrap the woollen item around her small frame.