sparks fly | m.verstappen

twenty-eight

XXVIII. Reconciled Friends

AUSTIN: October 2023

Rafael didn't expect to see his old partner standing in front of him. He was thinking about what his daughter told her, she made a point but he was never one to face his problems.

He tended to run away from them and let them resolve themselves. And when Evangeline grew up, he had the tendency of fixing his problems by letting her face them.

But this time, she was no where to be seen. He had to face Jos Verstappen alone.

Jos didn't know why he was there, something about what Evangeline had said stayed with him. He didn't know how to fix things, he tended to let anger prevail when it came to things, something Max inherited from him.

Their thoughts were interrupted by rush of people coming from the stands. Rafael motioned to the club and Jos nodded. The two old friends walked inside where it was less crowded.

Rafael took this moment to start the conversation, "What can I do for you Jos?" he asked. The Dutch hummed and crossed his arms, "I met your daughter." he simply said.

The Filipino nodded, "And?" he asked. The former driver shrugged, "She has your fire that's for sure." he admitted.

Laughter came out of Rafael making Jos relax a bit. It's been a while since the former friends saw each other, "A lot of people say that about us." Rafael said.

Jos nodded, "Very much like you. Stubborn and hard headed." he said. Rafael's face turned serious, "What did she tell you?"

"That we have to solve this because her and Max will not be affected with out past." the Dutch simply said. Rafael nodded and took his time in finding the right words to say.

Taking a deep breath Rafael started to explain his side, "I never really told you why I didn't sponsor you did I?" he asked. Jos just nodded, his arms still crossed. The Filipino sighed, "I was advised by my lawyers to venture out of my comfort zone. You were my best friend and partner in this profession and in business. I didn't mean to leave you out Jos. We have known each other since children, you have become a comfort zone in the racing business." he said.

He did not expect that. Jos Verstappen uncrossed his arms, "I didn't mean to talk ill. You know me, emotions and me don't mix well."

"Oh I know that very well." Rafael said jokingly. And for the first time in a long time, the two old friends shared a laugh.

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➥@kinderjoy: soft launched!

        ➥@pastry: we can see that lando

        ➥@honeybadger.: let him think he found something out

Angel couldn't help but laugh as Max blushed at the comment the old lady from the other table said as she left. She leaned closer to him, "You do look adorable when you're upset." she said.

He huffed and threw a basil leaf at her. She laughed and shook her head, "Are you feeling any better?" she asked concerned.

Max sighed but nodded, reaching over the table to hold her hand. Angel had made a reservation for dinner. Both wanting to escape the drama that their fathers had brought.

"I am. Thanks to you." he admitted. It was her turn to blush. "Look at you, cherry red cheeks." he teased.

"Stop!" she grumbled and rubbed her cheeks. He laughed and played with her fingers. He started humming to the song that was playing on the speakers of the restaurant.

"You going to sing to me now?" she joked and Max rolled his eyes jokingly and pinched her palm slightly. She yelped and he smiled.

Max stared at her, he could never stop staring at her. She was the epitome of her name; angelic. She was bright, yellow, sweet, gorgeous. He could list out the possible adjectives he could and he wouldn't run out.

"Penny for you thoughts?" she asked. She was worried about what he was thinking. He sighed and smiled, "I just realized something." he whispered.

"Oh really? Care to share?" she teased. He caught up with the joke and he huffed, "I have been sharing." he said, pertaining to the amount of times he had been opening up in interviews.

She nodded, "I know. But what are you thinking?" she asked worriedly. He waved her off, "Just how thankful I am of you." he admitted.

Angel furrowed her eyebrows, Max took this chance to express what he was thinking, "For being patient with me. For not giving up when I was so cold towards you. For giving me a chance, to get to know me. I am so thankful that you pushed your way in my heart and I don't want you leave."

And that was it for her. A flashback to that drunk night, his words, exactly what he said before. Her heart swelled, suddenly it all became real.

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