Way to the Glory [Max Verstappen]

Chapter 40 - Date Night

Flashback (5 years ago [age 19] 28.12.2017)

Mom, Enzo, Arth Charles and I are all sat around our table enjoying the Ratatouille Maman made for dinner. "So I haven't told you about something important yet." Charles began talking with a huge smile plastered across his face. All the conversations went silent as all the attention shifted towards the second oldest sibling. 

"Shortly before Dad died, when he was getting worse and worse, I told him that I had a seat for the upcoming Formula 1 season. He was so happy and delighted to know that I had made it there. Unfortunately, it wasn't true at the time. I didn't have a Formula 1 seat, but he was just so happy to leave our world knowing that. I couldn't bear to tell him the truth that I didn't have a contract yet." he told us, his voice slightly shaking. 

We all saw how mom's eyes went glassy. She always tried acting strong for us. To support us. But the reality is Lorenzo and I both already saw Maman crying after she thought all of us were asleep already. We aren't that young anymore, but clearly Charles and especially Arthur were really affected by our dad's passing. While the two of them need a lot of distraction and love after a tough situation, Enzo and I are normally the complete opposite. Both Lorenzo and I usually isolate ourselves and hide away in our rooms or drown ourselves with work or training.

"Anyways, a few days ago I signed a contract with Sauber for the upcoming Formula 1 season. Next season I am going to be a Formula 1 driver. I still can't really believe it." Charles finished happily. 

"Really? Oh my gosh Charles, I am so happy for you, you absolutely deserved this." I was the first one to jump up from, almost knocking my glass of water over, running over to my older brother embracing him in a big bear hug. 

"That's great Cha, I'm sure papa is watching from above and he surely is extremely proud of you." Enzo cheered, before Arthur jumped up hugging him tightly. "That's great! I knew you could do it Charlie. You are going to do a great job there!"

"Oh Charles, that are such great news. You've put so much work and sweat in there. Papa and I are so proud of you!" Maman chimed, with a few tears running down her cheeks.

"So I guess to celebrate the day, let's crack open a bottle of champagne, shall we?" Maman exclaimed happily coming in with a bottle of  champagne and Tiramisu as dessert. "You've made Tiramisu? That's making the day even better!" Arth grinned as mom placed a plate with a big piece of Tiramisu in front of him. "Mom you are simply the best!" Charles exclaimed while chewing on a piece of cake. "I know that, but you still have to eat first and then talk, not the other way round." she scolded making all of us laugh. 

In the end, we enojoyed the rest of the evening finishing the bottle of champagne playing some board games while talking about all and nothing at the same time. Definitely was a great way to distract ourselves from dad's passing, especially with the great news of Charles.

"Bye Max!" I hugged him and entered my room quickly closing the door behind me. "Oh my god, I'm going on a date with fraking Max Verstappen!" I chuckled. So there wasn't that much time, but definitely enough. First i texted both Mick and Pierre to come over in about an hour to help me choose my clother, because especially Pierre has a great fashion sense. And of course, because I need to tell them both about everything and to help me stay undercover, as they need to distract Charles. 

So after sending both of them a message, I went into the hotel bathroom and took a long everything shower, with washing my hair and shaving. After that I brushed my teeth and began to blow dry my hair, before I got interrupted of Mick and Pierre who arrived.