Not that innocent

Chapter 10 - play studid games, win stupid prizes.

The days in Paris were a whirlwind, swiftly passing just as Max had arranged them. At the Parisian airport, Max and Sarah bid farewell after their spontaneous trip. The love between them was palpable, yet the shadows of Jos Verstappen's disapproval weighed heavily on Max's shoulders. Jos, a stern father, propelled his son's Formula 1 career with unwavering determination. The unexpected jaunt to Paris had not aligned with his plan, and Max could practically feel his father's dissatisfaction, especially since Max had ignored his calls throughout the entire stay. But with the end of the Paris escapade, he had to confront the responsibilities that awaited. And there it was... again... the buzzing.

Glancing at his phone, which displayed several missed calls, Sarah inquired, "Everything okay?" Over the weekend, she had noticed Max's intentional avoidance of certain calls, a detail not lost on her. "Yes... I mean, not really, as we probably won't see each other during this summer break. You in Madrid and me in Monaco. How long do you have to stay in Madrid?"
"I guess 2-3 days, it depends on the Ferrari boys and how they will do it.
Max seized the opportunity, "Then perhaps Monaco could be your next destination?" However, Sarah reminded him of the planned trip to Mallorca, a revelation that stirred unease within Max. "Forgetful, aren't you?" Sarah playfully teased, unwinding the threads of unspoken tension. Max, haunted by the vision of Sarah, Charles, and Carlos embarking on a sun-kissed Mallorcan trip, felt a twinge of jealousy. "I didn't realize you were that close, planning vacations together," Max remarked, his tone laced with a hint of sarcasm.
"Well, now you know. We work together all year; it would be silly not to getting along, right?" ,Sarah countered.
"Just the three of you?" Max probed, an attempt to uncover the depth of these connections. "Charlotte, Charles's girlfriend, will join, Pierre, Kika, and maybe Lando might follow. Maybe you could make an exception and join us?" Sarah proposed, her invitation lingering in the air. "Even though I'd love to, there is too much going on in Monaco. I have matters to attend," Max lamented, torn between desires and duties.
"If you change your mind, you know where to find me. On the beach under the sun," Sarah teased, her eyes shifting toward her phone. "Oh sh..., I have to go..." Max embraced Sarah one last time, holding her tight as he whispered in her ear, "Remember, blue suits you better than red." With that last sentence, he let Sarah go.

An hour before his flight to Monaco, Max sought refuge in the airport lounge, preparing for the inevitable call with Jos. Dialing the number, anger echoed on the other end. "What the hell has gotten into you? Get on the next damn flight and come to Monaco!" Jos's furious voice resonated. Max, wearied by the familiar script of paternal expectations, retorted, "What do you think I'm doing right now?" The conversation ended abruptly, leaving Max with mixed emotions as he boarded his flight to Monaco, where unresolved tensions and familial expectations awaited him. "Simply f**king lovely!"

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While Max attended to his commitments in Monaco, navigating the challenges that came with it, Sarah's trip to Madrid proved to be a resounding success. She tackled the job within the given guidelines and was already en route to Mallorca, accompanied by the two Ferrari drivers and Charlotte. Pierre and Kika had arrived at the villa a day earlier, and as for Lando, there had been no further updates. Prior to this, he had informed Carlos that he likely wouldn't make it due to meetings with McLaren.
The Mallorcan villa welcomed Carlos, Sarah, Charles, and Charlotte with its rustic charm. As they entered through the arched doorway, the warm glow of ambient lights illuminated the spacious living area. The scent of Mediterranean air mingled with the subtle fragrance of blooming flowers, creating an inviting atmosphere. Large windows framed picturesque views of the Mallorcan landscape.
As Carlos, Sarah, Charles, and Charlotte explored the villa, the distant sound of laughter echoed from the pool area. There, Pierre and Kika were enjoying a moment of relaxation. Carlos, leading the way, cracked a smile as he gestured towards the open view from the dining room to the garden. "Welcome to our little heaven in Mallorca."