Turbulence [𝗠.𝗩.]

Canada, Post-Race

PADDOCK RUMOUR: Alpine set to miss their targets for the 2023 season. CEO warns of job losses if team performance does not improve - @PaddockRumourMill

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CANADA

AFTER THE RACE

JUNE

Vershtoppan (Max);
Dinner?

I hate the way the one-word text makes me smile like an idiot. We're only two weeks into figuring our shit out, only four months into the season, and my stupid brain is acting like this has always been this way.

It hasn't, and I have to remind myself: take it slow. Figure shit out. Even if Max seems to be more willing to charge ahead, a lot more on the side of instigating conversations over the phone and in person, I have to make sure this isn't just some I find him attractive but wouldn't actually date him thing.

I stare up from where I'm lying on my bland white bed, in a just as bland hotel room. The wooden headboard that's mounted into the wall, with dated yellowing wall lamps makes me feel more inclined to go out. I'd rather be outside than in this boring room.

Jahsica (Me);
Was gonna cheat and get something unhealthy.
Blame the catering staff.
Pls dont tell claire she will kill me

Vershtoppan (Max);
Brb running to tell her now

I send a gif to him, a screaming one that's the first my keyboard generates from my input. His response is one of someone running. Cheeky fucker.

Vershtoppan (Max);
Seriously though, dinner?
Promise it wasn't Daniel's idea this time.

Jahsica (Me);
Was it Charles?

Vershtoppan (Max);
:)

I sigh, rolling my eyes, but smiling through it all. I should have known that they would still keep it up, albeit more carefully. I don't want to cause trouble, so as long as they don't make things weird again, I won't tell Liam.

Staring at my phone, I huff as I try to think things through. Is it too fast to be going out again for a meal? I do that sort of thing with friends, but then when I'm with my friends, that's all there is. There's no subtle undertones, no awkwardness of not knowing how it'll go.

Vershtoppan (Max);
:(

I sigh again. I do want out of this bland, completely white and wooden hotel room. What does it matter if Charles told him to make the suggestion?

Jahsica (Me);
Room 20
We'll get a taxi.
I'll pay

Jahsica (Me);
When I figure out where to go