The Formula 1 Series - Part I: Liz & George

Meeting unexpected people

We met at a bar we all liked because of their mojitos. When I was still drinking alcohol I would got drunk here every other week simply because their mojitos were delicious. I picked up Naomi on the way as Elsa wrote she would walk and Sarah simply did not answer. We arrived first and I updated her on my talk with Oliver.
„I am so happy for you. Solely because you finally quit this awful job."
„It wasn't that awful."
„Oh yes it was. But maybe you need time to see it. Will you keep your place here?"
I haven't thought of it yet and stirred in my Coke. I couldn't order Tonic as it simply reminded me too much of our trip and George. Plus, I would be only with my girls. I would not need to pretend to drink alcohol.
„Umm, I haven't thought of it yet, but I guess. Let's see how it goes and how exhausting it is to fly back here each time. I think most people stay in Europe."
„Yeah, but you shouldn't! You can't leave me here!"
„Oh I won't! Plus you guys surely will visit me often, right?" I smiled. Having the girls around would double the experience I would make.
„Oh. My. God." Naomi said while starring past me. She grabbed my hand in total shock. I followed her gaze. Oh. My. God. Indeed. I couldn't believe it. Sarah was walking towards us. With Carlos Sainz. I blinked a few times but he didn't dissolve. I looked at Naomi, but she obviously saw the same. We must have given a nice picture. Two girls just starring at him. But on the other hand, he probably often has girls starring at him.
„Hi." Sarah said with a smirk. She must feel incredible to take us by surprise. What the heck. I was still totally stunned.
„Hey you guys! Nice to see you again Carlos! Wouldn't have thought to see you here but nice you could make it!" Naomi seemed to have a quicker reaction time than me.
„Thanks - Naomi right? And you are Liz, aren't you?"
Naomi kicked her elbow in my ribs.
„Yes. Umm, yes. Nice to see you again. Great race this weekend. Again. Congrats!"
„Oh you watched it?"
„Liz is the only real fan here you have to know." Sarah pretended to whisper to him.
„Yes, but she clearly is a Mercedes girl." Naomi said but I hoped nobody understood her due to her giggling. She continued to laugh and I just looked at her in disbelief. How could she?
„What?!" she said and looked confused. But I knew it was fake and saw the amusement in her eyes. „It's true." She turned to Sarah and Carlos. „She is signing with Mercedes. It's 99% official she will join starting next week already."
„Actually I have checks and stuff next week, but it's true. I already have my flights for Spain."
„That's incredible! Congrats! What's are you signing up for?"

We continued to talk for a while but I really wanted to shift the conversation. In the end I tried to do so by asking what brought him here. But they both didn't say much. Elsa was late but didn't look nearly as shocked when seeing Carlos than Naomi and I. I didn't know what to think of all this but decided it wouldn't matter and just enjoyed the evening with my girls and Carlos. We went to another more crowded bar afterwards, which had a small dance area as well. Partly I think we went there because Naomi urged us to go there, which usually meant Samuel was there. I did not mind as long as Nate wasn't around and that obviously wasn't the case otherwise Naomi wouldn't have suggested it. We walked the short walk over there and the fresh air really revealed how drunk everyone was. Sarah and Carlos were really close by then and Elsa seemed to relax a bit. She seemed quite tense the whole evening, but obviously was happy for her sister. The worst was Naomi, who really was drunk. I worried about her but I mean she announced a strong Friday coming in on Monday. So I hoped this would help her get rid of all frustration and tension from work and I walked with her to help her incase she was stumbling or anything. We got there probably at 11:30PM and went inside. Naomi quickly found Samuel and went off to their group. I rolled my eyes. Carlos, Sarah, Elsa and I went to the bar first. So far not many people recognized Carlos. But he wore a casual T and a cap which made it difficult to see his entire face and hid his significant attribute - his hair. I grinned. Him and Sarah. They made a cute couple. We got drinks again and went to the dancing area. I had a quick glance at Naomi but she was with Samuel. I know she was in good hands and I didn't need to take care for her any longer. So I relaxed and we danced for quite some time. Just as at the penthouse party Carlos was an actually good dancer and he and Sarah couldn't keep the eyes from one another. It was really cute. Only Elsa didn't seem to be completely happy and I asked her if she needed to go to the bathroom as well. She declined and smiled, which usually meant she really doesn't want to talk. I decided to do her the favor and thought to myself that she will come to us to talk once she was ready. So I went alone in the actually empty ladies room, freshened up and had a last proofing look in the mirror before I headed back.
„I heard you quit your job for some dude." I heard someone saying behind me when I got out of the ladies room. I didn't need to turn around to see who it was. I would always know this voice. If not by the tone then by the shivers it sent through my entire body. These shivers once were a positive feeling but over the years they grew into pain, anger and anxiety. I turned around and lifted my head as Nate was tall. He looked way worse then the last time I have seen him. Which must be over a year ago.
„You look terrible." I said and meant it. He obviously hasn't expected such an answer and was caught off guard.
„Probably that's your fault." He then said. „So, tell me about this dude. He's with Formula One?"
I closed my eyes. I would kill Naomi and Samuel. How could they do something like this to me?
„Leave me alone, Nate." I turned around and started walking but he grabbed my wrist and pulled me back. I stumbled. He took me by the opposite shoulder and pushed me against the wall leading to the bathrooms.
„No, first you tell me about it."
„Don't touch me! Have you completely lost your mind?! Leave me alone!" I screamed, which did nothing as the music was way too loud. I tried to move and get rid of him, but he has always been way stronger than me. He did not make any move or hint to let me go whatsoever. His breath hit my face and a wave of alcohol hit me. „If you do not let me go this instant I will -„
„- What? Huh? Your words have always been empty." He came closer with his face and also his hip started to lean forward and touch me. I felt helpless and a wave of anxiety and disgust rushed through me.
„Let me go! You are sick, you know that?"
„Hey man, I think this lady has made clear she doesn't want you attention." Someone said on the side of the dance floor. Our both heads turned to this voice and I was relieved that someone finally saw this fiasco. Until I looked into Carlos' dark eyes. The thought of regret that he found me was vanished the moment Nate backed off and I could finally breath again. I felt the anxiety leaving my body and stumbled next to Carlos.
„You good?" he asked and really seemed to worry.
„Yeah, yeah, come let's go." I said and now I grabbed him by the wrist.
„Hold on, you are one of the Ferrari drivers, aren't you? Funny enough I only know because of her dad." Nate said to Carlos. I tried to pull Carlos forward as this conversation would not end well, but Carlos seemed too confused what my dad had to do with it.
„Probs to you, Liz. I mean I liked it, but I wouldn't have thought your fucking would keep a race driver." He laughed the ugliest laugh I ever heard and my brain would probably never forget it. The same with his words. My eyes started to burn.
„Wow, that's way beneath her class. Let's go." Carlos said and turned him and me around to walk off.
„You know he's fucking Sarah as well, right?!" Nate shouted still with this ugly laugh. He touched Carlos on the shoulder to keep him from walking off. „You are better off with Sarah – the whore. She does it better." He laughed again as our both heads turned back to him in light speed. I was totally lost and just looked at him in utter shock. What did he call her?? And what did he just say?! But no, that's not possible. I noticed Carlos looking and me and forced my face to loose all shock and emotions and took a deep breath. "As if you would know. Come Carlos." And I rushed off with Carlos, whose wrist I still held - way too forceful I realized and looked at the marks my nails have left after I let go off him. Nate still laughed and shouted something, but I didn't listen anymore.
"Let's go to the bar, okay?" I said and just kept on moving. He followed me to the bar where the music wasn't that loud. I needed to say something to him. This was horrible and of all I was most sorry that Sarah got pulled into this. I needed to clear the air.
"Two shots, huh?" I asked him and ordered.
"Listen, Carlos. I am so sorry for what you just have witnessed. As you probably can guess that's my crazy ex. I haven't seen him in a long time and normally don't go we're he is, but Naomi is drunk and must have told him ... Anyway, important is - everything he said must be ignored, okay? Especially what he said about Sarah" I took a deep breath and looked at him if he would say anything, but I could see his thoughts rambling. I felt like I needed to say something else.
"I mean he never slept with her - I am sure about that." I thought for a bit and tried to frame the next words carefully. "You see, Sarah is probably the most beautiful most sexy girl in this city. People just say stuff like this because of her looks. Please, promise me you will forget about all of this?!"
He starred at me for a while and I nearly cried because I felt so helpless. I didn't want to say anything further. Sarah doesn't need to be defended - there simply was nothing to defend and I got more and more frustrated.
"Let's drink, okay?" He simply said and I exhaled. I haven't noticed I held my breath nor that our shots arrived.
"To forgetting!" I said and clinked his glass. I could tell he was still thinking about it, but there was nothing I could do further.
"Come on let's go back to the others!" I said purposely enthusiastic and made my way back to the dance floor. Carlos followed me, but his easy-going Spanish mood did not come back.