Book 2: Beginning Again -Carlos Sainz

Chapter 9

A week and a half later, Marie found herself in a stunning hotel suite in Singapore, right next door to her dad. Her work had garnered a total of 5 thumbs up from him, each one hitting her like a rush of dopamine. The fans had some great ideas for social content, from things they wanted to see the boys do to questions they wanted to know the answers to. Marie had spent the better half of the time sifting through the thousands of answers- many more than she even thought she would get. But so far she had about 3 decent ideas. She was replying to emails on her phone, pacing around, when she got a text. She froze, staring down at it in the small box at the top of her screen. She read it, over and over again.

Carlos: Hey, let's grab that drink tonight? Before the craziness of the weekend starts.

Given his track record, Marie had every assumption that he would never text her. She hadn't even seen him since Italy, as she went with her dad to visit London for a few days before they left for Singapore. Her heart panged when they landed in London, thinking about Chad and the life she left behind there. Marie shook off the thoughts and the memory, opening up her messages. She screenshotted it and shot it straight off to Erin- the only one who would decode it with her.

Erin: Definitely a date. Wear something low cut, no bulky sweaters.

One, definitely not a date. We barely have a friendship as it is and it's just me thanking him for taking care of me. Two, I love my bulky sweaters and you can take them from me in my grave. But you're lucky, its hot in Singapore. Marie

Erin: Date. I bet you $10 he will either try to kiss you or bone you tonight.

Erin I haven't even replied yet. This whole thing is so out of the blue, maybe I said something when I was blacked out and gave him the wrong idea? Chad and I just broke up:Marie

Erin: Bitch say yes! Get over Chad with this fine ass man all night long. It wouldn't be serious, maybe a casual hookup is what you need. Plus I want my $10!

Marie laughed at her friend's reply, choosing to step up to the challenge. She was never one to step away from a fight out of fear and definitely one to not lose a bet, something Erin knew all too well. And maybe she was right. The breakup had been following her around like a storm cloud, causing her to break down in tears more often than she cared to admit. For a guy who sucked, Marie couldn't lie and say she didn't miss him.

Works for me! You can pick the place, I've never been to Singapore:Marie

Carlos: I've already got one in mind. I'll meet you in the hotel lobby at 6? Sorry it's so early, I need a good night's sleep before the practice sessions

👍: Marie

"The thumbs up emoji? What am I? A 60 year old dad?" Marie thought to herself as she clicked off her phone and walked to her closet. Erin had nixed about half of her options, and with the heat in Singapore she knew she was going to have a hell of a time trying to find something to wear.

**

Marie was very aware of Carlos' body heat as he walked next to her with his hands shoved deep into his dark jeans. The windy evening blew through his white button down, giving Marie a couple glances at his toned chest underneath. He was talking about something, but Marie stopped listening a few minutes ago. They had just finished their round of cocktails, which went more pleasant than Marie thought. They spoke mainly about work and F1, keeping the conversation topics super neutral at the fear of them going back to practically yelling at each other. Carlos paid at the end of the evening when the waiter dropped the check to his side of the table, prompting the only argument that ensued the whole evening.