Same but... different (Lestappen and Carlando)

Chapter 52

POV: Charles

I'm frustrated. Frustrated because I started the race second and finish it fifth. My teammate, on slicks obviously caught up with me, and I would have ended up sixth if it weren't for Bottas' engine issue. We're nowhere where we want to be and I feel helpless, I don't see what I can do better.

This is probably what I dislike the most about Formula one, when I do everything correctly but other factors result in me losing. And yeah, it's still good points for the team, but only winning is rewarding enough to me.

Sighing, I pack my stuff and head back to the hotel, feeling exhausted after this extremely long meeting. Vain excuses, and a bit of work, but nothing worth spending that much time, clearly. I know it's not our battle anymore, this year. It's more than obvious, we're only third in constructors and I don't even want to check my position in the drivers' championship.

As I check my phone, I notice a text from Max telling me he'll join me once he gets back, and the news brings a little smile on my face. At least he won, and not Lewis, which hopefully will put him in a good mood.

A few minutes after I entered my room I hear knocking at the door, and immediately get up to open. I'm relieved when I see my boyfriend, closing the door behind him and hugging him as soon as it's locked.

— Hey, the Dutchman simply says, apparently a bit surprised of my sudden affection but returning the embrace.

— 'missed you, my voice is muffled as I'm pressed against him, but he seems to understand and tightens the hug.

— What happened? He asks as we go sit on the bed.

— Nothing really, I'm just tired and disappointed with the race. Congrats though, I'm happy you won!

He smiles for half a second, before returning to a worried face.

— Thanks Charlie, I would've loved to share the podium with you but hey, there are so many races left, you have time to bounce back and put everything together again I'm sure!

His encouraging words comfort me a little, although coming from the current favourite for the world championship it makes it a bit bitter. But I know he doesn't say this to brag, he's the opposite of that, always saying he's not "doing enough".

Coincidentally, Max's phone starts ringing, and I feel my heart dropping when all the colours drain from his face.

— My dad, is the only thing he says, before taking a deep breath. I'm going to answer, see what he'll say. Don't make a noise please.

I'm very curious to know if Max's "progenitor" will talk about the relationship he's suspicious about, or simply about the race. I won't understand much though, even if he puts the call on speaker. Maybe I should take Dutch lessons after all.

POV: Max

Holding my breath, I pick up and immediately hear my father's voice, one I used to love but only makes me feel bad now. There's no more love, no more affection in his tone, only a certain coldness that makes me wonder if I imagined the good relationship we've once had.

*the following conversation is in Dutch for realistic reasons, but in English cause I don't speak it*

— Hello Max, how are you?

Shocked by the sudden question, one I definitely wasn't expecting from him anymore, I take a few seconds to answer. Charles is looking at me with an interrogative face, probably surprised by my own reaction. I don't have time to explain to him though, as I reply.

— Uh fine, I mean I won so...

I don't know what else to say, too used to this kind of talk after a race. He usually loves to remind me of my mistakes, what I could have done better etc. even when I win. But this behaviour is strange, suspicious even.