Finding Home - an f1 romance

chapter 15

Max Verstappen (POV):
Ever since I sent Natalia the text, I've been going psychotic. My father called me, his words cutting deep inside of me. I need to work harder. I need to do better. I need to be better.

I called GP, desperate for his insight. "GP?"

"Max? It's late, what is it?"

My stomach dived with guilt. "I just- I just need to see the data. From qualifying. How could I have made it better?"

I spent hours pouring over the numbers. GP was constantly reminding me that it was late and I should sleep, even saying that he himself was going to sleep. I didn't care. I needed to be better. I needed to work harder.

It was morning by the time my father called me again. I finally hung up on GP, and answered my father's phone.

His words drove me to tears. God, why aren't you good enough, Max Verstappen?

Natalia Bridgers (POV):
I've been staying at Ava's hotel for the past few nights, not quite ready to go back to Max's place. I know I have to go back eventually, but I want to delay it as much as possible.

And then Max texted me late last night, begging me to come back.

"Did Max just text you that right now?" Ava asks quietly, peeking over my shoulder.

Shrugging, I let her read the texts thoroughly. "I guess. I don't know if I want to go back, though."

Max
natalia, please come back.
i needed time to think and some space, i hope you can understand.
i'll talk to you fully, okay?
just come back.

Natalia
Why should I go back?
You're clearly mad at me, and I am, too.

And that was the truth. I was mad, incredibly mad. I didn't mean to reveal more about my past, but his accusations and words made them pour out of my mouth.

Max
please lia
i want to talk to you, okay?
if i have to beg, i will.
it's not the same here without u
i don't know what to do

Ava and I blink at each other, dumbfounded.

"Nat. . . I think you should go," Ava says quietly, slowly. I nod, looking away. "I think something might be wrong. Daniel was telling me about how worried he was the other day about Max."

That surprises me. "Daniel?" I raise my eyebrows at her.

Ava's cheeks flush pink. "If you must know, yes. We've been talking more. But that's off topic! I think it's time to go back."

Sighing, I nod again. "I know. Let me get my stuff. Can you drive me back?" Ava agrees, and I grab the few items I brought.

We drive to Max's place quickly. Ava turns to me. "Update me, okay? I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you, too. I'll see you in, like, a week and a half, though. It's fine."

Goodbyes are exchanged before I find myself at the front door.

I don't knock, instead opening it with the key Max gave me. I immediately hear soft cries, and my heart shatters in my chest.

"Max?" I ask softly as I walk into the living room. He's curled in on himself, back against the couch pillows, hands covering his face. "Hey, look at me. It's okay."