The lap of life

Chapter 16: Hotel

As you exit the bathroom arm-in-arm with Toto, you suddenly find yourselves in front of George, who looks visibly desperate to use the bathroom; your eyes meet and he can't help noticing your flushed faces and slightly rumpled clothes. Without saying a word, he gently caresses your cheek, trying to reassure you that all is well.

You move on but the question nags at you: did he hear anything? Did he understand what happened in the bathroom? The passion between you and Toto had been quite loud with whispers, moans... Oh my God, how embarrassing! Even as you walk away to the car, the echo of those moments still seems to vibrate in your ears, mingling with the anxiety of having been discovered.

-

It is a bright night, illuminated by city lights and the distant glow of the stars, and you have just left the nightclub where you had enthusiastically celebrated the conclusion of the Monza Grand Prix; the strobe lights and pulsating music had filled you with energy but now, in the quiet of Toto's car, the adrenaline is starting to fade.

You are sitting in the passenger seat, smiling but feeling the fatigue taking over; he glances at you from time to time, smiling too, and his confidence make you feel safe.

"I'll take you to your hotel" he says, with calm and reassuring voice.

You nod, feeling your eyelids growing heavier.

-

You don't remember exactly when you closed your eyes but the next thing you knew was a slight vibration under you and the sound of keys as Toto turned off the engine; you open your eyes, confused and sleepy.

"Are we there?" you ask, with a faint and groggy voice from sleeping.

"Yes" Toto replies, with a gentle smile, "but I brought you to my hotel; you seems so tired and I didn't want to wake you"

You look out the window and see an elegant hotel, with soft lights creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Toto... Your boyfriend...

Well, not officially yet...

By the way, he had decided to take care of you, ensuring you were safe and comfortable...

"I hope you don't mind" he adds, opening your door and offering his hand to help you out.

"No no! I only have to thank you, Toto" you say, taking his hand and letting him guide you towards the hotel entrance, "you're always so thoughtful"

You enter the hotel and the feeling of luxury and welcome envelop you; he takes you to his suite, a spacious and tastefully furnished apartment with a incredibly inviting bed with fresh sheets.

"Sleep well darling" Toto says, indicating the bed, "if you need anything I'm in the room next door, i have to do answer some e-mails"

"Thank you again, Toto" you whispered, already feeling sleep taking over again.

You lay down and close your eyes, feeling gratitude and tranquility fill your heart; you know you are in good hands.

-

The night passed silently and sweet dreams came quickly, lulled by the safety and affection of a special man, your man.

-

The next morning you wake up with sunlight filtering through the curtains; Toto is already awake, sitting on the couch with a cup of coffee in hand and a loving smile on his face.

"Good morning sleepyhead" he says, playfully.

"Oh, hi..." you reply, stretching, "Thanks again to hosting me"

"You should know that my house is your house, in this case my suite is your suite..." he responds, laughing a bit, "I want you to be well so if you will need a break from McLaren, Zak or Andrea feel free to come to me. Now, how about some breakfast together? Maybe we can talk a bit about us..."

You nod, feeling a warm sense of happiness and security growing inside me; you always knew that he will support you in every of your adventures.

Toto had already arranged for a sumptuous breakfast buffet, brought to the suite by the hotel staff: the table was laden with an array of delicious food and drinks, from freshly baked pastries and fruit to a selection of juices and coffee.

You sit down to enjoy the meal, the atmosphere is relaxed and filled with the gentle clinking of cutlery and the soft murmur of the city outside.

Toto was pouring himself another cup of coffee when you decided to ask the question that had been on your mind since you woke up.

"Toto" you begin, hesitating slightly, "did you sleep in the bed with me last night?"

Toto looks up from his coffee with a slight smile playing on his lips, sets the cup down and leans back in his chair.

"No I didn't," he said, gently, "you were so tired... I didn't want to disturb you. I slept on the couch in the other room"

You feel a mixture of relief and disappointment: relief because you discover that Toto is really a respectful man but also disappointment because part of you had hoped to have him closer.

"Thank you," you say, reaching out to touch his hand, "i appreciate how thoughtful you are"

He squeezed your hand in return, his eyes warm and reassuring.

"I want you to feel comfortable and safe," he says "always!"

You nod but couldn't help but voice your thoughts.

"I guess... I just wish we could have taken advantage of being together... It would have been nice to wake up next to you..."

Toto's expression softened.

"I understand" he says, quietly, "and I feel the same way... But I wanted to make sure you had a good night's rest. By the way, while we're on the subject, I wanted to ask you if you want to spend a few days with me in Monaco, after the Singapore Grand Prix; we could stay a lot of time together in my penthouse and my yacht, go shopping, eat at the best restaurants and..."

"The only thing I care about is spending time with you..."

His heart swells as hearing your words; the simple fact that you only want to spend time with him, that you don't care about the luxuries or the fancy things, hits him right in the chest. He pulls you closer, with his eyes filled with love and tenderness as he speaks.

"Ah, my love... You are absolutely right. We don't need any of the fancy restaurants or shopping... Spending time with you, just the two of us, is all I want too!"

"Although, a quick trip to FNAC to buy <F1 2024> for PlayStation 5... Ah, also the museum of early historical anthropology!"

"Ah... And I thought you wanted to go to Christian Louboutin..."