SO AMERICAN | max verstappen

thirtyeight.

"Milan?"

I raised my eyebrows as I read the road signs. My gaze drifted over to the Dutchman seated next to me in the Uber he'd convinced me to get in tonight.

He smiled softly, nodding as he let his knuckles gently brush my bare thigh. "It's only 45 minutes away and we're done until tomorrow afternoon."

By the way his hand brushed my leg, I could tell he was itching to do more – hold my hand or even place his hand on my thigh, but he was holding off. I couldn't help but stare at him, adoration evident in my eyes. Nearly two months had passed since we'd 'broken up' and I'm not sure my feelings faded at all in our time apart.

Ella's hand squeezed my own, her action grabbing my attention. "Slow." She mouthed, making me blush. I forgot how easily she could read me.

We'd taken two Ubers tonight, all packed full. One had Danny, Lewis, George, and Carmen in it while the other held me, Max, Charles, Ella, and Lando. Apparently, Max had planned our night out with Charles and Lando and I was in for a surprise.

I'm not quite sure how to feel about it, seeing as surprises aren't my most favorite thing in the world, but I'm surrounded by my favorite people – so it's bound to be great either way.

I was amazed the further down the road we drove, the architecture of Milan was breathtaking even at night. Time passed quickly, because, before I knew it, we stopped in front of what looked like a nightclub. I couldn't help but laugh as we all climbed out of the vehicles. Why am I not surprised that the boys managed to find a nightclub for us to spend our night at?

"For the birthday Princess." Lando's voice caught my attention.

I furrowed my brows, spinning on my heel to face him. Laughter burst from my mouth when I saw him holding a bejelewed tiara and Charles holding a sash that I believe said something about it being my birthday, written in Italian.

"The sash and tiara were our idea, Max planned everything else." Charles shrugged, walking over to me and sliding the sash onto my body, followed by Lando who looked far too focused when crowning me with my tiara.

Lando nodded, "Can't let anyone mistake who the birthday girl is."

"Y'all are crazy." I laughed, linking arms with Ella as we all ascended the stairs to the entrance of the club.

There was a huge line of people waiting to get in, but we were able bypass it all, security not bothering to check any of our ideas as they welcomed us in. I could hear the murmurs in the line, people all shocked about seeing six Formula 1 drivers, a world-famous singer, and two wags. If I were them I would be shocked too.

As soon as we walked in, someone from the club started leading us somewhere. I furrowed my brows, turning to look at Ella. "What?" I mouthed to her.

She shrugged, "They didn't tell me anything."

I huffed, frustrated that I couldn't figure out what was going on just yet.

The employee stopped at a roped-off area, unclipping the velvet and pulling it aside. Confused, I followed the guys and Carmen, where were we going?

"Buon compleanno, bella!" (Happy birthday, beautiful!) The woman smiled at me as I walked past.

I knew enough Italian to know she was wishing me 'happy birthday', "Grazie." (Thank you.) I smiled, subconsciously reaching for the person in front of me to tug me with them.

Whoever was in front of me took hold of my hand without complaints, leading me into what I could now see was a private room in the club. Except it wasn't just some basic side room, it had been decorated. I gasped at the sight, balloons and streamers everywhere, with a large banner strung across the main wall saying 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY RILEY'.