SO AMERICAN | max verstappen

forty.

"I can't even begin to tell you how happy this makes me."

Max's arms were lazily hooked around my waist as he slowly danced with me around the kitchen. We'd spent nearly the entire day getting me settled in his apartment here in Monaco and we were absolutely exhausted. Lili had wanted to help me unpack more tonight, but the poor girl fell asleep at dinner we'd all worked so hard today.

I was smiling so big my cheeks hurt, "I've got an idea because I think I'm just as happy." We've been together again for a couple of weeks now and it's been great, deciding to not take things slow anymore was definitely the best decision I could've made.

Max pulled his phone out of his pocket, tapping a few things before setting it on the island. I was confused until I heard the soft hum of music.

"You're adorable." I giggled as he took my hand and made me spin in a circle.

We danced together around the kitchen, only the light above the stove illuminating the room. It was like a scene from a rom-com I had always wished to recreate one day – the cheesy dream every little girl had. I think I could cry.

Who would've ever though that my romantic fantasies would be made true by Max Verstappen? The Dutch driver I'd always had a complicated relationship with.

I let my head fall to rest on his chest as we danced, the steady beating of his heart lulling me. My mind wandered to thinking about how ever since we clued our friends, essentially the majority of the grid, in on the rekindling of our relationship that everyone continually expressed how ecstatic they were that we were back together. It made me feel like I had made the right choice in taking him back so quickly.

Then my mind wandered to the conversation I had with Taylor on the phone the other day. If I could get an album done by Christmas, I could potentially get a tour planned for next year. A tour! I could go back to doing the one thing I loved more than (almost) anything.

Shit.

I haven't told Max yet.

I think I alarmed him with how quickly I stood up, taking a small step away from him so I could look him in the eye. He looked mildly startled, looking at me intently.

"I forgot to tell you." I had to fight the smile tugging at my lips.

He furrowed his brows and nodded, urging me to continue.

"Taylor called the other day." Max raised his eyebrows, knowing what a call from Taylor could mean. "She told me that the label reached out, saying that if I can get an album done by Christmas then we can get a tour planned for next year."

Max's face lit up at the news. He hooked his arms around my waist, spinning me in a celebratory circle. "That's amazing, Ri!" When he sat me back on my feet he pulled me in for the sweetest kiss. "I'm so fucking proud of you."

I leaned into him, relishing in his embrace and his kindness.

I never thought I'd have someone that would be this happy for me.

~~~~~~

"I don't think I've ever seen you move this slow."

Max rolled his eyes as he pulled on a light jacket, grabbing his wallet and keys from the dresser. "Is this better?" He chuckled, picking up the pace.

I nodded, smiling as I leaned in to kiss him lightly on his way past me. "Much."

Lili was already waiting by the door and had been for a few minutes, yelling periodically at her father to hurry up. I laughed every time she yelled because it would annoy Max and he'd want to move slower just to annoy her.