Book 2: Beginning Again -Carlos Sainz

Chapter 21

The private jet was eerily quiet as Marie typed away on her laptop, looking up to her father every few seconds, trying to read his expression. He remained stone cold, and Marie knew it was a matter of time before they had to discuss it. She shut her laptop in a brief swell of bravery before spitting out,

"Okay we need to talk."

Gavin looked up at her and set his phone down, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Yes, we do," he replied with sternness.

"Dad, I am an adult. I know you caught on to the fact that Carlos and I have been... seeing each other. I can make my own decisions about who I date and you know that I will keep everything extremely above board in terms of the job," Marie said, impressed with the level of confidence in her voice. There was a beat of silence before Gavin replied.

"I know you can make your own decisions, but... I just cannot support this one."

Marie felt shocked. She knew he wouldn't like it at first, but her dad was always there to support her.

"Why not?" She replied, failing to hide the hurt in her voice.

"Because... I just know the type of man he is and that is someone I could never be okay with my daughter dating. He has had a rotation of women through every season I've known him, even when he wasn't with Ferrari. He is not trustworthy. And, quite frankly, it doesn't look good from the business side."

"You don't know him and you don't know us as a couple. Trust me, Dad, I thought he was a massive player when I first met him, but he's changed. He proved to me that he wants this and that he's ready to change."

Marie thought about the words she was saying as soon as they exited her mouth. Did she really believe that? Did she truly think he had changed? He went on that date with the woman in Brazil, and he swore nothing happened, but he still went. The doubt started to creep in as she doubled down on her words, crossing her arms over her chest for emphasis.

"Is this... something to do with Chad? Are you trying to get over him by jumping into this new relationship?"

"Dad, how dare you assume something like that. I am an adult woman, more than capable of separating my emotions and making decisions. This has nothing to do with Chad, I haven't spoken to him since the breakup."

Marie tried to fight the fumes that were coming out of her as she stared down her dad. He had never tried to tell her what to do, and she was not having it.

"Okay, fine. I will stop asking. You know I can't force you to do anything, but just know I don't trust him as a man. Be careful with him."

"Yes, dad, I will be careful. I promise."

**

Carlos found himself in a random grocery store in Abu Dhabi, with Charles next to his side wearing the largest sunglasses known to man. They were both deep in hiding with their outfits as their inconspicuous limo waited outside.

"Dude," Charles said with exasperation, "just pick one so we can leave."

"No, you were right with this advice. I should get her flowers, but I don't know what her favorite flowers are. Should I ask her dad?"

Charles looked at him like he had just asked the most ridiculous question ever.

"Absolutely not. You want him to know that you're sleeping with his daughter? That's a swift punch to the jaw waiting to happen," Charles replied.

"I think he already knows, I wasn't exactly ignoring her after Brazil," Carlos said in a quieter voice. "I think I can't go wrong with white roses," he continued as he selected the arrangement and walked over to the register.