Same but... different (Lestappen and Carlando)

Chapter 61

POV: Charles

If someone had told me this morning that I would end up 16th in the race, I would've been pretty sad. If the same person tried to explain everything that would happen after, with Max's father, I wouldn't have believed them.

And if after everything, they told me I would be heading to my boyfriend's hotel room, to meet his mom and celebrate his first hat trick, I would've probably fainted from the anxiety.

But this is all real, and we're about to enter the room, hands intertwined. Max looks much more peaceful now, like he's calmed down from all the craziness. It's the opposite for me, my heart racing in my chest.

— Wait, I whisper, you should maybe stay with her without me... You don't have much time with your mom...

— No Charles, I wanna be with you too. He sounds sure of himself. It's gonna be fine, really! You wouldn't deny me this after I won, hm?

— But...

— Listen, you were about to fight with my dad, but meeting my mom scares you? He smiles softly.

Grumbling, I accept my defeat and close my fingers around his, in a vain attempt of comfort. I should be better than this, I should be there to support him and make him forget all the shit that happened, not having to get comforted instead!

— Hoi mam! (Hey mom!), Max says as we open the door.

— Max! she hugs him, an embrace that lasts a while. Hello Charles, I'm happy to see you!

She has a very nice smile, and I immediately feel better regarding her acceptance of us. Not expecting it, I'm surprised when she pulls me in a hug too, but I happily answer the gesture.

— I asked the hotel to bring some cake and champagne, to really celebrate, is that okay?

— Oh that's perfect, thanks! Although I probably shouldn't eat too much cake, but hey, winner's benefits!

I chuckle at my boyfriend's excitement, unable to avoid looking at him fondly. His mom catches my gaze, making me blush heavily. I just hope she didn't find anything weird in her son's room, or I might just go and bury myself already.

— Thish ish delicious, Max says already chewing on some sort of chocolate cake.

— Don't speak while eating Max! His mom scolds him, but he blatantly ignores her.

— You should listen to your mother darling, I add before realising what I just said and going completely red.

It seems to amuse him a lot, how flustered it makes me, but the smile of his mom reassures me and I try to act like everything is normal. We all sit and share a glass of champagne, nobody saying a word about the obvious.

— And how was your race Charles, I know this year is not the best but...?

— Mh, yeah, that's an understatement, I answer while grimacing, and honestly I wish we were at the next already, we just destroyed the tyres and the worst part is we don't really know why, for now... But at least you can be certain I'm not a menace to Max, hm? I say while looking at him.

— Don't say that, your turn will come and we'll battle it on track! You're fast Charles, and you've already won on top of that. I have no doubt that you'll be world champion. Preferably when I retire though!

We all laugh, the evening ending so much better than how it started. But of course, we still have to mention what happened. It would be stupid not to at least tell her the "little" detail that Jos won't come anymore to the GPs.