Forbidden Love part 2
Stolen glances, silent stares and subtle smiles. My eyes trail from Max towards my father. Lying, hiding and deceiving. This has been my life for the past month.
I think back to the day my dad found out that Max and I were secretly dating behind his back. I wince as I reflect on my words, 'how hard could it be?'
I can now answer my own question. Very hard. It is hard having to lie to not only my own dad, but everyone around me. I feel like an imposter in the Mercedes garage. I feel like a traitor in my own home. I feel misplaced when I enter the Redbull garage; engineers and mechanics staring at me with suspicion.
Max told me that he'd convinced the three Redbull guys who saw the argument with my dad that we had in fact decided to go our own way. It didn't stop their curiosity but Max says he assured them we are just good friends. And to please not mention us hanging out to anyone from Mercedes. Hence the suspicion.
It's easier over at the Mercedes garage because nobody knows anything but sometimes, when I see my father, guilt shoots up and down my body. I'm fully aware that I can choose to date whoever I want and I fully believe my dad is crossing the line by telling me that I can't date Max. But he is my dad. And I love my dad. I don't want to disappoint him or lie to him.
"You look deep in thought," a voice pulls me from my thoughts. I look up to a smiling George.
"Oh, hey. Just thinking," I say, pushing my hair back behind my ears.
"What about?" he asks, resting his arms on the pillar next to us.
"Mind your own, Russell," I joke, giving him a small smile back.
"Wow. And I thought we were friends," he says sarcastically, lifting his hands up in offence.
"I expect everyone to arrive at 7pm on the dot tonight. No later."
I roll my eyes and internally sigh as my dad's words ring through the garage.
"A mass email has been sent with all the information just in case," he finishes and claps his hands once before walking off.
I lean back.
"How are you feeling about tonight?" George asks, lowering his voice a bit so our conversation can't be heard.
"A black tie party where all the teams will be present? Sounds like drama to me," I say honestly.
"I think it could be fun. A bit of bonding maybe," he suggests.
I turn and give him a look of confusion.
"Bonding with who? You gonna ask a Ferrari mechanic for a dance?"
He pushes my side playfully and laughs a little, shaking his head.
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Staring into the mirror, I brush a lose strand of hair back into position and look myself up and down once more. A long, blue dress hugs my body tightly. It's still modest so I'm sure my dad will approve.
A knock sounds from my hotel door and I quickly grab my phone and purse, making a mental note to stay under the radar tonight.
In the car, there isn't much said, but it feels like my dad is in a good mood. He generally likes these kind of events because he can subtly gather intel. I on the other hand, will be sticking to the Mercedes staff like glue.
Upon arrival, I can already tell this night is not going to be easy as Max stands a few yards away, looking breath-taking in his black suit and tie. His hair is done just the way I like it - gelled but still looking fluffy at the back. His eyes are shining as he lets out a laugh at whatever his colleague just said. One of his hands is in his jacket pocket whilst the other hangs by his side.
"Y/N?" my dad says, tugging on my arm a little. God, I hope it wasn't obvious what I've been staring at. Or who.
"Let's go in," he says. I follow along, keeping close to his side. How am I going to avoid looking at Max all night?
