Racing hearts reunited

Part 23

                                    ~Lando Norris~

Seeing her get all dressed up and preety to meet with him killed me. The moment the elevator doors opened and I saw him standing there, waiting for Mia felt like the worst thing in the world. He got to take her out, my Mia. He could have any girl in the world, with his looks and fame, and he chose to go out with Max's sister, my friend... I guess he just sees her as his new and shiny toy, as she's never been around until now.

I love Carlos, he's one of my best friends, we used to be team mates, and we used to do everything together, we still do a lot together. But this crosses the line for me... I know it shouldn't bother me this much but it just does. Carlos has no idea about my hidden feelings for her, so I don't necessarily blame him for taking his shot with her, but it still isn't nice of him considering how he treats woman.

It makes me wonder what Max has to say about this, what his perspective was, I couldn't be the only one bothered by this. So after Mia and Carlos departed, and we were on our way to dinner as well, I asked him:

"What do you think of Mia and Carlos going out"

"Hmm, I don't know, I don't think it's anything serious, I mean, they did just meet today no?" He says casually

"Yeah, no! I mean, you know, it's Carlos.. I love him, but he's not the best guy you'd want going out with your sister.. considering his past..!?" I try to show him my point of view

"I think Carlos is smarter than messing with my sister to be honest, he might be genuine about her, and also, Mia is way smarter than to fall for his stupid acts, have a little faith in her" he says again and he slightly calms me down

"Yeah, you might be right, but still it must bother you that a colleague and friend of yours took her out without asking you first, no? At least little bit no?" I ask, but subconsciously meaning it about someone else

"Just a little to be fair. She's not some 17 year old that doesn't know how to take care of herself anymore, I don't need to budge in anymore, she has her own life now" he says, and his words hit me.

That's right, she has her own life... she doesn't need Max or me to protect or take care of her. It's just so weird because that's all I know how to do. Protect her. And also, I was so scared of hiding my feelings like I always did when we were younger. I used to do that because I knew how Max used to treat boys that wanted to take Mia out, so I always buried them deep. I always thought he won't be on board with me and her. But now, talking to Max about it isn't so bad. Hearing him talk so nicely about Carlos taking her out makes me think I can finally admit my feelings about her to him, and to her and to everyone. Before I can say anything Max continues

"But why are you so curious about this?" He says raising an eyebrow as to show speculation

"I'm not, I just wanted to make sure you were on board with this because I care. I care about her as well and don't want to see her hurt" I say, again getting defensive, for no reason

"Riiight..." he says with the tiniest smirk on his face, "I'm not worried because I know she knows how to take care of herself" he continues

"Yes, hopefully!" I say as we finally reached the restaurant

The whole night, my mind kept going to the way he was looking at her when we got out of the elevator, and how they left together. It bothered me that she lied about it not being a date. Why would she do that, maybe she didn't want us to find out, but why?

I barely engaged in the conversations this night, and before I know it, I'm back at the hotel, wondering if she got here or not. Wondering if they are still out enjoying their night together, or if they are both in her hotel room.

My mind keeps tracing off while I'm in bed and trying to fall asleep. I should be thinking about the race tomorrow, and not her. Look what thinking about her got me today... a start from the last place.

I barely had any sleep that night, and even the sleep I got was awful. I don't feel rested enough, yet I take my phone to check the time, it was 5 in the morning, I could still sleep for a a good 2 hours before waking up and heading to the track, but I decide to open my phone and check what's going on.

Opening twitter, I almost drop my phone. The first photo I get on twitter makes me dizzy. It's her, it's Mia. And not alone, it's Mia with Carlos in his car. And not just sitting, it looks like they are about to kiss. My heart sinks. I stare at the photo, the photo stares back at me, her lips almost touching his. I freeze, throat tight. Jealousy swirls, gnawing at my chest. It feels like a punch, unexpected and harsh. I want to look away, but I can't. I tell myself it's nothing, but I can't shake the ache inside. Here I was thinking about how much I like her and being ready to admit my feelings to her and there she goes, kissing and falling for another guy.

I barely scroll down and I see the same picture again, and stroll more and more and I see my twitter full with the same image repeating over and over. I close twitter and then my phone and throw it angry at the other side of the bed.

I knew they went on a date, I just didn't think it would end up like that, my mind just goes further and further away thinking about how he probably even slept over.

Before I let my mind think more about it, I decide to head back to bed and sleep until my 7 am alarm.