Book 2: Beginning Again -Carlos Sainz

Chapter 22

Marie wandered around before qualifying started, taking in the last sights and sounds of the garage for the season. She thought back to where she started, avoiding the garage and avoiding watching the races like it was the plague. Now here she was, filled with nervous energy for the team's result today. She knew that her dad was right- she had become an F1 fan whether she wanted to admit it or not. Marie also hadn't seen Carlos since their dinner got cut short with the evening getting late and the fact that they both had jobs to do in the morning. Marie thought back to it, briefly wondering if women could get blue balls, because if they could, that's definitely what she had. She was more than excited to not have the race season constricting their time, but she still hadn't the faintest idea what to call their relationship or how things would work out after the season. Nor any idea how he would react to seeing her in a public place. Her mind went back to wondering if female blue balls were a thing as he walked into the garage in his black fireproofs, letting the red suit hang off his hips. Marie couldn't help but watch him like a gazelle stalking her prey.

"Hi beautifu- are you okay? Why are you staring at me like that?" Carlos said as he walked up to her, pausing before slinging his arm around her shoulder.

"I am not okay, Carlos. I need to leave before I drag you out of here and delay the start of this grand prix," Marie said as she closed her eyes and whispered into his ear.

She barely noticed his public display of affection until she opened her eyes and saw half the garage doing side-glances in their direction.

"Duly noted for tonight," he said with a smile. He quickly planted a kiss on her head before taking his arm back and smiled at her as he walked away. Marie immediately looked to her dad in the corner, who thankfully hadn't seen anything, even as PG as it was. She tried her hardest not to saunter over to the corner with him, even though she felt like she was floating. Even with any of her ex boyfriends, she had never felt like this before. He was... just something special. Even without his model face and model body, he was funny and charming, thoughtful and sweet. Marie could swear she had let out a sigh like a Disney princess before her dad turned around to greet her.

**

Everyone erupted in applause as the Ferrari cars crossed the finish line. Carlos had finished 4th, just edged out for a podium by Fernando, and Charles finished 6th after having some unlucky car issues. That wrapped up the season with a very promising spot of second in the constructors and 3rd and 4th in the driver's championships. It was obvious to everyone there that it was not where Ferrari wanted to be, but it had been a tough season for the team and an overall great result, hence the wild applause. Everyone stuck around once again to hang out and say goodbye as they waited for the drivers to return from the garage. Marie realized how many connections she had made in such a short time as she chatted around with colleagues, some she would consider friends. She knew she still had most of next season to be here, but she would miss seeing them over the past months. Marie was brought out of her emotions by Carlos barreling towards her. He scooped her up into his arms, squeezing her as tight as he could without crushing her. Marie was massively taken aback by the force, quickly realizing that he was not afraid of public displays of affection. She felt her feet land back on the floor as she looked up to him, only to be met by his lips on hers. For a brief moment she melted into the kiss, forgetting that they were in the middle of, essentially, both of their workplaces. She could feel the sweat through his suit and in his hair as she held onto his neck. She felt her world return upright as his lips left hers and his hands moved to her waist. Marie looked around to see everyone staring, feeling embarrassment creep up into her cheeks.

"Uh, sorry about that everyone," Carlos said, surrounded by the light laughter. "I guess I just got a little over-excited to see my girlfriend."

The laughter and smiles around the garage made Marie ease up a little more until she thought about the words he used.

"girlfriend." she thought to herself, smiling politely as people came up and smiled at them. He had just fully exposed them and labeled them without any of her knowledge. She waited until the crowd dissipated to find Carlos.

"So, uh, boyfriend?" Marie said with a smirk.

"Yes, girlfriend?" Carlos said as he took her hand.

"Is that legit?" Marie said softly, ashamed of how weak and desperate she sounded.

"Yes, I thought I made that clear in Brazil," Carlos said with confusion on his face. "I want to be with you, legit, 100%."

"I want that too," Marie said with a smile. "So what about the offseason? What are we gonna do? I'll probably be back and forth between Maranello and London."

"It's a good thing I have a place in Maranello for you to stay when you're there," Carlos said with a smirk. "And there's always trips to my place in Madrid too. I can't wait to show you my city."

"Okay I'll make a mental note to bring my sweatpants and largest, baggiest sweaters."

"Shit," Carlos said with a cheshire cat grin on his face, "we're gonna have so much fun this break."