Three Dumb Ideas | Formula 1 fanfiction

106: You're our daughter

Wednesday

It's Wednesday night in Abu Dhabi and my parents have joined Max and me for dinner. We're sitting in this cozy dimly lit restaurant with them. The warm glow of candles flicker across the table as I scan the menu.

'It looks good!', I smile, but secretly my heart is racing harder than my car ever could. I planned this dinner to tell my parents I've been keeping from them for a while now, and the nerves are fucking insane.

Max is sitting beside me, his leg brushing against mine under the table, offering me a quiet reassurance.

This is it, I'm telling them we're together.

'So, how's everything looking for this weekend? No car trouble?', my dad asks while flipping through the menu.

'Nothing weird, we're prepared. A race like this is great for the sales so Redbull is happy. I'm confident both of us have a strong and equal chance', Max replies, always honest when it comes to this racing chat.

I can't help but smile at how naturally Max gets along with my parents. They've met a lot of times, but tonight feels different. Tonight there is more on the line than just strategy talks and race prep.

The waiter comes over and takes our meals.

'Should I get the steak or the hamburger?', I ask Max.

'Why don't you get the steak and I'll get the hamburger, so we can share if you picked the wrong one', he smiles.

'Great idea, Maxie boy'.

'I'm going for the lamb dish', my dad nods approvingly. 'I heard it's delicious here'.

My mom goes for the risotto, her fav. My dad has been making it for her since their first date.

The waiter walks away and I can feel that this is the moment, I gotta get these nerves out.

I clear my throat and I glance at Max, hoping for some support. He gives me a slight nod, encouraging me to tell them.

'So, actually. There is something I've been meaning to uhm-', I fidget with the napkin on my lap. 'To tell you guys. It's about Max and uhm... me'.

My dad raises an eyebrow but says nothing, his eyes flickering to Max for a moment before returning to meet my gaze. My mother, on the other hand, seems to be already on the edge of laughter, like she's waiting for me to say something she knew all along.

I take a deep breath. 'Max and I are together. I'm in love with him'.

There's a moment of silence, one in which I swear I can hear my own heartbeat echoing in my fucking ears.

'For the record, I'm also in love with your daughter', Max says.

I slap his arm and I turn to glance at my parents, preparing myself for the usual protective dad routine. What if he's going to scold me?

Instead, my father leans back in his chair, a knowing smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He grabs my mom's hand as she outright bursts into laughter, covering her mouth with her hand.

'Well, we could've told you that', my father chuckles.

'Wait what?', I blink in surprise, my nervous energy replaced by confusion.

Tbh, which one is better?

'Sweetheart, we're your parents', my mom replies.

'We've known for ages. The way you talk about him, the way you look at each other... it's obvious', my dad smiles at me.

'We're just glad you finally got the courage to tell us', my dad gives Max a warm, approving smile.

My face turns bright red as Max lets out a soft laugh beside me.

'See? I told you they wouldn't be shocked', Max says smirking.

'You knew? Like for real knew? Both of you?', I ask.

How did everyone know?

'Maeve, it's kind of hard to miss. Like we said, you're our daughter, we know when something's going on with you', my dad reaches across the table to pat my hand. 'And honestly, we're happy. Max is a good guy. Bit too competitive, but I guess we know where that comes from'.

We all laugh, the tension completely broken now. I feel a rush of relief wash over me. I had built this moment up so much in my head, worrying that my parents might disapprove or think it would complicate things. But here we are, laughing and smiling like they've known all along... although maybe they had.

'So, how long have you two been... a thing?', my mom asks.

I glance at Max, who takes my hand and takes my hand.

'Like two weeks now, we didn't really plan it, it just... happened, I guess'.

'And don't worry, it won't interfere with racing. We've made sure of that', his tone turns a little more serious, he knows my dad may only have concerns about that.

But my dad waves it off. 'I'm not worried about any of that. You two are professionals. What's important is that my beautiful daughter is happy... and you too Max, of course'.

I feel a swell of emotion in my chest. I know my dad has always been supportive, but hearing it now, in this moment, means everything.

The food arrives and the conversation drifts to this weekend. Talking about tire strategies, track conditions, and the high-pressure circumstances of the final race, but underneath it all, there's an unspoken vibe of relief and joy.

I feel lighter, knowing my parents approve and are supportive of me and Max.

As we finish our meal, my mom leans over and gives me a kiss on the cheek.

'We're really happy for you, Maeve. You deserve this', she says softly.

I squeeze my mom's hand, feeling a deep sense of gratitude.

'Thanks, Mom. It means a lot'.

When we step out of the restaurant, the cool Abu Dhabi night air hits us, and it feel like a weight has been lifted. My hand slips into Max's as we walk back to the hotel, my heart warm with the knowledge that, no matter what happens this weekend, I'm surrounded by people who support me completely.

'Told you it would go well', he leans in.

I laugh, nudging him playfully. 'Yeah yeah. Don't get cocky with me, Verstappen'.

'How about I take you to my room, we end this night with a 'bang'', he smirks.

'I hate you', I say, but as I look up at him there is a sense of peace knowing that we're in this together, for better or worse.

For always, till death do us part.