Valerie

Part 29

DANIEL

Hungary, Belgium and the Dutch Grand Prix pass quickly after Val finally got out of her slump. We spent the days that weren't at the track exploring the city and she arranged a picnic for just the two of us this last Thursday.

Right now, it's the night after the Dutch GP. Max and I are hanging out at the hotel bar while Maddie and Valerie have a girls' night.

I take a sip of my drink and look over at Max. "So."

He raises an eyebrow as he places his beer on the bar. "So?"

I chuckle and shake my head. "What's going on with you and baby Hamilton?"

He groans. "Man, don't call her that."

I roll my eyes at him. "Okay, what's going on with you and Madeline?"

He takes a swig of his beer and shrugs. "I don't know. I guess we're just having some fun. What's going on with you and Valerie?"

"You already know what's going on there. Don't change the subject. What do you mean by just having fun? You know that girl is, like, into you right? Like totally smitten."

Max laughs. "Nah mate, you're reading that wrong. She knows where we stand. She's tired of Lewis always saying who is and isn't good for her, and I need a way to destress."

"Max," I say seriously, placing my drink on the bar and fully turning to look at him. "If that's all it is then you end that shit right the fuck now." He tries to speak but I speak over him. "Maddie is like in love with you. The way she looks at you, the way she talks about you, and let's not talk about the way you light up when she is in the room. I've never seen you like that before mate. If this is a game to you. You better end it, before you both get hurt or before Lewis finds out. If Lewis finds out you're a dead man walking."

Max plays with the sticker on his beer bottle. "Maddie knows where we stand. We've both made it very clear to each other."

I stare at him in complete disbelief. "Come on mate, I know you're not this obtuse. Wake the fuck up. That girl would literally give up everything for you, including her brother, and we know how close those two are. If you are not serious about her you need to let her go. I'm not going to stand here and watch you ruin her, or yourself for that matter. Step up or step the fuck out, mate."

Max shakes his head and takes another swig of his beer. "I think I'm done for the night. I'll see you in Italy."

"Ah come on mate," I say but he stands up and drops money on the bar before walking out. I sigh and shake my head, watching him walk out of sight.

I sit alone, finishing up my drink before I head up to my hotel room. Valerie and Maddie are spending the night in Val's room, I stop at her door, conveniently located directly opposite mine and listen to see if they're back in yet. I smile when I hear her and Maddie giggling like crazy. Heading into my room I text her quickly.

"Sounds like you're having a good time.

Just got back in.

See you tomorrow gorgeous.

Sweet dreams"

I put my phone on the nightstand and head into the bathroom to get ready for bed.

I wake the next morning to small kisses being pressed to my lips. "Danny, wakey wakey."

My eyes fly open when I hear Val's voice. "Gorgeous!" I exclaim, wrapping my arms around her and pulling her to me. She laughs loudly. "Time to get up Mr. Ricciardo, we have a plane to catch."