𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐒 | 𝐋𝐍𝟒

𝐗𝐋

The interview with Ziggo Sport had gone smoothly—lighthearted, a few clever answers, and a smile that charmed even the most skeptical journalist. Milaine had left the media tent with her game face still on, but the moment she and Viv stepped back into the paddock, that expression softened.

«Okay, you've got a window now before the McLaren PR shoot» Viv said, glancing at her phone.

Milaine was already half-listening. Her gaze had caught on someone ahead—leaning casually near the media center entrance, cap pulled low, arms crossed, and grinning the second he saw her.

«Mick!» she called, picking up her pace.

He pushed off the wall and met her halfway, wrapping her in a tight, easy hug.
«Du siehst gut aus, Champ.»

«So do you» she said with a grin as she pulled back. «Are you taller? Are you still growing or something?»

«Or maybe you're just finally wearing actual shoes.»

She rolled her eyes, and he laughed.

«Congratulations, by the way—Wimbledon and Olympic gold? You're on fire.»

Milaine placed a hand over her heart, mock-humbled. «I try.»

They began walking together, weaving between hospitality units like they used to as teenagers, Viv trailing behind them with a half-smile and a very real eye-roll.

«How's Laila?» Milaine asked, tilting her head.

Mick gave a small shrug, chuckling. «Not here. She had to fly to Berlin for a campaign shoot.»

«Aww, I wanted to see her» Milaine said.

«Then keep coming to races» he teased. «She'll pop up eventually.»

They rounded the corner near the Red Bull hospitality when Milaine's face suddenly lit up. Her pace quickened, almost instinctively.

«MAX!»

He turned just in time to catch her, laughing as she launched herself into his arms. «Jesus, Milly, you're gonna dislocate something.»

«You didn't even text me when you landed!» she said, pulling back just enough to look him in the eye.

«I wanted to see your face in person» he said with a grin. «Besides, you've been busy. Eindhoven, then dinner with the royal family...»

«I was just chilling in Eindhoven» Milaine replied breezily. «Not busy.»

Max arched an eyebrow, the grin fading ever so slightly. His eyes flicked to Viv.
«Really? Because I texted her to check if you were free. Wanted to come visit. She said your schedule was packed.»

Milaine blinked, turning to Viv—who was now suddenly, suspiciously, very focused on her phone.

Mick, sensing the tension rise, stepped in with a grin. «Do I get another hug, or is that just reserved for reigning world champions?»

Max chuckled and pulled him into a quick bro-hug. «You too, man. Glad you're here.»

Milaine gave Mick a look. «I literally hugged you five minutes ago.»

He shrugged with exaggerated innocence.

Turning back to Max, she tried to shift the mood. «Is Kelly here?»

«Yeah» Max nodded, relaxing a little. «She's inside. She was just asking about you. She'd love to see you.»

«Perfect» Milaine said. «I'll have lunch with her.»