Book 2: Beginning Again -Carlos Sainz

Chapter 49

(can we please pretend the fucking las vegas GP wasn't at 10pm? It just makes more sense.)

"Remind me why we're going to this?"

"Because. We have tickets and I'm sick of moping around this apartment!"

Marie said as she continued shoving clothes into her suitcase, trying to will Erin to do the same.

"So you're sad about your ex, again, and you think the best idea is to go and... see him?" Erin said with sass.

"We won't even see him. It's gonna be a great race, you'll love going to Vegas."

Erin crossed the room and grabbed Marie by the wrists, stopping her from folding another shirt.

"You need to promise me that this is not a cry for help."

"This is not a cry for help! Charles called and told me that my dad was missing me. He offered his jet and VIP tickets for us to come! Plus, I really want you to meet him, he's really cute."

"You waited till now to mention both the jet and the introduction to Charles? Wow way to bury the lead," Erin said as she let go of her wrists and sauntered out of the room.

"Yeah, that's right! You're so welcome! No, you're amazing!" Marie yelled out behind her, rolling her eyes.

She tried to believe the words she said, fully convincing herself that she wouldn't see him. It had nothing to do with him. She was going as a fan and as a daughter. Marie looked at her closet, eyeing the dress she bought a few days ago and had been waiting to wear. It wasn't a practical purchase, but it made her feel hot again. Plus with her new job and pay raise, she could justify buying herself a gift. It was longer and tight, a perfect mix of classy and sexy. Words that Marie always strived to be. Before she knew it, she was folding the dress up and placing it into her suitcase. She knew there was less than a 10% chance of getting to wear it, but she subscribed to the belief that overpacking was always necessary. Marie grabbed her phone, spotting a more-frequent text from her dad.

Dad: When's your flight? Can't wait to see you! The board is saying you're doing a great job and fitting in seamlessly. So proud of you.

Marie smiled, knowing how long it took her dad to come to terms with vocalizing his emotions. He learned that they could have a great relationship with just a touch more communication. Her smile faded quickly as she heaved her suitcase off the bed and started rolling it out the door.

"This is a good idea, right?" She thought.

**

Carlos had never felt so focused in his life. He had just pulled on his race suit and laced up his boots, feeling more calm and at peace than ever before. No more distractions, no more questions, no more worrying. It was full focus on the qualifying session that sat before him. He thought back to that text he sent a few weeks ago, the one that gave him more clarity than he had ever felt in his life. He knew what he wanted and he wasn't afraid anymore. Carlos walked out of his driver's room and shut down all the parts of his brain that thought about anything else. It was just him and the car, and of course a team of strategists and engineers and such. He took a deep breath before stepping into the madness of the day.

**

Marie's deep breath came out of her mouth with a light sound. She had forgotten what it was like to sit in the stands, well, VIP booth, instead of the garage. The energy was different and she felt nervous. She swirled her drink, listening to the sound of the ice cubes clink together. She has greeted some of the regulars like she had never left, giving her an odd sense of deja vu. She pulled Erin close, linking their arms together as Marie pulled them towards their seats.