Thanks to Norris

part 30- clubbing

The chaos faded, the sun dipped lower, and the golden hour hit the harbor like a postcard. Still warm, still buzzing.

You were walking back from media, suit unzipped to the waist, fireproofs tied around your hips, hair still damp from the champagne. Your trophy was slung under your arm like a gym bag — casually disrespectful, but no one could blame you.

And that's when you heard it:

"Oi, podium kid!"

You turned — Max Fewtrell, in sunglasses far too expensive for the time of day, grinning like he'd been waiting all afternoon.

Max:
"You and Lando looked like you were actually getting along. I'm not sure if I should be proud or worried."

You laughed, too tired to fight it.

You:
"Must be the Monaco air. It messes with the chemicals in your brain."

Max raised a brow and nodded, half-impressed.

Max:
"Whatever it is, keep it going. It's good chaos. And that pass? Unreal. You almost made me spill my drink."

You leaned in with a smirk.

You:
"Tell Lando not to expect that kind of sportsmanship next time."

Max (mock salute):
"Duly noted. See you tonight?"

You:
"Obviously. Text me the club. And don't let him pick — he'll take us to some sad place with LED walls and no soul."

Max (laughing):
"Deal."

You slapped hands, bumped fists, and parted ways — Monaco-style. Effortless. Iconic.

Later — Home, Monaco Apartment

The door closed behind you with a quiet click. The world outside buzzed, but in here it was cool, quiet, soft. Familiar.

Josi was already halfway out of her heels, sitting on the edge of the couch in an oversized shirt, scrolling through photos from the day.

Charles had thrown his jacket on a chair and wandered into the kitchen, humming something under his breath in French as he opened the fridge.

You exhaled, set the trophy gently down on the counter, and peeled the rest of your suit off with a groan.

You:
"I forgot how exhausting Monaco is. Mentally, physically... emotionally."

Josi (grinning):
"But so dramatic. You two had main-character energy the entire race. I half expected violins."

Charles (calling out):
"Or a crash. At one point I genuinely thought you'd both end up in the wall."

You raised an eyebrow as you walked over and snagged a cold bottle of water.

You:
"You're welcome for the entertainment."

Josi stood and walked over, gently adjusting your hair from your face.

Josi:
"You're going out, right?"

You:
"Yeah. Max wants a 'we didn't die at Monaco' celebration. I said we'd meet him at the club."

Charles raised an eyebrow, leaning against the counter.

Charles:
"Which one?"

You:
"No clue. He promised not to let Lando pick, so hopefully not somewhere that feels like a TikTok filter."