I'm Iron Man, And I'm Agent Coulson

Chapter 17 Monaco

"Okay, I know you told me on the plane, but why the hell are we going to the races again?" I barked, and fidgeted in my deep red pencil skirt and white button up, "I brought my bathing suit, and wanted to get a tan, or gamble, and drink my body weight in alcohol."

After two hours of packing, and another eight hours on the plane, we were driving down the beautiful streets of Monaco, on our way to the Grand Prix, instead of the upscale beaches, like I assumed, but the numerous conversations, and laughter between all of us kept my mind busy.
During the flight I promised myself I'd enjoy what time I had left with my friends, and not think about my future till after this weekend. It seemed only fair considering we had two days of alcohol, and sun, but once Pep told mumbled something about the Grand Prix, my stomach tensed, and my hands prickled.
Happy reiterated over and over to just enjoy myself, and he'd stay on alert, but like him, I naturally eyed our surroundings, and couldn't get comfortable, the closer we got to our destination.
My stomach was still tense, as was my neck and shoulder blades, but I assumed it was the enormous decision I made, and accepted. So I plastered a smile over my face, as we all tried to relax in the cab of the car.

"Because I have a few people to meet and Stark Industries is sponsoring a car in the race this year, but we can go to the beach afterwards, maybe have a girls night in one of the casinos before we leave on Monday," Pepper replied, smoothing out her tight blue dress, before pointing at both Tony and I, "now, let's please be on our best behavior, the both of you."
Tony just gave her a look, and rolled his eyes while he fiddled with the cuffs of his impeccable blue suit.

"Why was I included in that warning? I haven't done shit, all I wanted was a few days of fun," I retorted, and frowned at Pepper's warning, "hey Red, how do you like being a part of the team so far?" I asked leaning forward into the front seat and ignoring Pepper's scoff.
"It's interesting, to say the least," she replied with a smile.
"Yah just wait till the crazy starts," I snickered forcefully, and kept my face forward, and away from Tony's questioning stares and Pepper's need for perfection.
We finally pulled up to a small five star restaurant and bar, "I thought we were gonna watch the race up close?" I asked, taking Tony's offered hand when I got out behind him. My stomach fluttered when he gave it a squeeze before he let go, but the roar of my heartbeat thundered in my ears.

"We are, our table's by one of the spacious windows, they're very hard to come by," Pepper smirked, and rushed us into the restaurant, "but you can have that drink you wanted.."

Natalie and I moved to the sides of both Tony and Pepper, boxing them in while we went through the high-end crowd, stopping quite a few times when people recognized Tony or Pepper. I noticed Natalie's eyes moving and assessing the surroundings like I was, before we finally found our table, a few feet away from where Tony and Pep had stopped to shake hands with a few more people.
"This it?" I asked, looking at Natalie, while Pep and Tony headed for the packed bar, ten feet away.
"I think we're over there, but I can get this table if you want it," Natalie replied, motioning for the maitre'd. She began talking in fast French, automatically demanding the table, and I marveled at how good her accent was, and how fast she was speaking.

"The race is going to start soon, I'll go get Pepper and Tony, since it seems like you got a handle on this," I added, nodding at her, recognizing that her accent was better than mine.
I walked towards the bar and stopped momentarily when I noticed smartly dressed Justin Hammer and a familiar blond reporter approaching Tony and Pepper. Anger flexed over my skin, which was easier to handle, and I clenched my fists in protest, unprepared to deal with more surprises.
"Son of a bitch," I whispered, but straightened my shoulders and reached for Pep.
"Ah, some of my favorite people," Hammer cooed, before trying to give Tony a hug and failing. He upset his grey pinstriped suit, but he didn't seem to mind it, nor the obvious awkwardness playing out between all of us, "(Y/N), as always you look beautiful."
"The table's ready," I declared, trying not to look at my ex or Ms. Christine Everhart, as she smirked next to him, "if you want me to be on my best behavior, then let's go, now," I cautioned, as Tony bit his lip to keep from laughing.