After the Hate Has Gone (Sebastian Vettel)

18. Save the Date

"Oh my God! Sophie, of course I will be there!" Lottie exclaimed as she opened the wedding invitation. "I wouldnt' miss it for the world." The two hugged each other.

"We chose the first weekend of summer break so we have plenty of time to go on honeymoon before the season starts again."

"Where are you going?"

"Cyprus. I really can't wait. Think I'm more excited for the honeymoon than the wedding," she joked. "Head's up though. Seb will be there. Joel already asked him and he accepted." Lottie groaned.

"I will tolerate him for the day, for you and Joel, but please, don't seat me at the same table as him."

"You got it. As far away as possible yeah?" Lottie laughed. She was yet to see Seb since his early race exit in France. He had disappeared from the circuit by the time she had finished shooting for the day. She couldn't really blame him. Perez had obviously been at fault yet the FIA had decided it was just a racing incident and failed to punish him at all.

Now they had arrived in Austria and Sophie had pounced with her invitation as soon as she had arrived at the track on the Thursday morning. Lottie smiled as Sophie left to carry on her deliveries. She really was so happy for Sophie and Joel. They were made for each other. She wondered what life would have been like now if she had agreed to marry Brad. Who knows? She had no regrets as such. She knew marrying him would have been wrong as she wasn't in love with him. Last time she had spoken to Ben he had told her that Brad had found a new girlfriend and was happy. Lottie was pleased for him. He was an amazing guy. He just wasn't the guy for her.

Her thoughts slipped further back into the past. What would life have been like if Sebastian hadn't of gotten engaged, then married, to Celestine? Could they have made it work? That was something she would never know. She saw him walk past hospitality with Antti. He was wearing his cap backwards and had his sunglasses on. He had a serious look on his face. He needed cheering up. Or baiting?

A mischievous thought popped into her head. She went to the counter and bought an ice cream. She unwrapped it as she slipped out of the door and followed Seb and Antti. She crept along as quiet as she could and as she reached him she called his name.

"Sebastian!" He turned round and she was ready and waiting. Splat! The ice cream smashed into his face. Antti spluttered with laughter. Seb looked too shocked to move.

"Ha gotcha!" Lottie said before taking off as fast as her legs could carry her. She had a good head start whilst Seb wiped his face. He then set off to find her. She was in trouble. He grinned. He needed a bit of fun. Now he'd have a good excuse to get her back.

"Have you seen Lottie anywhere ?" he asked one of the mechanics in passing.

"Yeah, she just ducked down the side of Lance's room."

"Thanks mate, owe you one." He crept up to the corner of Lance's room and peered round. There she was, and she had her back to him. This was going to be all too easy. He crept closer, quiet as a mouse. Then he slipped his arms around her waist, pulling her back so she was pressed right up against him. She gave a little squeal.

"Right, you little minx. I've caught you. Now what shall I do with you?"

"Let me go?" she asked hopefully.

"Not happening." He loosened his arms, span her around and pushed her so her back was against the wall of the room. He put his hands flat on the wall either side of her head. "Because I'm a nice person I'm going to give you a choice."

"Really? What's that then?" He moved his head so they were almost touching.

"I get my own back, whenever and wherever. Or you kiss me."

"Not much of a choice is it?" He grinned.

"What will it be?" She thought carefully. Would it be so bad to kiss him? It would make them even. But she knew if she kissed him they'd both get carried away.

"Need a answer beautiful." She stayed silent. "OK, so I guess you'll have to wait and see what I do next," he said, pulling his head back.

"No," she said, grabbing the back of his head and pulling his face down to hers. She brushed her lips over his. She ran her tongue over his lips, he opened his mouth and deepened the kiss. They couldn't get enough of each other. Seb forgot where they were for a few minutes as they enjoyed each other. They were brought down to earth when a voice penetrated their passion.

"Oh my fucking God. I knew it! I bloody knew it. How long? How long have you two been at it?"

"Joel, we are not at it. This is not what you think."
Lottie said, panicking that her moment of madness with Sebastian was now going to be the gossip of the paddock. "It was Sebastian's idea of payback. I just pranked him. "

Joel raised his eyebrows and it was clear that he didn't believe a word of it. "Sebastian, tell him the truth."

"She kissed me mate. I'm only a man, couldn't resist. Good kisser, that sharp tongue has its uses." Lottie felt the fury rise up inside her. She shook her head at him.

"You complete bastard," she said, shoving him hard on the chest, and running away. She had to get out of there. Seb watched her go. Why had he said that? Was he a complete moron. He felt like one. He looked at Joel.

"Man, it was like she said. Payback. I shouldn't have said what I did. I need to find her. I need to apologise."

"I think you do Seb," Joel said seriously.

"You won't tell anyone you caught us kissing will you? For her sake, not mine. "

"For her. She's one of the nicest girls Seb. Don't fuck with her head. She doesn't deserve it."

"Thank you, Joel. I got to find her." He ran out into the middle of the paddock, looking left and right. He couldn't see her anywhere. Damn, he was such a jerk sometimes. He took his phone out. He tried to call her but after a few rings it went to voicemail. He sent a text.

Sebastian: Lottie, I am so sorry. I don't know why I said what I did. I'm a jerk. Please forgive me. Joel won't say anything. I told him the truth.

Lottie: Yeah, you're a jerk. You got that right. It's all a big joke to you. So Sebastian, no I don't forgive you. Stay the hell away from me from now on. This time I'm serious. I want nothing to do with you. No more kissing. I'm sick and tired of you playing with me. I'm done.

Sebastian: Lottie, no please don't say that. I'm sorry. I really am.

Sebastian: Lottie please talk to me.

Sebastian: Come on please.

He stood there watching his phone, waiting for a reply that would never come. He'd blown it.