After the Hate Has Gone (Sebastian Vettel)

25. Reality Check

Seb had dropped her home on the Sunday night. She missed him as soon as he had pulled off down the road. She knew she would be flying to Belgium on Wednesday but they had no idea how much they were going to see of each other.

They'd agreed that Lottie would stay in her own room for now until they'd informed the team bosses and the people that needed to know. She'd grown so used to having him around that it just felt wrong now being alone. She couldn't wait to see him again.

She tried to sleep but couldn't without his arms around her. How had she come to depend on him after so short a time together? She finally managed to drop off in the early hours, but her dreams were filled with Seb.

                                       ***

Lottie found herself seated next to Sophie on the plane to Belgium.

"Good honeymoon?" she asked.

"Amazing! I can't believe I'm a married woman. But enough of that. I want to know about your summer." Lottie looked around to see if anyone was in earshot. She leant closer to Sophie.

"Damn Soph. I spent two weeks with Seb. Totally alone, away from civilisation. I'm surprised I can still walk." Sophie grinned.

"Lots of hot sex?" Lottie nodded. "I knew it! I knew you two would be banging before the end of the season!"

"Shhh and please, this goes no further,ok? It's more than just banging Sophie. We are together. Like officially. As in taken, not single."

"Oh my God. You are dating Sebastian bloody Vettel."

"Shhhhh. You are literally the only person I have told. We don't know what we are going to do yet. Things will get a bit hectic when this gets out. The media are always so interested in Seb's life, even though he tries to keep it private."

"Yeah, I guess there's a downside to being famous."

"He's so different away from Formula 1. He's kind, gentle, loving. Not at all like the man I thought he was for the last several years."

"Bet you're glad you threw caution to the wind."

"I am. Makes me wonder what could have been if we'd have gotten together all those years ago. Maybe we would have been married with kids."

"Lottie, I think things happen for a reason. I think you were both meant to have the time apart so you could both grow into the people you were meant to be. The people that love each other very much now."

"When did you get to be so wise?" They both laughed.

"What's so funny?" asked Joel, sliding into the seat next to his wife. Lottie and Sophie looked at each other.

"Nothing," they both said. Joel shook his head. He figured he didn't want to know.

                                 ***

Lottie was laid on her bed reading a book later that day. She heard her phone beep alerting her that she had a text message. She picked it up and saw it was from Seb.

Seb: Liebling, I am so sorry. Change of plan here. Won't be there until tomorrow now. Britta booked me in for some interview without telling me. I will try to see you tomorrow but I have the press conference, plus numerous other things. Then Lawrence is taking Lance and I out for dinner to discuss the season so far. I miss you so much. Wish I was with you now. I love you xx

Lottie: It's ok my love. I understand how it works. I know it's a busy time for you. Can't deny I'm disappointed but there will be other times for us. Miss you too. I love you xx