MOTH TO A FLAME ☆ CARLOS SAINZ JR

xvii. problems

MONZA, ITALY
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

The day had finally arrived—Carlos' first official public event with Ferrari for the new season. Sofía could hardly contain her excitement as they made their way to the event, her heart swelling with pride at the thought of her boyfriend achieving his lifelong dream of driving for the red team.

Ferrari had organized the event to give Carlos a chance to get familiarized with the entire team and vice versa before the start of the season and the car launch.

Surrounded by Carlos's family, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. Sofía watched with bated breath as Carlos took the stage, his smile bright and infectious as he spoke about his journey to this moment. The applause that followed was thunderous, a testament to the support and admiration he had earned from those closest to him.

The elegant event hall was abuzz with excitement as guests mingled and exchanged congratulations, the air was thick with anticipation for the new season and driver lineup to come. Sofía sat at a table near the front, surrounded by Carlos's family, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes as she watched her boyfriend bask in the adoration of the crowd, his smile bright and infectious as he thanked everyone who had supported him along the way.

After the announcement, they celebrated with Carlos's parents, and raised a toast to his accomplishments and the path ahead. Gazing about at the room around them, Sofía couldn't help but smile, feeling grateful that she gets to be a part of this occasion and to be with Carlos during such a milestone.

Carlos's mother, Reyes, sat beside her, her eyes shining with maternal pride as she clasped Sofías hand in hers. "Can you believe it, Sofía ? Our Carlos, racing for Ferrari!"

Sofía smiled warmly, glancing affectionately at the woman who had welcomed her into their family with open arms. "I know, Reyes. I'm so proud of him."

The man of the hour was currently making his way around the room with his new teammate, Charles Leclerc, greeting everyone in attendance and making polite talk with their sponsors and stakeholders. Just hours ago he was complaining to Sofía about how stressed he was about making a good impression, yet you wouldn't have guessed it if you saw him right now.

Carlos heads towards them a short while later, his eyes scanning the room, searching for his family amidst the sea of faces, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips when he finally spotted them.

Despite the nerves he had felt earlier, he was now the picture of confidence, his focus solely on enjoying the evening and making the most of the opportunity before him.

Across the table sat Carlos's father, his usually stoic expression softened by a smile of genuine happiness that usually only appeared during a celebration of his kin. "You've done well for yourself, Carlos," he said, his voice filled with paternal pride. "We couldn't be prouder of you."

Carlos beamed at his parents, his eyes shining with gratitude. "I couldn't have done it without you guys." he said, his voice choked with emotion.

Sofia felt a lump form in her throat as she looked around at Carlos's family, the love and pride radiating from each of them filling her with warmth and gratitude. They had welcomed her into their family with open arms, embracing her as one of their own, and she felt truly grateful to be a part of their lives.

"And I couldn't have done it without you, either." he leans down, pressing a quick kiss to his girlfriends lips, wrapping his arms around her shoulders from the back of her chair.

Sofía gives a nonchalant shrug. "I think you were doing pretty good for yourself."

"Please, we all know you bring him all his luck." Reyes jokes, the small table erupting with laughter at the suggestion.