WISTERIA , Oscar Piastri

Two

The morning sun bathed the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi with its warm, golden glow. It was Oscar's first day at McLaren, and he was eager to make a good impression during the post-race testing session. As he prepared for his debut with the renowned team, Maeve had other plans for her morning.

Meanwhile, back at their shared accommodations, Maeve had decided to make herself right at home in Oscar's room. She spent the morning engrossed in a book, her belongings slowly finding their way into the room's corners and drawers.

"We can keep a pillow in the middle, or I can sleep on a couch. I don't want to waste my money on a hotel room when I'll be spending most of my time with you. I can use it for shopping instead. I heard that the Yas Mall is glorious. Let's go there after your testing?" Maeve had suggested.

Oscar had raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes. "What, are you planning on marrying me if I don't end up with anyone? Or should I say if you don't end up with Archie?" he teased.

Maeve looked at him incredulously. "No, why?" she asked. Oscar grinned mischievously. "You boss me around like a wife already," he remarked.

Without warning, a flying pillow sailed through the air, aimed squarely at Oscar. He laughed heartily, ducking to avoid the playful attack. Maeve's laughter joined his, and the hotel room was filled with the sound of their shared amusement.

As Oscar headed off to the circuit for his testing, he couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort knowing that Maeve was just a pillow's throw away.

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Maeve had been feeling a bit restless in the hotel room, so she decided to text Oscar to inquire about what time he would be finished with his testing. Oscar quickly responded with a rough estimate, prompting Maeve to get ready. She rented a self-drive car to take her to the Yas Marina Circuit and waited outside. She sent Oscar a message to let him know she had arrived. Within minutes, Oscar texted her back, instructing her to enter the circuit and assuring her that he would handle the security.

Maeve followed his instructions and entered the circuit. As she walked through the familiar surroundings, she noticed that there were fewer people on the circuit this time, mostly just a few team staff members going about their duties. She made her way towards the McLaren garage and found Oscar waiting outside.

"Hey," he greeted her softly as she approached.
"Are you done? I really don't want to bother you."

Oscar smiled warmly. "Oh yeah, the testing is done. I'm just getting acquainted with the staff."

Just then, a girl walked out of the garage and addressed Maeve. "Oh, look at this, will you be my partner in crime when the boys are off driving?" she asked cheerfully.

Maeve was momentarily taken aback, not quite grasping the meaning of the question. "I'm sorry," she replied, somewhat confused.

The girl continued, "Oh, I'm Lando's girlfriend, Celeste. And you're Oscar's girlfriend, right? I saw your pictures in the paparazzi pages yesterday. You guys are cute. High school sweethearts, are you?"

Maeve felt the need to clarify. "Oh, uh, me and Oscar are best friends."

Celeste seemed a bit embarrassed. "Oh, I'm sorry to assume. It's usually the WAGs who stay back, and he did say he had someone to have dinner with when we offered him company."

Maeve offered a gracious smile. "That's alright."

Oscar interjected, sensing the need to change the topic. "I'll be done in five, then we can go shopping like you want."

Lando, who had just arrived, overheard their conversation and chimed in. "Oh, you're going shopping, mate?"

Oscar nodded. "Yeah, she wanted to go to the Yas Mall."

Celeste and Lando exchanged a knowing look, and Celeste spoke again. "I really hope to see you around a lot in the garage."

Maeve couldn't quite decipher the meaning behind Celeste's words but decided to go along with it. "Sure, I'll try to visit more often."
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Oscar and Maeve navigated their way through the bustling mall, sticking close to each other so they wouldn't get lost in the labyrinth of shops. Oscar dutifully held onto the shopping bags as Maeve indulged in her retail therapy. Amidst the shopping bags and fashion boutiques, a casual question slipped out from Oscar.

"How much trust fund did your grandfather leave you again?" he inquired, curiosity dancing in his eyes.

Maeve couldn't help but roll her eyes at the question. "Enough for me to retire today, spend all my days on a yacht in Monaco, and shop every week," she replied with a hint of playful extravagance.

Oscar chuckled, shaking his head. "Damn, some people are just born without first-world problems," he remarked, the sarcasm dripping from his words.

In response to his playful comment, Maeve playfully smacked his hand, causing both of them to share a laugh.

They settled into one of the restaurants in the mall, the aroma of delicious cuisine filling the air as they perused the menu. Oscar broached the topic of Thanksgiving, knowing that Maeve had wanted to celebrate the holiday just as she liked.

"So, I have a little work in the morning tomorrow, but we can celebrate your mclaren seat later, just like you want," Oscar said, his tone warm and reassuring.

Maeve's eyes lit up with appreciation. "That's great. I'll look up a nice restaurant, or we can order room service. But honestly, I just want to not be alone on a holiday," she admitted with sincerity.

Oscar nodded in understanding. "I completely get that. Holidays are meant to be spent with loved ones."

Oscar then shifted the conversation to Archie, perhaps sensing Maeve's change in attitude towards him. "You wanna go to one of Archie's games when we leave?" he asked.

Maeve shook her head decisively. "Nope, I've got to see them for New Year's anyway."

Oscar raised an eyebrow, curious about her change of heart. "You're going to blatantly ignore them?" he inquired.

Maeve nodded. "As much as I can," she replied, a hint of reluctance in her tone. "But you used to die to be around him," Oscar pointed out.

Maeve sighed, explaining her change of heart. "Yes, but he used to be single then. Now he has a girlfriend, and you say I'm too obvious around him. I don't want his girlfriend to catch on and hate me."

Oscar leaned in a hint of frustration in his voice. "She's a bitch. she hates you anyway," he stated bluntly, his protective instincts coming to the forefront.

Maeve waved off the topic, eager to enjoy their meal together. "Just eat, Oscar."