sparks fly | m.verstappen

four

IV. Surprise Gift

HUNGARY: July 2023

FP3 and Qualifying: "Happy birthday Ate Angie!" Oscar and Logan yelled as they approached her at the paddock. The reporter was talking to some fans who had gifts for her. As expected by her bosses, she would be loved. And she was.

Her and Lissie were the favorite reporters by the fans.

Evangeline turned to the boys and grinned, "Thank you!" she excused herself to the fans as she finally reached the two. When she did, she was shocked when Logan and Oscar pulled out two cupcakes and started singing to her.

Her cheeks blushed as the people who were passing were either filming or smiling at the sight. As they sang obnoxiously, Max Verstappen arrives at the paddock. He stopped when he heard them singing and realized who it was for. He watched as she hit them but blew the candles out. They cheered and she pushed them to walk away from the area they were in.

Suddenly in Max's mind he realized how he didn't noticed. He rushed to the Redbull garage where Daniel was. He was somewhat arguing with Maeve again but he didn't care.

"It's Evangeline's birthday." he said. The two turned to him with confusion, "Uh, yes. It has always been every year Max." Daniel said with a chuckle.

Max shook his head, "I didn't know." Clara scoffed, "And you care about it now why?" she asked clearly confused at how her best friend has been acting. The Dutch driver frowned, "How could I have not known?" he questioned.

Daniel smirked, "Maybe because you're an idiot and keep avoiding her." he said. Max was about to say something but he waved, "I'm going to go get some cupcakes Lissie got for Angel."

Clara huffed, "Not too much! You have a race today Daniel!" "I hear ya boss!"

The girl rolled her eyes but turned to Max who looked like he was pissing himself. "What's gotten your face like that?" she asked. The driver turned to her, "I need your help." he said. Clara raised an eyebrow at him, "What?"

"You remember that shop we went to last year?" he asked. She hummed and nodded, "Yeah. Why?" she asked. "I need you to buy something for me."

Free practice 3 had ended and Lissie had finally found her. She had finally pulled Evangeline away from the track and into the paddock club where her table of gifts were placed.

"Tada! They allowed me to do this so you don't have to go back and forth to your car for the gifts. And look! I got you a cupcake dispenser." Lissie rambled. Evangeline smiled at the younger girl, thankful to have her as a friend.

"Do you like it Ate Angie?" she asked. Evangeline chuckled and hugged her, "I do. I love it Lissie."

The younger reporter squealed, "Good! Look at how many they are!" the girl started to read out the cards but then she saw a small box on top of the pile.

Evangeline didn't know what it was but she was drawn to the wrapping. It was wrapped in old pages of a book. Grabbing it, Lissie realized and smiled, "Ooh! That's a cool wrapping." she said.

The older reporter chuckled and nodded, opening it she realized it was a small box. Pursing her lips she opened and gasped. "What? What is it?" Lissie asked.