SERGIO POV.: This week we're racing in Imola, Italy, for 6th race of the 2023 season. The team is estatic with how fast we are and the results (at least one of us, Max or me, is on the podium). So far, it's been a plesant season, and I'm currently running 2nd in the Championship, behind Max.
As usual, Wednesday was mostly for us alone, and from Thursday everything went on full speed, just like any other race weekend. Media day and meeting with all the fans was yesterday, while today we have free practises to get used to the track, before quali tomorrow, so it's time for me to put my head in the game and deliver on the track.
Wednesday was really fun. Me and Marisol spend some time alone from the spotlight of camaras, laughing and joking around. I think I would be blind if I didn't see how perfect she is... It still suprise me that she's single and apart from her job and family, we mostly hang out together.. In my opinion girl like her should have many men intrested in her, but I see none...
Suddenly, I was brough back to reality from my thoughts, by loud knock on the door to my hotel room. Ready to go, I put my cap on and walked to them, to see who it is. Even tho I already knew the answer to that...
I opened the door and for instance met that shining glance from the one and only, my perfect PR officer.
-Hola Checo! Ready for today?- she asked me kindly, with this bright smile of hers, which always makes me smile back. I swear, her smile and positive attitude never fails to brighten my day, even the worst one...!
-Hola Sol- I replied and smiled myself -Yeah, I just need to grab few things...- I agreed, took what I needed and stepped out of my room, to lock it behind me.
-What do we do today?- I asked her, per usual.
-Apart from FP1 & 2, we have regular post-session interviews and 2 meetings with sponsors. If everything goes as planed, we'll be off by 8 pm...- she said, checking some notes on her phone.
-That's good- I commented, matching the speed of my walk with hers in habit.
-Yeah, not much thankfully...- she agreed and we chuckled at the same time. Even though I was looking in front of me, I couldn't help myself not to shoot quick glances in her direction every few minutes. I know her for so long (ever since Sahara Force India) that her not being there is weirder than the oposite. Considering that I've seen her in different colors, just like myself and I have to say that Red Bull gear suits her, reflecting in her dark eyes and black hair. She's just perfect!
'And you love her!'- told me this annoying voice in my head, but I quickly ignored it, focused on our little conversation.
As usual, without even thinking, we took our meals and coffees, cappuccino for her and espresso for me. I really enjoy every minute I spent with her, it feels so much like home...
After the breakfast, at which we were joined by Xavi, we stood up and went to the track. It's racing time...
.....
After some usual interviews and preperations, around 1:30 pm we started FP1. I was happy about how car was behaving and the pace was also good. It brought wide smile on my face and I wan't hiding it. Also the weather was nice, what was next plus....
Before I knew it, the FP1 was over and I drove the car to the pit lane, to roll it into garage. As boys did it, I jumped out of the car.
-How was it?- I asked them, taking my helmet and balaclava off.
-It was good. Very good- said Jake with smile.
-You got P2, right behind Max, with Alonso and both Ferarris behind- said very familiar voice behind me, which surely didn't belong to my engineer and then I felt light squeeze on my right shoulder. I looked that way and saw smiling Marisol -Good job!
-Thanks- I smiled back. My humor was good and spirits in the team were high, so everything was going in good way -Now what?
-Lunch, of course!- she replied and whole team laughed.
-See y'a guys later!- I said and we left the garage, to go to the hospitality for lunch. Of course, we're talking about the car, and next interviews I'm gonna do later. As usual, we talked, laughed and even joked, very happy about this weekend. Race in Imola was looking really nice and promising and we counted on that...
We ate light but good lunch in our hospitality and then make walk through the pit lane, to reach garages again, as time for second free practise was nearing, and I still needed to do quick briefing with Adam and the guys, and I probably will be also cornered by Christian for few words. Boss likes to check if everything is alright...
-I hope next session will be as good, as this one...- I told Sol, looking at her.
-Yeah, me too...- she agreed and said -I heard that boys want you to try long runs now...
-It makes sense- I agreed, as we're focusing on "one lap" things more in the morning.
-If you say so...?!- she sighed and we laughed a little, and entered the garage in that state.
-Checo, get ready mate. It's almost time...!- Adam told me, coming to us.
-Ok- I agreed and reached for my balaclava and helmet, still talking with Sol. I wasn't really focused on the practise yet, cuz' I wanted to relax first. I would be tense enough during that session....
Before we knew it, second free practise began and I jumped into the car. Next, when I was aloved, I drove off, to check how we look on long runs here, with slightly diferent conditions than few hours ago. At that moment I didn't think something like that can happen, what happened later...
.....
Session wasn't bad, but it wasn't marvellous either. It think it was good, but could be better. When I jumped out of the car, Adam told me that we're almost set for FP3 and Quali tomorrow, and we can shorten the briefing, as me and Max are 1-2 once again.
I just nodded, as I felt really tired, but I still have to muster some energy, as I still have meetings and interviews to attend. In that case, I started to search for Marisol, but she was out of sight.
-She said she needs something from hospitality and will be back shortly- Brad told me, and then entered the other part of the garage, where Max was.
-I'll be back- I told the guys, and then left, to search for Sol. I really need her, to be with me during those meetings... Besides, it's part of her job...?!
I strolled along the pit lane, looking for her, but with no luck until I got near the motorhome:
-I told you to stop following me! We broke up 3 years ago!- her words made me concern and confused at the same time. To know more and have better imput on the situation, I decided to come closer and react if needed.
-But I miss you! I need you back!- said other, male voice.
-And I DON'T need you! Understand that finally and fuck off!- I could tell she was pissed...
-But Baby...!
-No "Baby"! I'm not your girlfriend anymore! Just fuck off Jas! I need to get back to work!- she wanted to get rid of him as fast as she could, and I decided to help. I went around the corner, behind her back and pulled her to my side by her waist.
-There you are mi Amor! I've searched for you everywhere!- I told her calmly and looked at her. I felt instantly how she relaxed in my hold and looked at me.
-Well, here am I. Talking with that asshole!- she pointed at her ex.
-Mari...!?- that "Jas" made huge eyes, when he saw me.
-What you want from my girl?- I asked him, acting as if I was curious, while in reality, I couldn't give a fuck.
-Well... I wanted to talk to her and get her back- he told me brodly and then looked at her -Come on Ri! We were so happy together! I still love you!- he almost begged her.
-And I don't love you!- she snaped and added -It's been 3 years you idiot!
-But Mari, I can't forget about you!
-You surely did when you fucked that chick in OUR bed!- she shouted angrily and added, looking at me -Besides.. My heart already belongs to someone else...
-You're dating HIM, now!?
-Yeah, we're together. It means anything?- 'Gooood. I love this woman!'- I thought to myself, still looking at that man with unimpressed expression on my face and holding Marisol close.
-Well, yeah! I want you back...!?
-And I think she made it obvious, that's not gonna happen?!- I told him coldly, before she spoke up again. This conversation was pointless anyway and we both needed to finish it as fast as possible.
-Mari, what he's giving you, that I don't?
-Stability, love, safety... He knows how to make me laugh for no reason, just his gaze makes me smile... Do I need to point out more?!- she asked him rhetorically, and nothing came in return -I think so!
-Let's get out of here... I still need you to work...- I whispered to her ear, and then placed kiss on her temple. I don't know why, but I wanted to piss that guy off as much as I could.
-Ok...- she agreed and we started to walk away, when Jasper spoke up again:
-I'm curious to hear, how many times you two fucked, for him to love you!- he shouted behind us. That really pissed me off, and even her pleading gaze didn't stop me from letting her go and turning around sharply, to face that asshole again and get to him in just few steps. Without thinking I grabed him by the collar of his shirt and showed him against the nearest wall.
-Nobody, let me repeate myself, NOBODY can speak like that about Marisol! Never! You understand?!- I hissed to him.
-And what you'll do if I don't listen?- he wanted to piss me off more, but I couldn't care less... Just when I wanted tu punch him, Marisol stopped me:
-Sergio, don't!- I heard her voice behind me, and felt her hand on my shoulder -Por favor...
-You don't want to know!- I snarked at him instead and then let go off him -You better get lost, before I change my mind!
-You'll get back to me before you know it! On your knees like pleading dog!- he shouted to Sol, and actually went away, leaving us alone in an alley between motorhomes.
-What just happened?- I asked Sol, and turned in her direction.
-I have no idea...- she exhaled loudly and added -Come on! We still have work to do...
As much as I wanted to talk to her, she was right. Work always comes first...
FEW HOURS LATER
Next minutes changed into hours, and before we knew it, the day was over. We completed all our duties for today. After that, we headed back to the hotel, to eat diner. Of course nothing too heavy or against our diets. Mostly mine, but long time ago already Sol and Xavi have an agreement that he makes 2 meal plans instead of one. For me and for her to follow and stay fit throughout the season.
During the meal, we talked about all the things that happened today. All beside one... The one I wanted to talk to her about above everything else...
When we were done with eating, we bid goodbays to all the team members we came across, and headed up, to our floor. Thankfully, neither of us was too tired today.
-Oye, Sol?- I tried to get her attention.
-Hm? Were you saying something?- she looked at me with light smile.
-Yeah- I chuckled -Wanna watch a movie?
-You're not too tired before tomorrow?- she asked back, concern heardable in her voice.
-No, I'm not.
-Then, of course. But not too long though... We need to rest before quali...
-I know- I said and let us in, to my room -Mi casa, es tu casa!- with those words, I made her giggle. One of the most beautifull sounds I ever heard...
Then we made ourselves comfortable on my bed and found decent movie to watch. But I couldn't focus on it, still thinking about that situation with her ex... How good it felt, to call her "Amore", to be able to hold her close like that... I don't think I can hide my feelings any longer... I love her for about a half a year now, and it's really hard... Really hard to have her so close, but yet, so far...
-Checo...- I snaped out of my thoughts, as I heard her.
-What?
-Everything alright? You seem distant...- she asked me concerned.
-Yeah, I'm fine.
-Then what's going on in the movie?- she lifted her right brow, with a smirk.
-I don't know...- I told her the truth after few minutes of silence.
-I can see that. What's wrong?
-It's about your ex...
-About that! Sorry! After today I see loud and clear why I broke up with him. I'm sorry I pulled you into that...- she said and smirk disappeared from her face and changed places with sorrow -I should go...
-It's not that!- I stopped her, before she got up from the bed -It's just...
-Que?- she asked softly.
-I need to talk to you...- I looked her deeply in the eye.
-I think I need that too..- she agreed, but still held my hand. At first, both of us were thinking deeply, how to start this hard conversation. It wasn't easy, cuz' we didn't want to destroy our friendship.
-For few weeks now...- she started, cautions -Our friendship changed...
-Yeah, I felt that too- I agreed and gave her hand light squeeze, which made her smile.
-My... My feelings for you also changed...- she aproched that topic slowly, and as much as I wanted to just kiss her in that second, I know better than that. Before I do anything, I need to listen to her first...
-I think you're no longer my best friend Sergio... You're someone way more important than that- she whispered, and looked in other direction. Everywhere, but not into my eyes.
-Te amo Sol...- I told her in Spanish, and cupped her cheek gently, to make her look at me -Te amo mucho...- I repeated myself, and then pressed light kiss to her lips.
Right before I wanted to pull back, she kissed me back, and wrapped her arms around my neck. That one kiss changed into whole, hot make out session, but neither of us minded. I placed my hands on her waist and pulled her closer, without breaking the kiss, and seated her on my lap.
-I love you...- we panted in unision, when we broke the kiss for few seconds and pressed our foreheads together. Without other words, we smiled and started to kiss again, like nothing else matters. And the movie, long time forgotten, was coming to an end...
......
-You know I need to go...- she mumbled, when we laid on my bed, legs tangled together, in each others arms. I held her close by her waist, her front to my side, and drew light nothings on her hip, while she rested her head on my shoulder.
-I know. And I don't want you to- I replied and kissed the top of her head.
-Checo...- she yawned and slightly switched her position, to look me in the eye -It's late, and we have work tomorrow...!
-You can sleep here...?!- at my words, she rolled her eyes, and I smirked.
-You know I can't do that, as much as I wish I could- she answered with gentle smile -Everyone would know... And it's not good for my job... I'm your PR, if you still remember!
-I know...- I sighed and pulled her down for another sweet kiss -But I love you- I couldn't get enough of those kisses. She is like danm strong drug which I can't get enough off...
-I love you too, but I REALLY need to go!
-Fine!- I let her win and we both stood up.
-You know I know where the door are, right?- she giggled, looking at me.
-Shut up..- I mumbled and kissed her again. Sweet and loving, long kiss.
-See y'a tomorrow before breakfast?- she looked me deeply in the eye.
-As always- I agreed and then kissed her again. I could feel that she was smiling.
-Goodnight Checo...- she whispered, when we pulled back.
-Goodnight Sol- I kissed her forehead and then she left to her room. I closed the door behind her, still smiling like total idiot. That's how I felt... Like total idiot in love...
-I'm crazy...?!- I mumbled to myself and shoke my head in disbelieve, before procceding with my night-time routine, still thinking about her.
Right before I went to sleep, I decided to sent her quick text:
"Buenas noches Princessa ☺️";
Then added one emoj in her contact name, not to make it totaly obvious, but still meaningfull... That day, I fell asleep with huge smile on my face and hopes for good tomorrow...
THE END
Looks like the weekend in Imola started just fine...?!
What do you think?
Have a nice day! / Goodnight!
F.