"And that's the checkered flag, Dani," Nate, Daniella's race engineer happily announced. "You are the winner of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix."

"Ahh! Yes!!" Daniella laughed as she slowed down and waved at the fans. "It feels so good to win again. Thanks, everyone. Did we get the 1-2?"

"We did."

"Great work team."

The Mercedes drivers parked their cars and got out of it. The first thing they did was hug each other. Lewis was close to a win but there was no denying that the second driver had more pace and ended up winning.

Daniella was happy to win again after a series of bad races.

"Great race you two," Carlos, who finished third joined the two drivers. "And congrats Dani."

"Thanks," Daniella smiled. "Congrats on your podium as well."

Her smile grew bigger when she saw Max walking towards her. He still had his helmet on but she can correctly imagine how he is looking.

"Told you you will win again," Max hugged her tightly. He didn't have a good race but he was happy for his girlfriend.

"You did and you were right," Daniella pecked his helmet before she was pulled away for the interview.

George came over and congratulated Lewis but didn't even look at the winner.

***

"Really? First Lando and now you?" Max asked as Daniel clicked a photo of the couple.

They were at a restaurant with a few more drivers, enjoying their night after the race. Daniella was sitting next to Max and was leaning against him, his arms were around her as they talked and ate their dinner and of course, drank alcohol.

"It's actually really fun," Daniel took a few more photos. "And a great way to capture memories. I think I should become a professional photographer after this year."

"You are just taking a year break, not completely retiring," Daniella chipped in. "There is no need to think about another profession."

"She is just in denial about everything," Max explained. "Especially about Seb retiring."

"And also Mick...oh poor Mick," Daniella's voice cracked. "I can't believe he doesn't have a seat for next year."

"How much did she drink?" Daniel asked Max as he looked at the empty glass.

"Enough to make her emotional," The Red Bull driver replied as he pulled his girlfriend closer so that she was comfortable.

"Dad is going to cry when he watches Seb retire next week," Daniella continued. "I need to ask someone to keep him away from the Aston Martin garage."

Max's eyes slightly went wide as what Daniella just said hit him.

"Wait...your dad is coming to Abu Dhabi?"

"Yes," Daniella nodded. "He confirmed this evening."

"You are screwed," Daniel laughed at the Red Bull driver.

"Don't worry, he is only going to watch Seb race for the last time," Daniella assured her boyfriend. "He might cry a little though."

"I ordered another round of drinks," Lando joined as he came back to the table and his eyes landed on the couple. "What's wrong with these two?"

"Dani is drunk and Max just found out his future father-in-law will be in Abu Dhabi," Daniel replied, he found the situation amusing and took a few photos to capture the moment.

The waiter placed the new drinks on the table and took away the empty glasses. Daniella was the first one to grab herself a drink.

"Why do you all act like my dad is a big scary guy?" She asked as she sat up straight. "He is so sweet and nice and caring..."

"Because he is a bit scary," Lando replied. "But he is really friendly once you get to know him," He said to Max and Daniel.

"I got to know him and he is still not friendly with me," Max murdered. "He still acts like I kidnapped Dani or something."

"But has he killed you yet?" Daniella looked at him. "If the answer is no then it means he likes you...or at least tolerates you."

"He likes George though," Lando added. "And Carlos.."

"Sometimes he is too naive for this world," Daniella finished her drink, making the rest of the drivers look at her in surprise. They were yet to take their first sips. "George will pretend to be polite and civil for five minutes and dad thinks he is the nicest guy in the world." She looked at Max who was still worried about meeting David Michaels again. "Don't try too hard to impress dad this time. Just be yourself...but if you can join him for a game of golf that would be nice."

"Great," Max picked up his glass and finished his drink at once. "I am so screwed again."

***

Max struggled to keep Daniella on her feet as she was too drunk. He was hoping either Daniel or Lando would help but the McLaren duo abandoned the couple and went to take photos around the city.

"Will you stop following me? I have a boyfriend," Daniella tried to push Max away as they walked out of the elevator. "And he will beat you up."

"That's great, Dani, but please let's get you to your room first," Max tightly wrapped his arm around her waist so that she would fall. He was already holding her heels in his other hand and he is more than sure Daniella would not be happy if he lost her expensive shoes.

"You don't have to hold me like I am a child. You know I have legs and I can walk, right?"

"So I take it that you don't remember almost falling down in the lobby," Max sarcastically replied as he stopped in front of the door. He struggled to pull out the key card while keeping Daniella on her feet, but after some tries, he managed and opened the door.

First, he tossed in her heels and then lifted her up in his arms in bridal style, making her giggle. She was too drunk to even acknowledge the struggle he is going through right now.

Max walked in with Daniella in his arms and closed the door with his legs.

"Where are we?" Daniella asked as she put her hand around his neck for support.

"In your room," Max replied as he walked towards the bed.

"Why am I not in Max's room?" The Mercedes driver pouted. "I miss him."

"I am right here and we are in your room because my room is too far away," He put her down in the bed and let out a deep breath. The race didn't tire him as much as bringing his girlfriend from the restaurant to the hotel room did.

"Now please go to sleep," Max huffed. "I am also drunk to take care of you properly."

"But I can't sleep in this dress," Daniella looked down at herself. The dress was pretty and comfortable enough to have a good night out but not made for sleeping in.

Max looked around and found her suitcase. He dragged himself over and opened it.

"Things I do for you..." He let out a sigh before pulling out one of his tshirts which Daniella had taken from his closet.

Daniella patiently sat on the bed, too drunk to do anything.

Max came back and pulled her up on her feet.

"Are we going out again?"

"No. You are going to change out of your dress and then go to sleep," Max explained as he unzipped the dress and pulled down the sleeves.

Daniella's eyes watered as she took off her dress and immediately hugged Max.

"Woah..." Max almost lost his balance but managed to keep his balance. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I just want to hug you before my boyfriend comes back and kicks you out," Daniella replied. "I am going to miss you."

"I am your boyfriend, Dani," Max smiled, kissing her head.

"No. My boyfriend is more handsome than you," She argued as she pulled away.

Max let out another sigh and rubbed his forehead.

"Okay, fine," He gave in. "Now please get dressed and go to bed."

"Fine," Daniella pouted once again but obeyed.

Max finally put the tshirt on her and gently pushed her onto the bed.

"Thank you," She softly said as her head hit the pillow.

"Anything for you," Max smiled and kissed her forehead. He was relieved to see her close her eyes and in no time she was asleep.

Max quickly took off his shirt and jeans and just got on the bed and lay next to his girlfriend, not bothering to put on any other clothes.

He kissed Daniella once again before wrapping his arm around her and soon falling asleep.

**********

A/N: Look at me updating two books in one day🤭😏

  So we got drunk Dani...and Max taking care of her. Thoughts?

 Dani is sad that Seb is retiring, and Mick and Daniel don't have a seat for next season 🥺

  And Max is worried about meeting David again. How do you think it will go?

 Only a few more chapters left and then this story will come to an end... finally