Page 23 of Red Queen
I went over three outfits; that’s all I managed to gather on the shopping spree at the mall. I was too indecisive, but I didn’t want to buy the whole store.
“I like the full black the most, but it also feels like I’m going to a funeral.” Now he laughs. I’m glad you’re enjoying my suffering, amigo.
“No, that’s the best. And leave two buttons open. Maybe three. And don’t forget your cologne.” I put on the outfit while still talking to him.
We might not race in the same colors, but we’re still best friends. It’s been two years since I signed with another team, but our friendship is still as strong, if not more. I’m lucky to have him.
“Yes, sir.” He lets out a chuckle, one that never fails to make me smile. He’s the kind of person who's full of life and can cheer you up anytime. “How do I look?” I step further from the camera so he can see the full outfit on me.
“Fabulous, amigo. Magnificent. You can save the dessert for home.” He winks, and I let out a laugh. He loves to joke around.
“I’ll leave that decision to her.” I head to the bathroom to finish my hair and trim my facial hair.
“What a gentleman… But trust me, this outfit is going to convince her.”
“Final look.” I step away from the camera again, and the only response I get is a long, loud whistle. “Alright, wish me luck. I want to be there earlier.”
“Are you gonna pick her up?”
“Technically not me, but yes.”
“You asked for a limo? You dirty dog.” I gotta swoon her somehow in case she ends up not liking the real me.
“I know. Okay, I gotta go. Talk to you later, amigo.” I give him a salute, and after he’s done the same, we hang up.
I texted Rosa that I’m leaving in ten, so she has enough time to buckle up. I spray myself with my cologne and brush my teeth, just in case. Well, gum can’t hurt either, so I put a pack in my coat.
Fifteen minutes later, I’m waiting at her hotel’s entrance. Half the drivers are staying in this hotel, and the other half are staying at the same place as me. It’s good that they’re so close to each other, we already reserved dinner at Liam’s room for another night. With six world championships, it’s not hard to secure a suite.
The moment I spot her walking out the door, I have to lean back on the car a little, because my legs have stopped working. After I manage to restart my wobbly, jello-like legs, I stride closer to meet her halfway.
“Hermosa…” She chuckles, and the sound warms up everything inside me. Wow, way to go, Mateo, way to go. Greeting her with one word.
“Thank you. You look quite nice, also.” She grins and I return the look.
“Thank you. Shall we go then?” I hold my hand out to her, and my skin buzzes when she puts her hand in mine. So soft… It would feel so good around my— No. Mateo. Behave. Not now, not yet.
The ride to the restaurant is quiet. I’m guessing both of us are nervous. Her hands are still resting in mine, but now she has them intertwined. It feels more intimate, but in a good way.
After we arrive, the waitress takes us to the reserved table, a more private one that is secluded from the rest of the restaurant. I didn’t want anything to interrupt our date, so I made sure we were not in the spotlight.
“Do you know what you would like to drink?” the waitress asks after we sit down.
“I’d like a glass of red wine, please.” Rosa smiles back at her, then at me, waiting for my order.
“I’ll have the same.” The waitress nods and leaves to give us time to decide on the food.
“You don’t mind that I’ll drink, do you?” I furrow my eyebrows at her question.
“Why would I mind? You’re an adult, you do whatever you want, Rosa.” She smiles at me again, then starts inspecting the menu, but she looks back up at me, and now it looks like she’s inspecting me.
“What?” I ask, trying to hide the unease in my voice. Is there something on my face?
“Nothing. You just look really good in all black.” I bite the inside of my mouth, trying not to show the embarrassment onmy face. Why do I react like this to her? It’s not easy to make me blush, but her… One compliment, and I’m done.
“Thank you. I have to say, red is definitely your color.” I throw the compliment back at her, mesmerized by the way she looks. I wonder if she put this sexy red dress on because I race in red.
With a blink of an eye, the date goes by. It’s so easy to talk to her, I don’t even notice when we’ve already finished our food, and now we’re just fidgeting with the glass in our hands. Wine helped both of us ease up, and since then we haven’t been able to stop talking.
