The morning sun gently streamed through the windows of Sophie's cozy kitchen, casting a soft golden hue over the room. The smell of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked croissants, making the space feel like a peaceful haven. Cassidy smiled to herself as she inhaled deeply, the quiet serenity of the house a welcome contrast to the fast-paced chaos of the race circuit.
Max was already seated at the kitchen table, looking relaxed in a way Cassidy didn't often see during race weeks. He glanced up as she entered, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "Morning," he greeted her, his voice still a bit groggy from sleep.
"Morning," she replied, making her way to the table as Sophie bustled around the kitchen, placing the last of the breakfast spread in front of them.
"Help yourselves," Sophie said cheerfully, taking a seat across from them. "It's nothing too fancy, but you've got a long day ahead, and I figured you could use a good meal before you head out."
"It's perfect, Mum, thanks," Max said, already reaching for a croissant. Cassidy smiled, grabbing her own and pouring herself some coffee.
The conversation flowed easily at first, Sophie asking Max about his upcoming race, teasing him about how competitive he still was. Max responded with his usual playful arrogance, making both Sophie and Cassidy laugh.
At one point, Sophie looked toward Cassidy, her expression softening. "You seem like you're settling in well here," she observed warmly. "It's been so nice having you around."
Cassidy felt her heart warm at the comment. "Thank you," she said, her voice sincere. "It's been really nice to be here. I don't usually get to see this side of Max," she added with a small laugh.
Sophie chuckled. "Oh, trust me, he's much easier to handle at home than he is at the track."
Max shook his head, trying to look offended. "I'm sitting right here, you know."
Cassidy laughed, but as the conversation continued, she felt the weight of something more personal creeping into her thoughts. The warmth of Sophie's home, the gentle care she showed, reminded her so much of her own mother—and the aching void that had been left behind after she passed. She swallowed hard, then finally spoke.
"I wanted to say... thank you, Sophie," Cassidy began, her voice quieter now. "For being so welcoming. It's been a long time since I've felt this... at home, I guess." She hesitated, then added softly, "My mum passed away a few years ago. And it's been hard to feel that kind of warmth again."
Sophie's face softened instantly, her eyes filling with empathy. "I'm so sorry, Cassidy. That must have been incredibly difficult."
Cassidy nodded, her fingers tightening slightly around her coffee mug. "It was. My mum was everything to me. She had this way of making everyone feel taken care of, and I guess I've missed that more than I realized."
Sophie reached across the table, gently placing her hand over Cassidy's. "You've been through a lot, and I'm so sorry for your loss. But I want you to know that you're always welcome here. Max may be my son, but you're family too now."
Cassidy blinked back the unexpected sting of tears, her heart swelling with gratitude. "That means more than I can say," she whispered.
Max, who had been listening quietly to their exchange, reached over and squeezed Cassidy's knee gently under the table, a silent reassurance that he was there, that he understood.
---
After breakfast, the warm and light-hearted atmosphere continued. As Max leaned back in his chair, Sophie shot him a knowing look. "Alright, Max," she said, her tone playful but authoritative. "Before you head out, I need you to help me with something."
Max groaned dramatically, though it was clear he was already resigned to the request. "What is it now?"
Sophie laughed. "Just the boxes in the garage. I need them moved up to the attic. They've been sitting there for weeks."
Cassidy watched as Max stood, grumbling under his breath but clearly accustomed to these kinds of tasks. "Fine, fine," he muttered, though a grin tugged at his lips.
As Max made his way toward the garage, Sophie turned to Cassidy with a warm smile. "He likes to act put out, but he's always been a good help," she said with a wink.
Cassidy chuckled, watching Max disappear into the garage. "He seems different here. Softer, I guess."
Sophie nodded, her gaze following Max's movements. "He is. This is where he lets his guard down. The track... well, that's a whole different world for him, but here, he can just be Max."
Cassidy felt a sense of peace wash over her. "It's nice to see that side of him."
Sophie smiled knowingly. "You bring that out in him, you know."
Cassidy looked down, feeling a small blush creep up her cheeks. "I hope so."
As they continued clearing the breakfast table, Sophie glanced at Cassidy again, her expression thoughtful. "How are you feeling about everything, Cassidy? Being with Max, adjusting to this life—it's a lot."
Cassidy paused, considering her words carefully. "It is a lot," she admitted quietly. "But... I think I'm starting to find my place. With Max, it feels like everything is starting to make sense."
Sophie gave her a warm smile. "That's good to hear. You're strong, Cassidy. I can see that. And Max... well, he needs someone like you to keep him grounded."
Cassidy nodded, feeling a sense of reassurance in Sophie's words. There was something comforting about knowing that Sophie saw her place in Max's life, and it made her feel more secure in the whirlwind world she had been thrust into.
---
Soon after, Max reappeared, wiping the sweat from his brow after moving the boxes. "Alright, Mum, boxes are in the attic," he said, looking satisfied with himself.
Sophie smiled warmly. "Thank you, darling. You're free to go now."
Max chuckled, but there was an easy affection in the way he kissed his mother's cheek before returning to Cassidy's side.
"Well," Max said, his arm casually wrapping around Cassidy's shoulders. "Time to get going, I guess."
Sophie watched them with a fond expression as they gathered their things, ready to head off to the airport for Spa. Before they left, Sophie pulled Cassidy into a warm embrace. "Take care of each other, alright?" she said softly.
"We will," Cassidy promised, her heart feeling lighter as they stepped out into the crisp morning air.
---
The drive to the airport was quiet, the rhythmic hum of the car blending with the steady beat of Cassidy's thoughts. The warmth and comfort of Sophie's home still lingered in her mind, but now, as they left that peaceful world behind, the reality of race week was beginning to settle in.
Max sat beside her in the passenger seat, his arm resting casually over the back of the seat, his eyes focused ahead as they approached the private airport. There was a calmness about him, but Cassidy could sense the shift—the quiet focus that always took over in the days leading up to a race.
As they pulled up to the private terminal, the sleek silhouette of the jet came into view, the polished metal gleaming under the fading light of the evening. Cassidy glanced over at Max, his expression unreadable but familiar in its intensity. This was the part of him that belonged to the world of Formula 1—the part of him that rarely wavered when it came to his goals.
