„Against the Odds" - MV

57. Feeling Home

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.

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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."