Nyck just passed by the pits after a puncture. I've never felt so frustrated in my life. He can't lose this race, he needs those points.

.

The race itself was chaotic, but it was fun. Sean and Nyck got up on the podium and got me some champagne.

Robert, Enzo and Mick stayed with me and watched the race with me.

I'm surprised by how good friends these boys can be. They're so supportive and fun to be around.

Marcus shows up from behind me "who's my favorite girl?" he says.

"Enzo, he's looking for you again" I say, without skipping a beat. They all laugh.

"See, that's why we love Nyck bringing you. You should come from now on to all races!" Robert says.

I found out after the introductions that he's 20 and I'm still not on terms with it.

"How old are you, again?" Mick asks me, looking right into my eyes.

Why do all the cute guys must have blue/green eyes?

"Seventeen" I hesitate a bit. "I'm still in high school, this is my last year. I was lucky enough to come this weekend, I had to skip the whole week at school"

"So it's not going to happen again this year" Enzo deduces

"At least until I'm done with my finals and graduate"

The smiles get back on their faces, knowing I'll be able to come at the end of the season.

"So, what do you want to do after you graduate?" Marcus asks, not even looking at us

"You're just like my mom and Nyck. I have no genuine idea. All I know is that I want to start a small business and live somewhere in Crema, Italy"

"I've never heard of Crema and I live in Italy" the New Zealander says

"I guess you don't watch enough movies, then" I turn back to the podium and leave to see Nyck.

.

"Not your best race, but it's still something that you were on the podium" I giggle. He hugs me. He's all sweaty and champagne-y.

"You're kind of my lucky charm. I'm taking you with me from now on"

"You know better than anyone that I have school until summer. And you're already missing my graduation because you're racing"

"I know, and I'm sorry. Mom and dad are going to film everything and show it to me" my brother sighs

"It's okay, I'm just messing with you. Now let me go, I like this outfit and I don't want you to ruin it with your sweat and alcohol"

He laughs and lets go of me. "You're still coming to the party tonight, right?"

"But I'm tired" I complain

Truth is, I really don't wanna go. It's going to be awful for me. I don't know half of those people, Nyck is not going to be with me not even 10 full minutes and everyone is having fun without me anyway. I'd rather sleep.

"You're coming and that is that" he says

"When did you turn into dad?"

He laughs. "Love you too. Dress pretty for tonight" he gives me a kiss on the forehead and one last hug before he goes to see the team "remember I'm always one phone call or text away."

And like that, I'm alone. Again.

.

After minutes of walking through the track and pits, I spot Sean. I haven't got the chance to congratulate him for the podium.

"Sean!" I shout

He turns his head, looking concerned. After he saw I was the one calling him he starts smiling.

"What's up, shortie?"

"Just wanted to say congrats for beating my brother today" I give him a cheesy smile

"You're lost, aren't you?" He raises one eyebrow

I sigh and he figures out the answer

"Nyck left me alone again. And he makes me go to your party"

"And how is going to a party a bad thing?" His voice gets higher as he asks

"Well," I begin "I barely know ten people in there. Most of you are going to talk to other people I don't know and I'm going to get bored after twenty minutes because no one is staying or talking to me. Sleeping just seems the right choice right now"

He takes a moment to think of a proper response. "Well if you put it like that, it does seem like the better option"

I shrug my shoulders and start walking with him towards the outside of the track, on our way to the hotel.

"I can stay with you at the party" he says, after a minute of silence.

"Please, for all I know, you're the other star of the party. Everyone's gonna want to talk to you or dance with you or take a picture with you. It's basically your party"

"I don't care. If Nyck can't take care of his sister, someone has to"

He smiles at me and I smile back. I'm pretty lucky that he's my friend