Chapter 2

Mark stepped off the plane straight into the sun and knew he was home. Australia. It was March, beginning of the season. This year was going to be even better though, he was going to visit Sadie and get closer to his son. He entered his flat and dumped his luggage, ordered a take out and texted Sadie to come over.

An hour later, it was almost like the last eighteen years hadn't happened, they got on so easily, it was friendly and romantic, and more than either had hoped for. They avoided the subject of Daniel for most of the evening, that talk was inevitable, but for most of the night they simply enjoyed each others company.

"You're gonna keep an eye on him aren't you?" she asked as they cuddled on the couch

"Of course"

"Good, but, don't smother him ok? Let him make his own mistakes as you did"

"I just don't want him caught up in any negativity or politics, I can't imagine him not smiling"

"He knows there are those issues"

"I know. God, this is gonna be so hard"

"I know"

Thursday came around and the Paddock was open, Mark cycled round the circuit, as was his favourite thing to do as a warm-up for the weekend ahead. He was just finishing his third lap when a voice called;

"Not bad for an old timer" he turned around and saw Daniel leaning against the pit wall with that constant smile.

Mark smirked "Who are you calling old timer?" Daniel came away from the wall stretching his arm out to introduce himself

"Daniel Ricciardo, it's great to meet you properly, I don't count anything that involves ties" Mark smiled as his heart swelled at the similarities already present bewteen them as he accepted his son's handshake. "You're a local boy aren't you, my mum mentioned you were from around here"

"Yeah. Who's your mum?"

"Sadie Ricciardo, she said she went to high school with you"

"Yeah she did, small world"

"Cool" there was a slightly awkward pause as both men processed the connection "Anyways, I better go, do you wanna grab a drink sometime?"

"Sure, that would be great, that's if you wanna be seen with an old timer" they both chuckled "I meant what I said at the announcement you know, this sport can get complicated and stressful, but I'll help you through it, all you've got to do is ask" it felt good to tell him this honestly

"Thanks" Daniel felt slightly awkward, but hey, he needed to get to know as many people as he could around here.

The rest of the weekend went pretty well for both of them, Mark finishing 6th and Daniel behind him in 8th, which for a first race in a car like his was pretty damn good. So on that Sunday, they decided to have that drink.

"You did well today kid"

"Thanks you too"

"Meh, I guess" he replied, as he took a thoughtful sip of his beer, they both knew why Mark couldn't do better but neither wanted to bring up that sore spot on theri night out "So, have you made any friends yet?" He continued to keep the conversation light.

"Yeah, Vergne obviously, that Paul Di Resta kid is a laugh, in fact most of the youngsters seem cool, I haven't had the courage or opportunity to talk to the more experienced ones like you"

"That's cool, there's no need to be scared of us, we're all here for the same reason. But I will say, watch who's talking to who, the older ones have influence on sponsors etc, you don't wanna get caught up in anything" Mark knew he'd over-stepped.

"Ok." he responded to the advice solemnly "You've really been hurt by all that hven't you?" Great, this was the conversation they didn't want to have

"Yeah, it all just fell apart for me" Mark mumbled into his beer

"I'm sorry" he genuinely meant it "You're a great guy, you didn't deserve any of it. You could easily be number one if things were different"

"Thanks, means a lot." how was it his son was now looking after him? "Anyways, tonight was meant to be a celebration, so let's get another round in"