The pub was crowded enough to be lively without being unbearable, tucked away in one of Monaco's busier streets. It had become something of a regular meeting spot whenever everyone happened to be in the city after the Grand Prix but especially during the off-season. Tonight was no different.

You were squeezed into a booth with Charles, Lando, Carlos, Pierre and Daniel, drinks scattered across the table and conversations overlapping every few seconds. Lando and Daniel had been arguing over something ridiculous for the better part of twenty minutes, Pierre was enthusiastically taking Charles's side, and Carlos looked like he regretted agreeing to come in the first place.

You were having a good time. It was easy with them. Years of shared paddocks, holidays, dinners and questionable nights out had made the group feel more like family.

Max, however, was noticeably absent.

He'd mentioned earlier that he might join you later, although he'd been rather vague about the details. Lando had spent most of the evening making jokes about his friend's mysterious new girlfriend, someone Max had been talking about for weeks but whom nobody in the group had properly met yet.

"He's probably rehearsing his introduction in the mirror," Daniel joked, earning a laugh from Charles.

"Leave him alone," Pierre chuckled. "At least he's finally dating someone."

Carlos took a sip of his drink. "He'll be here when he's here."

As if summoned, the entrance opened.

Max walked in, dressed casually in dark jeans and a fitted shirt, his rare grin appearing almost immediately when he spotted the group. He had one hand resting against the lower back of the woman accompanying him, guiding her through the crowded pub.

Sophia.

You recognized her from the occasional photographs and stories Max had shared over the past few weeks. Pretty, brunette and apparently the woman who had finally managed to capture your best friend's attention.

"Well, look who's decided to show up!" Lando called, raising his glass.

Max laughed, exchanging greetings with the others before approaching the table. He greeted everyone with his usual enthusiasm, pulling Daniel into a quick side hug.

"Hey, gorgeous" he greeted, leaning down to press a familiar kiss against your cheek. His hand briefly settled on your shoulder, as naturally as it always had. "You having fun without me?"

He barely waited for your response before straightening up, his arm returning around Sophia's waist.

"Right, before you lot start asking a million questions..." He glanced down at her with a smile, then back at the table. "This is Sophia, my girlfriend. Sophia, these are the idiots I spend most of my time with. And that's {{user}}, my best friend. You've heard plenty about her."