All time low - a Pierre Gasly short story

3 - just friends

~fast forward to September 2017~

We all did fine in the season and we were in touch nearly on a daily basis. I was transferred from Red Bull Racing to Torro Rosso because i could speak Italian and they needed a new Social Media Manager and PR Consultant. So out of my internal position i got a fulltime job. Anthoine and Charles helped my with my move. I live in Milano on my own. And i have to say, i love it! I love Italian fashion, the food, the lifestyle and everything! I was happy with my life, found my inner balance and my inner deamons where turning silent. Until the 11th september. My birthday. I facetimed with our group. Everyone was there, everyone except Pierre. Us two talked on a regular basis but since our Finland trip he acts kinda weird around me. I just thought he's dating someone new and didn't wanna tell her that i existed. Charles and Anthoine must have known more but they didn't tell me and i excepted them not to do so. I just had a weird feeling.
After facetiming the boys the doorbell rang. I thought it was something i ordered for my birthday or some of my coworkers came over again to talk. But as i opened the door Pierre was standing there in full Torro Rosso team wear.
„Hey there, looking fine in my colors!" i greeted him. „I think i have to tell you something. I'm your new project. Carlos will leave for Renault, they are getting rid of Palmer and they want to replace Kvyat with me for 2 races and then i'll step in for Carlos. So surprise. And Happy Birthday Little Miss Sunshine. Here, i got you something!" Pierre couldn't stop talking. He was a bundle of joy. We hugged and then i asked him into the flat. He got me some Sauna towels which we had during our Finland trip. I loved them. „Thank you so much! So now step after step. Where do you stay? When is your seat fit and all the things. Tell me!" i had so many questions. And i was so happy, seeing him happy.

We talked for hours about everything. Pierre was the first one who was interested in my thoughts and my life. I began to cry as i told him about my struggles with depression. He was honest and thought everything was fine with me, because i always smiled and was just happy. We ordered some food. Due to moving i still had no couch. We ended up cuddling in my bed and watching movies. I asked him where he is staying and he a hotel room. But it was already late. So i shared my bed with him. We cuddled often before, we shared beds when we were younger but it feels different this time.
We still cuddled and talked for hours and hours. As i noticed that the sun began to rise i had to get up and dressed for another day at the factory. We had a big meeting today. I assume it's because of Pierre. So i knew what was going to happen. But do i want to work with him? We're good friends, we know each other for ages, but what was about last night. It didn't feel like friendship.

I think i start to have feelings for Pierre Gasly...

As i went back to the factory we had a meeting where no one knew what it was about - that's what Franz Tost thought. But i knew. Pierre showed up in full Torro Rosso gear at my doorstep, so i knew what was going to happen.
Franz Tost called me into his office. „Malou", he said „we've got some changes going on. You will be promoted to personal Press Officer on a permanent basis. I have heard you finished your studies. Congrats on that! And i've got another surprise - as we know, you get along with our young drivers we've got a new recruite. He'll join us for Malaysia instead of Daniil." I was smiling and a little tear of joy run down my cheek. Franz got up and hugged me. „But there is more", the Teamboss continued „our new driver is Pierre Gasly. Carlos sadly leaves us for the free seat at Renault. So Pierre will step in un full time. And as you speak French too, we will pair you up with him. I hope you'll get along well." i bursted out laughing and Franz didn't know what to say and gave me a questioning look. „Pierre Gasly? The french driver Pierre Gasly from Rouen? The boy i know since i was 6 years old? My best friend Pierre? I can promise you boss, we'll get along really well. We'll be a pain in the ass. We'll rock the paddock. And i'll get the PR game rolling!" i said louder then i should. Franz couldn't help but laugh.

Later that day i got to grab my notes, camera and microphone and got Daniil Kvyat and Carlos Sainz for another Youtube video. After filming for a while we did a short Q&A so no one got a clue that change was coming. Daniil went on to some simulator training and Carlos and me talked in a videocall with Renault media team about his departure plans and when we're going to go public with it. At 3 pm sharp we went into the misterious meeting.

Franz Tost told everyone that i got promoted and finished my university. The door smashed opened and Maria from HR came in with a cake to celebrate. Carlos Saint stood up, congratulated me and told everyone that he is leaving towards Renault. But he promised, that he'll be around to chat from time to time. I'm sitting with my back to the door when it opened. Before i noticed it i could feel something stirring in my stomach. There was something. I had goosebumps all over my body. And then Pierre entered the room. There were over 60 people in the room but he starred me directly in the eye. I felt naked. It felt like he could see directly into my soul. He's the only one how knows everything, who could end my good reputation. The same boy who was at my door yesterday. The same little boy who pushed me into mud during playing outside. The same boy who cried his heart out so many times on my shoulder.

But there was something strange in the way he looks at me. It's not how he used to. There is something. I can't tell what it was.
I grabed the glas of water in front of me and wanted to drink. But i couldn't hold it. The glass slipped out of my hand and fell onto the ground and bursted. I jumped up and run out of the meeting room. I couldn't share a room with him. Not now. I went to the kitchen and tears started rolling down my face. I don't know why, i was just overwhelmed by my feelings. It was just too much at this moment. As i noticed that Gianna, our social media manager stood next to me i turned my face away. „i can't do it! Why me? Why him? There are thousands of drivers. Why Pierre?" i sobbed. She stroke my back and as i calmed down again, i went to the restroom and put on some makeup. After several deep breathes i went back into the meeting room.

„Perfect timing" Franz Tost told me. „Come here! So everyone Malou will be the PR for Pierre. I have heard you to have known each others for ages. So we hope we'll get lads of good content." Pierre put his arm around my hip and pulled me closer. Gianna came up and took a picture of this moment. I hope no one can see my insecurity. „That's it. You're stuck with me Lou - you're mine now". I looked at Pierre with my eyes wide open. „Just joking Lou! You're my best friend and PR manager." Pierre said. „I would never touch you. I wanna protect you. You're like my sister." he wispered. As his lip touches my ear i got an electric shock. My stomach turned around. My heard skipped a beat. What does this man do to me?
Daniil gave my a side eye. Does he know something?

As we walked out after the meeting was finished Daniil squeezed my arm and pulled me into my office. „What is going on between you two? Is your relationship the reason i'm out for two races? Tell me!" he said a bit harsh. „Yooo calm down Mr. Russia! No need to be mad at me. I was an intern until this morning. I'm not in the position to hire drivers. And we're just best friends. There is no relationship going on. Go and talk to your boss or Dr. Marko, they will tell you what happened! I'm just here to please the fans with social media content." i answered annoyed. Suddenly there was a knock ok my door. „Yes" i screamed. I was happy that we were interrupted. The door opened and Pierre and Carlos where standing there like children who heard there parents fighting. „Wanna join for some Pasta and wine at my place? Kinda like a farewell party" Carlos asked. I nodded and replied „i gotta go home for a shower and some nicer clothes. Or do you want to have a Torro Rosso themed party?"

So i went home and after closing my door i bursted out in tears. I couldn't cope with Pierre being around every day, or do i?