Book 1: Oh love, how could I forget~ (Lance Stroll)

Chapter 7: Love or Work Dilemma

Charles Leclerc finishes 8th on Day 2
As soon as he returns the car, it is visible that he is not as pleased with the place he got.

"I'll be doing some interviews. I'll be quick"

In the meantime, I was scrolling through my phone. I was wondering what I should do. I think I have to tell my family what's happening. I haven't really shared anything since I met Lance in the plane. I just brushed it over and left out bits and bits of anything about F1, especially with Lance and Racing Point, Charles and this Ferrari job offer, my garage passes.. everything but I think its time.. This is a big decision to make and it definitely is important..

"Hey. I'm starving. Let's eat dinner" Charles changed to his denim and seems like he has better mood now.
"Sure. Where to?"
"I know a place. Do you like steak?"
"Why yes I love steak"
"How do you like your steak?"
"Medium rare to medium"
"You?" "Medium rare is good too"
"Good thing I parked in the back. Let's go"

This is my first time to ride a ferrari.
"Charles this is absolutely amazing" I said while I was admiring his car.
"I've never rode in one before" I laugh in embarrassment
"Hop on. Let's let you experience it then" Charles chuckles.

As we got to the restaurant, the receptionist quickly assisted us to I think a more private area.

"Which wine would you like to have?" Charles asked as he was looking at the menu and I'm just quite awkward trying to think that this is his normal routine but it is different from mine.

"Uhm.. Anything you order is fine"
"Okay. We'll have this. Gracies"
"What?" Charles smiles as he noticed I was looking at him.
"Nothing I just.. hmm.. not used to this.. to everything" I said as I rub my forehead.
"Can I ask why you went to Ferrari today?"
"Actually Charles.. I.. uhm"
"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to yet"
"Uhm.. Amber has given me a job offer for this season"
"Amber? Where? In the office?"
"Uhhh its a field job. You don't know anything about this?" I'm surprised he doesn't. I could atleast think they offered because he requested it or something but I guess that was wrong.
"Not really. I don't pay attention too much besides anything about the car or the race." He says..
"Cause.. its about being your manager"
Charles almost spat out his wine. "M-my manager?"
He said in disbelief. "Uhm.. yeah... I got the contract here look" I handed the papers and now he's reading them. "You should ask for more" his first reaction.

"What? I haven't seen the salary part yet" I stood up and walked over to his side. "Wait.. is that 2,000$ a month?" Whoa wait what. "You should ask for more. I think my previous manager had 3500$" but like.. "Charles.. this price is already my annual salary" "what" "what" we were both surprised.

The waiter got the steaks so I sat down again. "Wow.. This steak is amazing" ohmygosh this is the best ever.

"Mon chou. You're so cute" He chuckles.
"It's like everything is a first time for you" He added.
"Yes it actually is" I chuckled with him.

After the dinner Charles drove me to the hotel.
"Thank you for today!" I said as I was unbuckling the seat.
"It was really fun. Let's go out more" He said.
"We'll see. Tomorrow I'll be with Racing Point..with.. Lance" I sighed. "Are you two..." Charles stops. "Uhm.. no" I shake my head. "We're just.." I scoffed. "We're just something... impossible" I gave a faint smile.

"You can come to Ferrari anytime. I'll always be there for you." Charles gave me a reassuring smile. I felt relieved. It's good to have someone I can trust.

At the hotel

"No..no" I hear Lance as I open the door. "No please.." the room was really dark already.. is he sleep talking? "Lance.." I whisper as I touch his forehead. "No.. No please.. I can do it.. please" I cupped his face. "Lance.. Lance.." his eyes opens suddenly. He was sweating. "It's all a dream Lance.. you're awake now.. It's gonna be okay" He hugged me as soon as he saw me. He held me so tightly. So I rubbed his back to soothe his feelings. "Can we stay like this?" He asks not letting go.
"Sure" I laid down beside him and dozed off so quickly.

I woke up earlier than Lance this time. I guess he really had bad nightmares last night. I went on to read the contract but my phone suddenly rang and I quickly answered it as I was moving away from the bed. It was family calling.

"Yeah..so here's the thing.. I was offered to work at Scuderia Ferrari as a manager or somewhat a personal assistant. Yeah so it'll be with Leclerc. Yeah I know. So much has happened I'll tell you guys later after today's race. Hmm.. uh huh? Yeah.. I know.. I think I can.. it's for the whole season yeah.. okay.. I understand" I looked around and saw Lance was already awake. He must've heard me. "Yes later I'll call" I ended the call.

"Have you decided.. already?" He said weakly.
"No.. I.. I don't know yet but.. I either go home or take this job"
"Whats your pros and cons?"
"Well.. if I go to Ferrari.. Pro would be financial stability. I'm not sure if you can understand but they're gonna pay me my annual salary in one months time. Cons would be.. is that Im in Ferrari.. but I guess thats a Pro at the same time. If I go back home.. I can still continue my life and everything would still be the same"
"Except you're no longer here.." He adds
"Yeah.. I am only in vacation.. so all this time it seems like its a dream come true. Wouldn't really ask for more" I smile.
"Seems like a better choice no?" I asked looking away from him. I was hoping for a response but.. he didn't seem to care.. it kinda stings

At the garage
"Good morning mija"
"Buenos dias" I smile as Sergio greeted me.
"you know spanish?" "Hahaha no but I'm filipino"
Lance is coming towards us after his meeting as Sergio goes to his.
"How you feeling?" I asked with a soft smile. maybe its because it's my 3rd time to watch but I'm starting to get cold feet here.
"I feel great today and you're here too so.. How bout you?" He smiles beautifully. "I think the anxiety and excitement is getting to me. I feel cold"
Lance holds my hand and massages it. "You are cold but I'm warm so does this feel good?" He looks at me so cutely. "Yes. It does. Thank you"

"Lance we need you here" "I'll be back" he patted my head then ran off to the team. I blushed but I quickly looked away. Why am I reacting to these small gestures.

"Not the best news but okay I can try that" I overheard Lance speaking to the staff. He came back to me so I asked.. "why what happened? Is there something with the car?" "Nothing.. it's other work stuff" He kissed my forehead while giving me a sidehug.
"I'll go now" He smiles and proceeds to the car.

"Goodluck!" I said as I went to the safe area just so I wouldn't bother the staff when the race starts.

Lance Stroll comes in at 4th for Day 3.

Everyone was cheering and was very please with the results today. We were waiting on Lance to return. "Yessss!!!" We all cheered as he comes out of the car. As he greeted and thanked the crew, he was glancing at me.
"hey"
"hey.." I smile
"You know.. You're the highlight of my race right? Seeing you at the pitstop really boosted me" I feel a bit hot on my cheeks again.
"You're getting cheesy, Stroll" I playfully pushed him so he wouldn't notice.
"Let's eat dinner later?" he asked, I nodded.

I feel as if..
I want to.. give "us" a try.. would it work?

🧩🧩🧩🧩🧩

Just some notes guys hahahah
Lance is starting this season strong. I'm happy that he's improving every race and now it seems like he's gonna get stable. I'm so pumped. Alsoooo congrats to Landoo. I'm so happy for his second podium. Charles also did great. Honestly.. I have always watched F1 with my dad but this season or since last season it's so interesting that half of the drivers are actually almost the same age as me and are so competitive. It's soo amazing honestly. I don't have a bucket list but now I think.. at least once in my life I would love to watch the race.

I would love if you can share your thoughts 😊thanks for reading xx