That night in Monaco

Chapter 4

"She could feel her heartbeat quickening"

He did it. Charles Leclerc was on pole. I was so happy and proud of him that i couldn't stop cheering. I couldn't believe that I was indeed there watching the race. Everything felt so magical.

After the qualifications were done I got my car and returned to the hotel. I wasn't hungry so I went straight to my room. I changed into my pyjamas and I decided to rest. I didn't have plans for the evening so I just layed on my bed. I was checking my phone when someone texted me.

The moment I saw the message I felt my breath leave my lungs. Charles Leclerc just texted me. "Hey, would you do me the honour to go to dinner with me tonight?". I was completely shocked that I needed a minute to realize what had just happened. I replied saying "Hey, I would love to have dinner with you. Could you please text me the time and the place?". Not long after I had my answer. "Great, meet me at 9:30pm at the restaurant called Moonlight".

The time was 7:00pm and I was completely freaking out. I got up immediately and went to the bathroom. I took a shower, washed my face and brushed my teeth. Then the difficult part came. What I was supposed to wear. Was it a date or a friendly dinner. Oh who am I kidding, I thought. Charles Leclerc would never look a girl like me. He probably wanted someone powerful not a person like me, but I couldn't think that way. I was going to enjoy this as it was a unique experience.

In the end, I chose to wear a red elegant dress and my black high heels. I hoped I was not overdressed for  dinner. I applied some makeup and last but not least my red lipstick. I decided to make my hair a loose bun as I thought it looked nice with the rest of the outfit. Then, I took my black purse and left my room.

I got in my car and found the address of the restaurant in my GPS. After 15' I was there on time. It was such an amazing restaurant with a balcony facing the sea. The full moon made a magnificent combination with the sea. The moment I stepped on the balcony I saw Charles sitting at a table looking at the moon. He was so handsome wearing a black Armani suit which was making more elegant than he already was.

I slowly approached and then he turned his head to my direction. The moment he did that I saw the moonlight reflecting into his perfect green eyes. I couldn't hold back a smile as he got up greeting me. He made sure I sat first and after a moment he also sat. "You are so beautiful tonight, Anna" he said. "Thank you so much Charles and for the invitation too. I would like to congratulate you for the pole today as well. You did amazing" I commented.

"You are so kind. So, tell me a little about you". "Oh there isn't much to know about me. I come from Greece and I study physics. And I am also 24 years old." i answered him. "That's amazing Anna. And may I ask what are you doing in Monaco except for the Grand Prix?". "I had a week off work and it was also my birthday two days ago so I thought to make myself a gift". "Happy Birthday Anna" he said and I had already turned red. I had never imagined Charles would wish me happy birthday. "I don't know how to thank you enough. I would like to apologize if I bothered you today. I know it can be overwhelming meeting and talking to fans." "Oh Anna it was my pleasure meeting you. No-one before has ever cared if they bothered me before or not".

I was still trying to comprehend that this was actually happening. In that moment a waiter came and took our order. After a minute he brought us our wine. "Let's drink for you, for your birthday, Anna" he said. I couldn't accept that, it was too much. "I appreciate it but I think that the best would be to drink to your success today" I replied. "And what if we meet tomorrow to celebrate my potential victory so we drink for you tonight?" Did he just ask me on another date tomorrow? "I would love to" I said.

Finally, the food came and we discussed about different topics. We got to know each other pretty well and he seemed to be an amazing person. I couldn't stop looking at his green eyes that made my heart beat faster and faster. When we finished our food we enjoyed the beautiful view of the moon and the sea. It was as it was taken from a fairytale. I didn't want it to end. He made me so comfortable and secure at the same time. I didn't remember if I had opened so much to a person before but he never made me feel awkward.

All I wanted to do was stare in his eyes as he was watching the sea. He seemed so calm like he didn't care about the world. Unfortunately the time was now 12:00 and we had to leave. I secretly paid the bill as it was something I would never have the chance to do again. "Wait, did you pay the bill?" he asked me. "Yes I did. I thought it was the least I could do for you. It isn't like I have the opportunity to go to dinner every day with you. To be honest I never thought I would ever see you in person". I said. "Thank you but you didn't have to do that. What would you say if we meet tomorrow night for drinks?" "That would be a great idea. You can text me the details tomorrow after the race if you have time" "Yes. I am also so happy I got to meet and know you." "Me too" "Goodnight Anna!" "Goodnight Charles!" 

After we said goodbye he left but I stayed a little to admire the view and think about what happened and how I was feeling about this situation. I couldn't understand how I felt but the only thing I knew was that Charles Leclerc gave me huge butterflies. For a moment I thought I was dreaming and I would wake up but that never happened. What had this man done to me?

"That night in Monaco, under the stars, she realised he was the one for her."