Lock Up ⏐Charles Leclerc

Chapter 36

I have two more days left of final exams!! I'm so ready for this term to end.

Enjoy!

*****

Still no word from Charles and I don't know what I did to destiny to mess with my luck today.

I was flying to Cannes from Paris, having visited my parents before I headed for the festival. They weren't attending this year despite being big names in the industry because they wanted to focus on their ongoing project and take a break from the spotlight for a few weeks.

I was flying private today with Olivia who, like always, is beyond excited. Apart from the Oscars, this is her second favorite event of the year as she met some of the best filmmakers in the world. A few fans asked to take pictures as I head to the gate I'd be going through, riding a shuttle to head to the plane.

"Everything's ready there?" I asked Olivia, sipping from my hot cup of coffee. It was raining but thankfully, it wasn't that bad to the point where all flights would be delayed.

"Yes." She nodded her head. "Are you still heading to Monaco afterwards?"

I bit my lip, not sure what to say. I've gotten close with a lot of the drivers, particularly Pierre, Daniel, and Yuki. Milo would be attending, of course, but Elliana was sitting this one out since she had to attend to some family matters. "I'm still thinking about it." Olivia nodded her head in understanding as we got closer to the gate.

We were about a few meters away when my eyes landed on a certain figure talking to a ground steward, a frown on his face.

Charles was wearing a white hoodie, backpack slung over his shoulders and a duffel bag sitting by his feet. As we grew closer, I heard his frustrated tone as he tried to bargain with the man in front of him.

"You don't understand. I have to leave now." He said, sighing as he ran a hand through his hair.

"I'm sorry, sir, but your flight will only be able to leave after three hours." The man said as he glanced down at the screen in front of him.

"Can't you move me to another flight?"

Before the steward could answer, Olivia spoke up and I closed my eyes, feet halting as she grabbed their attention. "Charles, is everything alright?"

I opened my eyes to see him curiously glancing at Olivia before looking around as if he was looking for someone. When his eyes landed on me, his mouth fell open. I looked away as he replied to Olivia.

"I'm just trying to find a different flight." He answered and I saw a look pass over Olivia's face as she smiled at him.

Oh no. Olivia don't you dare.

"Do you want to join us? We're heading to Cannes and I believe that's just to the west of Monaco."

Olivia, I'm tempted to deprive you of a Christmas bonus this year, I thought to myself.

Charles glanced beside me while I continued to admire the airport's interior. They have nice windows. "I'm not sure that's a good idea."

"It's okay, right Val?" She nudged my rib with her elbow, raising her eyebrows at me. I raised one in return at her and she only widened her grin. Knowing I wasn't going to win this, I sighed before nodding my head. "Great!" Olivia walked over to where they were and fixed a few things so that they can let Charles go.

I placed my headphones over my ears so as to block them out, choosing one of my favorite playlists. I'm in that phase where I'm extremely pissed and downright moody. He ghosts me again after I give him a choice and then he appears in front of me while I'm leaving for one of the busiest weeks of my life.