Moscow Mule - [Pierre Gasly]

II

         Azar came out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her hair and one around her body. She was glad to have freshened up after a day at the track. It was hot and humid, but the evening air would cool down soon. It was a little after eight, and the three friends had agreed to go out for dinner and meet up with their friend Lucas Smith. Lucas lived in Miami for a couple of years already, he's a fashionista, gayer than anyone in this world, and the greatest addition to their friend group ever. Lucas could hype her up like nobody else, and he knew the best bars, restaurants and clubs in Miami. Azar looked forward to meeting up with him again, she hadn't seen him in a long time. Azar lives in San Diego, California, and with the distance between them it was sometimes hard to do a casual meet-up again. While she shouldn't complain, she was all over the States with her modeling career and had the private jet of her dad whenever he didn't need it.

Azar moved to the selection of dresses she had brought, reaching for the cobalt blue halter dress. She felt the silk material before deciding she was going to wear it. Azar headed to the bathroom first to dry her hair, making sure it her onyx strands would he soft and silky like her dress. She took her time to get ready, to do her makeup and get a perfect look together. Yasna had called an uber to take them from the hotel to the restaurant where they are going to meet Lucas. Daria and Yasna were ready not much later too, all girls looking stunning in their outfits. "Your tags must have blown up," Yasna commented while they got into the elevator. "Mine?" Azar asked. "I haven't checked since we got back," she said. "You haven't?" Daria chuckled. "I took a bath for three hours, I couldn't be less bothered by Instagram," Azar replied. "Well, the footage of you and Pierre are all over the gram, darling."

Yasna showed her the pictures of Pierre bumping into Azar in the paddock earlier today, a professional photographer had captured the way he had cheekily grinned at her before continuing his way. "So?" Azar asked. "I bet you already have fanaccounts," Daria giggled. "Oh my god," Azar laughed. The uber brought them to downtown Miami, where the city life was even more alive than before. The three girls got out of the car and crossed the pavement to reach the restaurant. It was a rooftop restaurant, and Lucas texted them that he was already there. They got into the elevator, and Azar leaned forward to check in the mirror and make sure her eye makeup was still perfectly in place. They stepped onto the rooftop of the building, where a dim-lit terrace welcomed them. There were pretty pink and purple lights, the buildings in the distance offering a beautiful view of the city. The hostess greeted them and Azar explained to her that their friend was waiting for them.

They were guided to Lucas' table, who was already sipping on a drink, but he jumped up when he saw his friends approaching. "Oh my god! Hi, friends," Lucas beamed, moving to hug Azar. "Looking gorgeous as ever, darling," he cooed as he kissed her cheek. "Look at you, though," Azar smiled, loving that he was wearing heels and some makeup. He's totally himself and is not afraid to be the person he wants to be. "Oh, shut up," Lucas waved her away before hugging Daria and Yasna. "I'm so happy to have you here in Miami, besties. I went ahead and ordered some margaritas," Lucas said while sitting down in the seat. "Just what I needed," Daria sighed, sitting down and placed her bag next to her. "So, what's up?" Lucas asked once they were all seated. "We've spent the day at the circuit," Yasna started. "Where Azar flirted with a driver," she continued with a grin, causing Azar to scoff and roll her eyes. "No way, which one?" Lucas asked. "As if you know the drivers," Daria chuckled. "I know the hot ones," Lucas purred, making the girls laugh.

"They were helmets and a full racing suit, you can't even see their appearance in the car," Azar complained. "Girl, just spill which one," Lucas interrupted. "What was his name again? Pierre?" Azar said. "Pierre Gasly," Yasna said, immediately shoving some kind of shirtless photo from the driver into Lucas' face. "Oh my good lord, like, I'd tap that," Lucas said, making the girls laugh again. Azar lifted her glass to her mouth, taking a sip of her cocktail. "Anyway, where's the menu?" Azar asked, which Daria handed her. "I suggest we just order a bunch of things and go for a family style dinner," Yasna said. Azar agreed, looking over the different dishes the restaurant served. The waitress came by their table and they gave their preferences, ordering another round of drinks. Azar leaned back in her seat, crossing her legs as she enjoyed the view of the restaurant, she enjoyed the sight of being with her friends. "What's on your mind, gorgeous?" Lucas asked as Yasna and Daria were engaged in a conversation. "I'm just... Thankful," she replied. "I love being here with you guys."

"Me too, I'm so happy you're here," Lucas cooed. "And I also can't wait for the food to come to table," he said, sighing softly. Azar laughed, moving her espresso martini to her lips. "What are you up to? In terms of guys, one-night stands, relationships," Lucas asked. "I don't really know at the moment," Azar shrugged. At the same time, the waitress came back to their table and put down all sorts of plates. Plates of nachos, fries covered with a melted cheddar mix, onion rings, and side salads. The group of friends is quick to dig in, eating and having fun with each other. The bar started to get busier, and more crowded, as people came in just to have a drink. The volume of the music was turned up, the sky turned to its darkest and stars sparkled above the tall skyscrapers that filled the view. The pink and purple lights at night looked even prettier. They were done eating for an hour already, and they moved to a table close to the bar. The kitchen was already closed, but they wanted to stay for the cocktails anyway. "Shall I get us another round?" Azar suggested, Daria briefly moved away from the table to smoke a cigarette, but her glass was empty.

Azar was on her way to the bar, but the one second she looked down at her phone, she bumped into someone. "We have to stop meeting like this, chérie." Azar knew who she bumped into as soon as heard the French accent. She looked up at the AlphaTauri driver, leaning back against the bar. "This is only the second time we meet," Azar replied, briefly letting her eyes glide over the silk, dark blue button-up he's wearing, unbuttoned to nearly his abs, shoving off his firm chest. "So, you're implying you want to bump into me more often?" Pierre suggests, a playful grin tugging on his full lips. "You're the one who keeps bumping into me, not the other way around," she said. "Well, baby. As you said, it's only the second time we meet," he responds, not hiding the way his eyes dart over her curvy body in the blue dress. Her hand reaches out for the golden cross of his necklace that rests between his pecs. Her perfectly manicured nail traced the outline before her siren eyes flickered back up at him. "So, are you going to buy me a drink or what?" Her response surprised him, and he let out a soft chuckle. Azar turned around to the bar, feeling his presence behind her.

His hand gently moved to her side before it rested on her lower back. Pierre was about to speak up when the bartender was ready to take their order, but she interrupted him. "A white wine and a Moscow mule, please," Azar ordered while Pierre drew his card. "I believe we never formally met," he said then, slipping onto the barstool. "Pierre Gasly," he introduced himself, extending his hand. A smile flashed over her face as a laugh escaped her mouth. She placed her hand in his eventually. "Azar Hosseini," she said, watching as he brought the back of her hand up to place a kiss on it. The bartender put their drinks down. "You guessed my order," he stated as he wrapped his fingers around the stem of the glass. "Hmm, I figured, French, in his twenties, silk, white jeans... Probably wine or rosé," Azar replied, a chuckle leaving him. Pierre looked at her pretty face, her green, almond eyes, full lashes framing them, her makeup emphasizing the beautiful shape of her hues. "Touché," he said. "Alright, Azar Hosseini..." he started, and she giggled at the way he pronounced her name. "What brings you to Formula 1, not that I complain about seeing you in the paddock," Pierre flirted effortlessly.

Azar wasn't really phased by it. "My dad's a shareholder of Ferrari Trento champagne, he's been urging me to come, so, I picked Miami, a little getaway with my friends," she replied. "A little getaway. Gifted by daddy," Pierre cooed. "What can I say? I'm a daddy's girl after all," Azar said, cocking her head sideways, satisfied to see his eyes darting to her lips. "I liked learning things about Formula 1, though. Turns out it's not just guys driving in circles," she teased, causing him to scoff. "Of course it isn't," Pierre replied. "If you come by my garage tomorrow, I can teach you some more," he offered. "I'm sure you can, but I'm not interested," Azar said, sipping on her Moscow Mule. "I'm just there to be the trophy daughter and enjoy time with my friends," she added. Pierre gnawed down at his bottom lip, he liked her attitude. "Where will you end up tomorrow, Pierre Gasly? If I read it correctly, you will qualify for the race on Sunday." Pierre nodded slowly, taking a sip of his wine. "Aiming for top 5," he said. "I suggest you let me take you out for dinner if I make that," he said.

Azar laughed, a hand placing on his chest that made his slip to her lower back again. "You're funny," she said. "Thanks for the drink," she continued, putting her glass down on the bar. "I'll see you around." Azar leaned forward to kiss his cheek, his nostrils catching a whiff of her vanilla perfume when she did so. Her friends were obviously teasing her when she returned to their table. "We have gotten our own drinks, thanks," Yasna said first. Azra just smiled, she didn't say anything. She leaned towards Lucas, who was seated next to her. "You asked me what I'm up to?" she said, making him nod. Azar looked over at Pierre, who had gotten back to his friends as well, before looking back at her friend. 

"I like to play."