Ophélie

Part 24

The next few days leading up to the race pass quickly, every time we arrive at the paddock, Charles takes my hand and leads me over to fans who are screaming our names, wanting photos and to talk to us. Charles mostly just nods at them, but his voice is getting better, so he speaks softly to a few of the fans. A few fans ask to take pictures with both of us, and a lot of the girls ask to see my ring, squealing loudly and giggling when I show them. Then we move on into the paddock, and go through to the Ferrari motorhome. Charles and I mostly sit up in the box and watch the practices and the qualifying from there. I work while Charles watches, commenting on people's driving or their mistakes. We take his bandages off his hands on Friday and his hands are healing well. I have no doubt he'll be back in the car at the end of summer break.

We watch the race together with Isa in the garage, Charles keeps twitching and I'm sure he's wishing he was in the car instead of Antonio. Max wins the race with Lewis and George in P2 and P3. Isa stays behind to wait for Carlos while Charles and I go support our friends on the podium. Lew stops when he sees me standing in the crowd and comes over, pulling me into a hug.

"Congratulations Lew. You drove so well today." I say into his ear.

He smiles at me as he pulls away. "Thank you, Oph." Then he turns to Charles and gives him a quick bro hug before disappearing to go to the podium. George and Max both fist bump us on their way past. I feel a hand take mine and look to see Kelly standing next to me, holding my hand, a huge smile on her face. She is always so proud of Max. I squeeze her hand and when Max comes up on the podium I cheer with her, clapping loudly.

We have a debriefing with the team after things have settled down, Mattia thanks Antonio for stepping in for Charles this week and Charles nods in agreement. They tell Charles they look forward to him being recovered and ready to continue the season in August. And then everyone gets to breaking the garage down and we leave with Carlos and Isa.

We've just got to our hotel room when my phone rings, I take it out of my purse to see it's Daniel.

"Hey Danny." I say lightly, following Charles through the door.

"Oph! Charlie boy! Let's party!" he basically screams down the line.

I hold the phone away from my ear. "Jesus Daniel, you don't need to make me deaf. Where are you?"

"We're on our way up to your room." he laughs.

Charles' eyes go big and he starts shaking his head, laughing.

"You better get ready Oph, we're coming for you." Daniel chimes.

I cut the call, horrified. I know what this means. They are not taking no for an answer tonight.

"We better get ready." Charles laughs, walking into the bedroom.

I shake my head, watching him. These drivers are going to be the death of me.

I rush into the room and change into a white bodycon dress. I've just got the dress on when there's a knock on the door.

Charles laughs at my wide eyes, heading out to open the door. He shuts the bedroom door behind him.

I quickly apply my makeup and then run a straightener through my hair.

I'm just putting my shoes on when there's banging on the bedroom door.

"You have ten seconds before I come in there and get you myself." Lewis laughs.

I stand up and open the bedroom door. "You're in on this, Lew?"

He laughs. "Dan and I want our party Ophelia out tonight."

"And we're pregaming." Daniel grins, handing me a bottle of tequila.