The encounter of a lifetime - Charles Lerclerc

Chapter 70

Today is the grand prix of Silverstone. Charles starts first thanks to the fact that he did superb qualifying yesterday. He set the circuit time record! It doesn't change much, but it's a privilege to set a lap record.

For this grand prix we decided to go Luisa and I to the paddocks. We wanted to see the race together and then see the atmosphere in the real paddocks. Hardly arrived we receive champagne and we sit down at a table which gives the sight on the line of departure.

Luisa: What do you have planned for the summer holidays?
Emma: We have Charles' big brother's wedding, he's also planning a surprise romantic trip and I don't know the destination yet. And I also think he wants to stay in Monaco for a while to enjoy seeing his childhood friends whom he doesn't see much.
Luisa: Ah yes it's a great program.
Emma: And you with Lando have you planned things?
Luisa: He's coming to meet my family in Portugal. I can't wait, he's going to see my village, my grandmother, discover cooking. I hope it will go well.
Emma: Yes, don't worry.

We continue to talk among ourselves until the start of the race. Charles got off to a good start, he managed to keep his place and widen the gap with Sainz who was behind him.

We watch the race carefully with Luisa but I feel a man staring at me. He is in his forties, has blond hair and is quite thin. I don't quite understand what he wants from me so I try to ignore it and continue enjoying the grand prix. Although this insistent gaze is very disturbing.

***

Charles won the race! The people in the paddock offer us champagne and celebrate my baby's victory with me. I try to enjoy the moment 100% but I notice that the man who was staring at me is still there, having a drink with us. I stare at him when he turns his head and sees me. He then walks towards me with the intention of talking to me. I start to stress not knowing what he wants from me, but I try to put things into perspective. We are in a place with many people, nothing bad can happen to me.

Man: Hello, how are you?
Emma: I'm fine and you?
Man: Yes yes very well. I introduce myself I am Louis, I run a modeling agency.
Emma: Oh delighted Louis. I am ...

He cuts me off to say my name.

Louis: You are Emma Carlier. Everyone knows who you are.
Emma: If you say so, I said embarrassed.
Louis: I watched you a bit during the grand prix.
Emma: Yes I noticed. May I know why?
Louis: Because I think you have the perfect physique to be a model, and I would like to offer you a contract.

My heart misses a beat. Me? Model? I'm not pretty enough to do that, at least I don't feel pretty enough. But this is an opportunity that will not come again.

Louis sees that I'm hesitant and tries to calm me down.

Louis: You don't have to answer me right away, I can leave you my card and you can let me know your decision within a week if that's okay with you.
Emma: Uh very good.

He gives me his card that I put in my purse, then he goes back to other people.

I decide that I need the opinion of an expert: Luisa. She's my friend and she's also a model. Who better to advise me?

I explain the situation to her and, as I had imagined, she encourages me to try the experiment. Trying to do one or two shoots doesn't commit me to anything. If I realize that I don't like it I can stop. I have nothing to lose and it can be a great experience for me. I decide to keep all this in mind and talk about it in the days that follow to Charles. I don't want to talk to him about it tonight, because we have to celebrate his victory first.

***

We went back to Monaco and all I did was think about this proposal over and over. I know I have to talk to Charles about it but I can't find the time. I think I'm a little nervous about talking to him about it.

We decide to order sushi and stay home watching TV. It seems like the perfect time to talk to him about it. First I let him devour his sushi like an ogre, and then try my luck.

Emma: I need to talk to you about something.
Charles: Yes tell me. There is a problem?
Emma: No, not at all. This is a proposal made to me by a person who has been to Silverstone.
Charles: Uh okay. Tell me more.
Emma: He is a man who runs a modeling agency and who offered me to become a model.
Charles: Model?
Emma: Yes model.
Charles: You? Model?
Emma: Do you see a problem with me doing this?
Charles: Well it's just that I don't really see you in there.
Emma: And why is that? Am I not pretty enough to do this?
Charles: No, that's not what I said. It's just a world where they're pretty tough on you. I don't want anything to happen to you. Besides, I don't really want guys to look at you all day.
Emma: On the other hand, I have to accept the fact that tens or even hundreds of thousands of girls are borderline in love with you.
Charles: Well do what you want I'm just telling you my opinion. But if you want to do it go.
Emma: Just to prove you wrong I'm going to accept.

Charles rolls his eyes annoyed by my remarks. But if he has the right to make his dream and his passion come true, I have the right to try new things that have made me dream since childhood. So it's decided I'm going to accept Louis' proposal.

***

A few days later, I received an email from Louis giving me the address and the date for my first meeting at their agency: this Friday. I'm going to take my measurements and take pictures for my book. I can't wait to see how this industry really is. Luisa offered to accompany me, but I prefer to see for myself how it is.

I'm ready for this new adventure!

*****