Checkered Love

Perfect Strangers

Excitedly, you swipe your badge as you enter the gates at the Bahrain circuit ahead of this weekend's testing, and you get shivers down your spine at the thought of having the best seat in the house to witness it all!

You breathe in the smell of fuel and tires, the roaring crowds with their favorite team banners in the stands, and the beautiful sounds of the 1.6l V6-powered F1 cars. It's almost time for the start of the new F1 season, and after many years of trying, you finally secured a job at the pinnacle of the motor racing world.

It's late afternoon as you make your way to the Ferrari garages and you take in the happy feeling of the balmy Bahrain breeze caressing your skin and can't help to smile at every stranger around as you approach the scores of red-clothed Scuderia employees. You head over to the pit wall, where you spot Fred, and he grabs you in a big bear hug to say hello, and you exchange a brief peck on each cheek!

He pulls you slightly to the side. "Bonjour, Y/n! You made it! What do you think so far?"

You can barely contain your excitement as you say "Bonjour Fred! I am so excited to be here! It's a dream come true. Thanks again for the opportunity, you won't regret it!"

"I have no doubt in your capabilities to manage our star's affairs. Go ahead, he is taking a break from testing and is eager to meet you." He points to the garage.

"Great, I'll catch up with you again later".

You turn away from Fred and head towards the Ferrari garages. Your eyes are scanning for him, and just as you get the feeling of being watched you lock eyes with the handsome driver still seated in car 55.

After doing a double take, he meets your gaze with his deep, smouldering, chocolate-velvet eyes. He warmly smiles at you in recognition, gives you a wink and you could've sworn he emerged from the cockpit in slow motion, never leaving your gaze.

You can't look away either and as you give a nervous smile back at him, your heart skips a beat and your mouth is instantly dry as you battle to regain composure, wanting to make a solid first impression on him as an employee. Thank goodness for the sound of the wheel guns jolting you back to reality out of fear of everyone hearing your heartbeat.

He slowly makes his way towards you.

"Ah...you must be Y/n. Welcome to Team Chilli."

He extends a warm hand out to you and it feels like jolts of electricity coursing through your body. But you're a stickler for professionalism and you confidently meet his gaze as you return a warm smile. You firmly shake his hand in greeting and switch to work mode.

"Nice to meet you Carlos. Do you have a moment for us to quickly run through your schedule for the rest of the weekend?

He puts his serious face on. "On the ball, I like it! Let's find a quiet spot at the canteen."

For a brief moment he places his hand on your lower back to guide you in the right direction towards the Ferrari staff canteen as you navigate through the busy hive of activity.

On your way to the canteen he introduces you to Charles and Lando who are cheekily horsing around laughing.

They warmly shake your hand and welcome you to the world of F1, and cracks jokes that with you around Carlos won't have time for golf anymore. 

You wink and say "Don't worry boys, I'll make sure he has time to still play golf, no if's or putts about it."

Charles and Lando catches on to your pun and they almost double over at how funny it was. Lando even starts cry-laughing. Charles says "Chilli, I like her already. See you both later."  As you and Carlos walk away you catch Lando and Charles elbowing each other and looking at Carlos, who just winks at them.