𝚁𝚎𝚍𝚊𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚢

1.

Arthur's protests could be heard all around the house. "Stop whining man, I could hear you all the way in my room" Charles shot at his younger brother. Now he wasn't racing this year he decided to spend more time with his family, with his mom. Staying at his childhood home is a lot less lonely than in his apartment all by himself.

Arthur saw Charles entering the living room as an opportunity. "Let Charles go instead!" he exclaimed. "He ain't got nothin' better to do anyways" "Aye, what the fuck?!" "Language Charles" their mother said sternly. Charles went to slap Arthur but the younger brother dodged him swiftly and ran away with a grin, flipping his older brother off as soon as he was out of their mother's sight. Charles wanted to chase Arthur, who had already fled the scene, but his mum stopped him.

"Charles dear, would you be so kind to do something for your mother?" Charles looked at his mother as if he was debating whether or not he wanted to, just to wind her up. She rolled her eyes at him. "Fine, I'll do it myself" she grumbled. "No no, I was kidding mamma, what is it?" He grabbed her hands to keep her from walking away. "I got an email that the book I ordered is ready for pickup at the bookstore. I would go myself but I have a lot to do still" she sighed.

"Don't worry about it, I'll go fetch it for you" "Thank you son" She took his face in her hands and pressed a kiss on both cheeks. You know, those kind of wet kisses that grandmothers give. Charles pulled a face as he wiped off his cheeks, earning a look of disapproval from his mom.

Charles was planning on going back to the bookstore anyways. Now he had a good 'excuse' to go without raising suspicion with his brother. The monegasque couldn't be bothered with his younger brother's teases if the latter were to find out that Charles was (1) going to a bookstore and (2) why he was actually going to the bookstore.

Of course he actually liked reading and wanted to invest more time into that this year, but he was also hoping Aurelie was going to be there. He couldn't shake the thought of her bright smile and sparkling eyes. Aurelie, such a magical name which suited her personality so well. He was hoping he could get to know her better, he felt like she could actually make this year bearable.

Charles realised that that sounded slightly pathetic and lonely but he decided to be delusional and pretend that it wasn't. Maybe he's watched too many romcoms, wishing to have a romance like in those movies, even though deep down he knew that stuff like that only happened in the movies.

It is true, Charles was a hopeless romantic. Growing up he has seen what true love looked like. He wanted to love someone the way his dad loved his mum. Charles let out a saddened sigh. "What's on your mind darling?" Charles jumped. He didn't hear his mother come in. "Dad" he spoke softly, not bothering to lie about it. His mum quietly made her way over and sat down beside him, reaching out to squeeze his thigh. Charles rest his head on her shoulder. "I miss him" he whispered. His mum exhaled deeply. "I know darling, I do too"

"You remind me of him" she smiled, a hint of sadness behind it. That might be one of the best things someone's ever said to him. His father was a great man, in his eyes at least.

Charles exhaled sharply and got up. "I'll go fetch your book now".

AURELIE

Many customers walk in and out of Amour et Livres on the daily. Many, many unfamiliar faces. Yet somehow Aurelie recognised his face the second he walked through the door. But how could she forget those beautiful eyes and flawless smile? He is by far the most gorgeous man Aurelie had ever laid her eyes on. He looked like he walked right out of a romance novel.

Aurelie's heart fluttered when he noticed her and flashed her a smile, stalking towards the helpdesk. And that happened to be exactly where she stood. "How can I help you?" she asked him politely as he reached her, trying not to seem too eager to speak to him. She didn't want him to know she was a pathetic romantic. "I'm here to pick up an order for my mum", he spoke, the smile never fading. The young man's fingers tapping the desk as she's looking the order up in the system kinda distracts her, especially the ring on one of his fingers, to be specific. "I finished reading the great Gatsby" he stated after a moment of silence. A flash of joy ignites within her. He remembers me. "Oh yeah? And what did you think of it?" She asked as she turned around to take the ordered book from the order box.

The young man's face said it all as she turned back around. "You were totally right. Slightly overrated but I still enjoyed reading it" Aurelia grinned as she gave him the book order. "I know my books" "One would expect that from someone that works in a bookstore" the young man chuckled. "Touché"

"So what would you recommend for me to read next, Aurelie?" The way her name rolled off his lips set off fireworks in her heart. "Hmm I have a few ideas, follow me" she walks out ahead of him, hoping he didn't notice how flustered she'd become. He just said your name, don't be stupid. Aurelie never had as much as a boy looking her way, let alone speaking to her and saying her name. Pathetiiiiicccccc. "So what genre were you thinking?" The young man beside her shrugged. "Useful" she sarcastically smiled. "Just suggest something that is a must read in your opinion"

Aurelie took a moment to think. "The kite runner!" She enthusiastically turned to him, making him jump, before laughing softly. The young woman immediately stuttered an apology, feeling more than just embarrassed. " No no, don't apologise. I love your enthusiasm" he spoke quickly, noticing her embarrassment. "Kinda cute actually" he muttered softly. So soft Aurelie was sure he did not mean for her to hear that. But she did. A deep red blush crept up on her cheeks. "I now have high expectations of that book, you understand that right?" The young man blurred out, desperate to change the subject.

Which Aurelie is more than thankful for. "Well, everyone has different tastes of course, I know people that really dislike it but I love it. I wish I could read it for the first time again" he nods in agreement. " Fair enough. But I'm sure that I'll like it if you do" Aurelie's cheeks flush again. Gosh dammit he's smooth with it. "Guess we'll have to wait and see" she answered.

Aurelie guides the young man to the check out desk. Determined on helping him herself. "You should think about getting a membership card here if you're planning on buying more books here. You'll get nice discounts and such" She explains to him as she scans the barcode before peeling the price sticker off. "I will definitely think about it" He smiles.

"Have a good day and enjoy reading" she smiles.

"Thanks, have a good day Aurelie"

"You too....?."

"Charles".

"Charles".