Running From The Flames

Interrogations

Barcelona was as beautiful as I remembered and the weather was stunning when Pierre returned to the pit after finishing the second free practice session. Tensions were high between him and Esteban when we entered the Alpine space but Pierre gave me a kiss and told me not to worry. That was like asking me not to breathe.

I would always worry about the people I cared for.

"Mama, I'm hungry."

"Okay, sweetheart, just wait here a second and then we'll go out."

Pierre was climbing out of his seat and in a heated discussion with the technicians about the car's braking when I reached him. "No, it's not good, I'm telling you."

He wasn't even looking my way but his arm opened for me just before I reached him and I stepped into the hug to hear the technician apologise and promise to double check the data again.

"I'm going to take Addie to lunch, there's a place I've been going to since I was her age, does amazing Caribbean food. Do you want me to bring you anything?"

He shook his head and brushed his hair back out of his eyes when it flopped over his face. "I would love some but I don't think it fits into the nutrition plan for the race." He pulled me closer so no one could overhear us. "There's nothing to stop me from tasting it on your tongue when you get back though."

"You are a dirty man, Gasly. You look so sweet but some of the things that come out of your mouth..."

"You love it." His smirk was hidden by the curtain of my hair but I knew it was there nonetheless and I couldn't deny it. He knew how his words affected me when we were in the throes of passion.

I rose on my tiptoes and gave him a quick peck on the lips as I answered, "You know I do. I'll come find you when I get back."

"Okay, be safe."

I found Addie drawing on a copy of the race schedule Otmar had given her and promised her we would drop it in the driver's room for Pierre on the way out. It may have looked like a bunch of scribbles to me but she had an entire story that went along with it to somehow put it into context. Even if he didn't understand the picture he would still be happy to have the gift.

The walk to the restaurant wasn't far but an old ache began in my bad hip along the way and Addie had to slow her pace so I could keep up.

"Mama, hurry up!" she said, tugging my hand.

"I can't, sweetheart."

"Get hurt?" she asked inquisitively as she watched my slight limp.

"A long time ago."

She frowned with concern and slowed down. "Need besos?"

I chuckled at her kindness and stopped so I could kiss the top of her head.

"Not me, you, mama."

"But it worked, I'm feeling much better now."

She grinned at the news that wasn't quite true. I was feeling better but my hip wasn't. Thankfully we had reached the restaurant that looked unusually busy.

"Crap," I muttered to myself thinking the queue would be huge but the group of people milling about were there for another reason.

"Bri," Lewis called out over the crowd and their heads turned my way. "Can you please let my friend through?"

They parted for him like Moses and the Red Sea and felt their stares burning a hole in my back as we walked into the restaurant. Addie rushed to his side first and he picked her up to pop her on his hip so he could keep signing items with one hand. The perks of being an uncle to his own nieces and nephews meant he was totally at ease carrying the extra weight around.