Mystery in Red

Chapter XVI - A golf game

27-28. Mar – Landing in Australia

I don't know how but a week after our conversation with Arthur, in the early hours of Monday morning, I was at the airport of Bologna with two huge suitcases in my hands, waiting for Charles and his brother to come. Yeah, I accepted the proposal to travel with "their" private jet. I thought it would be too offensive if I rejected them, after traveling with Max's ones. But the things were different then – I didn't have another choice because of my pride... And it was better for the safety of the co-workers who were about to be in one flight with me at this day.

Anyway, I accepted and now here I am at the airport with a little amount of sleep during the past days and pretty nervous about the upcoming trip. Everything was so weird. My heart was beginning to beat faster every time I thought that I was going to be on one plane with Charles for more than 20 hours. I was planning what we will be talking about, where I am going to seat, how to eat, what to drink, how to behave in general... I was imagining everything, because I didn't want to disgrace myself in front of him, his brother and Andrea who was also joining our trip. Although these people had already spent some time with me and knew me a bit, now was going to be more difficult. I didn't know why I wanted them to like me, but I felt that it was necessary.

On the other side I had to create a good strategy for the race week. I was non-stop thinking about how to outwit Vasseur and to win more people from the team on my side. It was obvious that "Fred the friend" wasn't friendly at all. I still remember the words of my aunt, who warned me that some people only look that they are good inside. And I was starting to think maybe he was one of these people. I was so confused, and this overthinking day and night made me lose my sleep... As always.

I looked at my wristwatch – 4:20am. My head was spinning around, and I had the feeling like I was walking on water. I was so dizzy because of the lack of sleep that I couldn't wait for the boys to come, get on the plane, and fall asleep on my seat. It was better for me to sleep during the flight, so I don't have to worry about how to behave in front of them.

All my plans were ruined, when I saw them, walking through the sliding doors of the terminal. Charles, Arthur, and Andrea, but they weren't alone. There was another young man – a bit shorter than them, nicely plump with short haircut and square face. I knew this guy from somewhere – I have seen him in a several pictures of Charles on social media but forgot his name. Wait, why Leclerc didn't tell me that he will travel with us?! A completely new person from his circle. What was I supposed to do now?

The mob saw me, and Charles waved enthusiastically at me, then headed in my direction. My heart quickened its rhythm, my hands started sweating and suddenly became harder to breathe. Oh, why am I panicking?! I fixed the collar of my white wide shirt and rubbed my sweating palms in the back pockets of the black jeans I was wearing. Maybe I was too elegant dressed compared with the comfy outfits the other passengers from my future flight had.

- Lissie, I am so happy to see you again, little one! – exclaimed Charles, who literally ran the last meters to me, so he could approach me faster, and hugged me.

- Me too, Charlie! – I laughed, inhaling his beautiful mint gum mixed with bitter orange perfume odor.

He held me in his arms a little longer than usual, rubbing my back. But I didn't mind it at all. It was good to be in someone's cozy tight grip and when this one was Charles – it was priceless.

When he released me from the hug, something struck me about his appearance. Not that he was in a damn good looking plush beige sweatshirt in set with sweatpants, not his casual white Nikes, but he was wearing glasses. Square shaped with clear black frames. So simple but so beautiful.