Hearts on the track

Cap. Five

The presentation event of the Ferrari drivers was in full swing. After my unexpected encounter with Charles, I hadn't seen him around since. It was close to midnight, the moment when the stage presentation would begin. An atmosphere of excitement filled the air, and journalists eagerly awaited the appearance of the drivers.

When I spotted Sarah, she smiled and I approached her. Since we arrived at the event until that moment, I hadn't spoken to her. During the dinner service, I was seated at a table with the rest of the team analysts. It had been pleasant, and the conversation had flowed, but it was too formal, and this would be a great opportunity to release some tension. Sarah, always vibrant and energetic, seemed excited about the event.

When Charles and the other Ferrari drivers finally entered the stage, all conversations ceased, and everyone paid attention to what was happening. My mind was in a complete mess. I didn't dare to look in Charles' direction, afraid that my eyes would betray me. I had never met someone who made me so irritated. He completely breaks down my defences, and I feel powerless.Perhaps, when the season starts, things will be different. Maybe I won't have to work directly with him and won't have to hear any more of his unnecessary remarks.

After several speeches and applause, the lights suddenly dimmed, and a surprise DJ started playing an infectious song on the stage. The space turned into an impromptu dance floor. People quickly got into the mood and started dancing. Sarah, beside me, pulled me into the midst of everyone, and after 10 minutes, everyone was enjoying the moment.

After three passion fruit mojitos, dancing on the dance floor, at an event like that, seemed like the best idea in the world. Every time I looked at Sarah, she was dancing with a different person. She truly was the most extroverted person I had ever met.

In the distance, I saw Carlos stumbling and knocking over some glasses and a chair at the tables in the back of the room. No one seemed to notice the incident. Everyone was either involved in the dancing or engaged in conversations. The atmosphere felt like a nightclub, with minimal multicoloured lights, smoke in the air, and a dark ambience. The music was loud, so without saying anything to anyone, I went to him. If someone recorded that moment and it ended up on social media, he would regret it.

He had his head down, with one arm resting on the chair and the other by his side. I crouched down and placed my hand on his shoulder. Whispering, I asked, "Carlos, are you feeling okay?"

He mumbled something that I couldn't understand and looked at me with glazed eyes. He smiled foolishly, clearly not fully comprehending the situation, and fell with his head directly to the floor.

Panicked, looking around, not knowing what to do, I grabbed his arm, draped it over my shoulders, and tried to lift him. I managed to make my way to a bench next to the elevators, where I carefully sat him down.

"Carlos, listen carefully. I need the key card to your room to..." I stopped mid-sentence when Charles' muscular body appeared in front of me.

"Hey, what do you think you're doing?" he asked brusquely and entirely unjustified.

I was tired and had no strength to respond to any of his provocations. Rolling my eyes, I said, "I don't know if you noticed, but your friend can barely stand on his own. Now, are you going to help me, or are you going to continue asking pointless questions?"

To my surprise, he didn't utter a word, simply grabbed his friend immediately. We entered the elevator and he pressed a button that I didn't pay attention to.
Upon arriving at Carlos' room, I helped him lie down on the bed, and he succumbed to sleep, emitting small snores as we removed his shoes.

I swallowed hard and felt Charles' eyes on me. The room was dark and silent, and my mind was no longer functioning at 100%. He took a step towards me, and before he could do or say something that would most likely hurt or irritate me, I hastily left the room in an awkward run.

It was only when I was inside my room that I allowed myself to breathe normally. I sat on the couch and ran both hands over my face in frustration. I had to get my shit together. This work was important to me, and this whole relationship of hatred was not at all what I had imagined.

I can't function properly, and to do my job, maybe it's best to distance myself from him and work remotely. Without realizing it, tears were already streaming down my face. I wasn't prepared for all these new emotions I was feeling. I missed the familiar atmosphere of my home, I missed my mother, and I missed the air of England. I forced myself to calm down the mix of sensations I was experiencing. I convinced myself that everything was being intensified because of tiredness.

After a quick shower and removing my makeup, I crawled into bed, determined that the next day would be better.