Game On || C.L.16

3.5

The car presentation was not like anything I had ever experienced before. Yes, I'd been to a few of Alpha Tauri & Red Bull launches for Pierre's sake. But I totally get why they say Ferrari is the team everyone wants to be a part of. After the coin toss, deciding which of the two drivers would get the honours of being the first one on track, Charles was extremely happy. He had won the coin toss and jumped into the car with the brightest grin ever, before covering it with his helmet.

Both Charles and Carlos took their sweet time with the fans after the launch, while I conversed mostly with Pascale and Isa. Lorenzo really had some warming up to do regarding me, but once he'll realise I'm not here to hurt anyone, he'll be fine.

"You know, I'd always thought you and Charles somehow were the better fit." Pascale admits as the two of us sit down at a table in the cafeteria again. Both of us waiting for Charles, Pascale so she could go back to the hotel. Me, so I could catch a lift with him to his apartment. Although I have never explicitly told him that I was planning on staying in his apartment.

"You did?"

"I shouldn't be saying this, but yes. I couldn't really get over the fact that you two seemed to have a bit of chemistry you and Arthur seemed to be lacking. Yes you were a great fit, I must admit. But whenever you and Charles would interact it was just different. I think he was as hurt by the break-up as Arthur was, because it meant he wouldn't really see you anymore." Pascale says honestly, and I can feel the clogs turning in my head.

Could that really have been the reason Charles had been angry with me? The fact that he was hurt because I wouldn't be there this much?

I hadn't really given that much thought, although thinking back to it, Charles was at his mom's house quite often when I was there too. Even when he already had his own place. I didn't think anything about it at the time, but apparently Pascale did.

"I hadn't ever thought about it that way." I admit to Pascale, smiling softly as I do so.

We talk a bit more after that, Pascale very interested in my career so far. Although listening to her questions, I'm very much aware that she has kept up to date with it. Or at least been watching it every now and then. Pascale seemed really excited when I told her that I was in the preliminary France squad. Tears already in her eyes. Yet for me it wasn't the crown on my hard work yet. I needed to be in next week's official squad. The national team manager had already told us, that once you make it in to that squad you've got a great probability of making it to the World Cup.

"And you're liking Paris still, or any other clubs trying to get your signature?" Pascale asks once I see Charles entering the cafeteria, Lorenzo on his tail.

"I can't tell you yet. But there's some teams that have informed already. Right now I'm very content in Paris though. Might wait until after the world cup to make my decisions." I say smiling. Charles obviously having caught the last part of my sentence and chiming in.

"What decisions are you going to make?" He wonders, taking the seat next to me, his hand immediately resting on my upper leg.

"None that concern you." I say smiling, Pascale immediately confirming it.

"Well great you two are already ganging up on me, and we haven't even been together for 24 hours." Charles mutters, pressing a quick kiss on my cheek.

We say our goodbyes, before Charles and I walk to his car. Isa and Carlos already waiting for us near their car. They seem to be in some kind of heated conversation though.  "So am I bringing you to your hotel after dinner?" Charles asks, as we're about to walk outside to interrupt the arguing couple.

"Uhm, I may have not booked a hotel. I was thinking I could stay with you?" I say blushing. I am very much aware that this might not have been the best choice. We all know there could be fans at his apartment. But they would be at my hotel as well, I don't doubt that.