Mystery in Red

Chapter XXXV - Dreamy day

22.May – Coming to Monaco

The weather calmed down in the following days. Charles and I spent about a day and a half together at my apartment. And during all the time we didn't separate from each other. We played some chess - I won, watched TV - I forced him to watch more than just his episodes of Drive to Survive, exchanged many jokes, which made the situation easier, cooked together, most important - got to know each other more and more. Several times we found ourselves dangerously close to each other, almost kissing. It's not that I didn't want it, I was just scared. Fear not only of falling in love, but also of Vasseur. He could have done something to Charles or me, ruining both of our careers. I got the feeling that Vasseur didn't feel like a real boss of our team, so he was trying to boost his self-esteem by using some threats and made-up rules to enforce his authority. But he didn't understand that in order to be a leader, your subordinates must love and support you and without being forced to want to follow the rules you set. There is a difference between being respected and being feared.

Charles left my house to go back to Maranello, then he would travel back to Monaco. He was very excited about his home race and... He offered me to stay at his place for the whole week. Yes, at his apartment! At first, I wanted to refuse. But in the end, I just agreed to join in this adventure. We spent so much time at my apartment that we were almost like roommates. What would happen if we just moved the "headquarters" to his home now? So, I agreed. Well, it was my first time to be there, and I was very excited about that fact. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach when I started thinking about the events ahead of me.

And here I am again, Sunday night, fumbling around with my two huge suitcases and my handbag, wondering what to wear as clothes. The plan was after Monaco, we immediately had to go to Barcelona. I wouldn't have time to go back home, so I had to prepare for two consecutive weekends away from my house. That's why choosing clothes was too difficult. Apart from all the components of our traditional uniform and some very cute items from Ferrari Merchandise, I packed literally the entire set of formal clothes I had in my wardrobe. Dresses, jumpsuits, pants, shirts... everything. Because I know that Monaco is luxury, and I have to match its style. And the Grand Prix was followed by the "Monaco" party, which was then talked about for years. I should have been prepared for that too. I barely closed my suitcases, but necessarily put the set of our pilots' uniforms specially designed for the home races. I planned to wear them - the only one of the team who would be wearing a different uniform on the weekends. I couldn't betray my rebellious nature, especially if I knew it might get Vasseur mad. Oh, how exciting!

And on Monday morning, as early as 6 am, while drinking my coffee on my terrace, I heard the familiar growl of an engine, and I got goosebumps all over my skin. It was him, I could recognize it from miles away and when I looked over the balcony I saw the Pista turning the corner of my building. My heart was pounding like crazy, and I couldn't hold back my smile. Charles waved to me through his front window, then he stopped in front of the sliding door to the garage. I laughed. How did he expect to get in when it had a photocell that only recognized the plate numbers of people living in the building? But to my surprise, the door lifted, and Charles successfully entered the building's underground car park.

Although I was in shock at what had happened, I managed to quickly come to my senses and go to unlock my door to meet Leclerc at it. And he came - wearing a blue Ferrari hoodie and inky skinny jeans. He took off his sunglasses and opened arms for our traditional hug.

- Charlie, glad to see you again! - I exclaimed, wrapping my arms around his neck.

- I'm even happier, little one! - he said quietly, pressing me tightly to him.