❥𝑹𝒆𝒅 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆

Chapter 42

Valerie POV

We found ourselves sitting at the bar again, chatting with the other drivers.
After that lovely dance, I couldn't help but think of it. It was like in the movies, the books.
I warmed up with Kika, Pierre's girlfriend. She is so kind-hearted!
We exchanged stories of being a drivers partner and what it brings with.
It was so relieving. And even though Charles was deep into a conversation with Alex and Pierre, he refused to let me go.

We were sitting next to each other, his hand resting around my back while his face pointed to his friends on his right.
It was cute.

»What did I miss?«, a well-known voice behind us almost shouted excitingly.
I couldn't believe it at first. I haven't seen him for so long and my heart filled up with joy as I turned around.
I saw Charles hugging his little brother.
Arthur brought his girlfriend, Carla with him.

She looked amazing! Her white dress glittered in the light and it really brought out her hazel green eyes.

Carlos, who was sitting right next to Charles greeted him too.
And then Arthur's sight fell on me.
His eyes widened, his mouth formed into a big smile.
He pulled me from my chair, welcoming me in a warm embrace. »It's so good to see you, Val.«
»It's good to see you, too.«
My eyes watered a bit but I tried to hide it.

When Charles first introduced me to his family, I instantly became besties with his littlest brother, Arthur.
He was like my little brother too.

And after Charles and I had broken up those years ago, we fell out of contact.

Seeing him again warmed my heart.
When my eyes met Charles', he had this proud, happy look on his face.

»I'm so glad you two found each other again.«, Arthur continued and looked at both of us.

Charles grabbed me tighter by my waist to move myself closer to him.
He turned his face to mine and when our lips where only millimeters away, we heard Arthur complaining before we finally kissed.
»Come on, guys. You don't have to overdo it.«
The Formula 2 driver rolled his eyes and took place next to Carla.

»I didn't know your brother was coming.«, I mentioned as Charles finished his storytelling with Carlos.
»I assumed he would, but he's late, as always.«, he chuckled and took a sip of his drink.

I smiled and turned over to Arthur who was already involving me into a conversation.
I got to hear about his recent races and successes.

His eyes were glimmering when he spoke about his career and I instantly recognized it from somewhere.
My eyes went besides me to Charles. He chatted with Pierre and Daniel and he got all passionate about it.

Yep, definitely related.

After a while, I went over where Juliette was sitting to place myself next to her.
»What do you think about the gala?«, I asked her, ordering a drink in the meantime.
She looked around.
»Yeah, it's nice, I guess.«

I moved closer to her.
»I saw you earlier. Dancing. With my brother.«, I mentioned with a quiet voice so I wouldn't draw any attention from the others next to us.

Juliette nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
I just smiled. »You looked cute together.«
Her gaze instantly met mine.
»You- You think?«
»Of course! Why wouldn't I?«
She looked at her glass. »Well, he's your brother after all. And I wasn't sure how you would react.«
»Are you serious? All I want is for him to be happy, no matter with whom.« I rested my hand on hers. »I'm even glad it's you. I already know you well enough to be sure you're worthy for my brother.«, I said sarcastically, making her laugh.

»No, but seriously. I think you make a great couple. And I'm happy if you're happy.«
Juliette smiled at my words and gave me a small hug.

»Soooo, is it official yet?«, I continued to ask curiously.
Juliette shook her head. »Carlos wants to tell you first. I think he's a little scared to let you know.«, she chuckled.
»I'll act like I don't know. Will be fun to see his nervous face when he wants to tell me that he's in loveeee.«
Juliette laughed with me and Charles and Carlos were already looking in our direction.

»You're gonna have to tell me everything sometime, okay? I want to know how you met my brother.«, I said, taking a sip of my drink.

We got torn away from the bar when some prominent people showed up at the gala.
Charles, his brother and the other drivers went over to greet them.

It wasn't the most exciting thing, but that was also part of it.

We were standing at a table, Charles chatting with some basketball player across us.
I observed the room, looking for people I may know.

But these were all VIP guests that I haven't really heard of.

The guy in front us started to talk again and it zoomed me back to reality.
Charles acted like he listened carefully, but he slowly leaned over to me, whispering into my ear.

»I can't wait to get you out of that dress.«