Call you mine - Charles Leclerc

Chapter 26

June 20th, 2022

"Are you planning on going to Silverstone sweetheart?" Toto asked his daughter who was sitting in front of him on the plane. She was slowly dying from her hangover, so lifting her head to look at her father was harder than she would like to admit.

"I don't know yet, Lewis and the guys are harassing me to go, but I just don't know" She answered, feeling conflicted.

Toto, with his thick Austrian accent shining through, beamed warmly at his daughter, understanding her dilemma. "Ach, it's a tough choice, my dear. Silverstone would be wunderbar, and you know, your mother and Steve will be there as well. Take your time to decide; either way, I support you. Lewis and the guys will understand if you need some time for yourself, it has been a long weekend for you."

Ellie nodded, appreciating her father's understanding. "Danke, Dad. I'll figure it out soon. Just need some rest and clear my head."

"You do that," Toto said, gently patting her hand across the table separating them. "And I am sure that it'll be easier to make a choice once that hangover of yours ."

The snarky comment made Ellie chuckle. "Way to be companionate towards your only daughter, and favorite child."

"Even though I'm glad you have them," Toto said, his eyes full of affection. "They, especially Lewis have a tendency of making you go out so you suffer hangovers like this, and I worn you every time."

"Your just jealous you can't go out and get black out wasted after a race."

Toto feigned offense, putting a hand to his chest "Oh yes of course, you read me like an open book darling." Her father said struggling to keep down his laughter. "And don't worry about the hangover," Toto said with a playful grin. "I ordered you some food to help with it. But think about this weekend. I would love to have you." Toto reassured her.

Ellie nodded, feeling comforted by her father's wisdom. As the plane continued its journey, she moved to the seat beside him and leaned her head against his shoulder, finding solace in his presence.

The rest of the flight passed in tranquility, father and daughter sharing occasional conversations and comfortable silences.

June 22nd, 2022

After spending some days at home with her mother and stepfather, Ellie finally felt like the nerves and emotions from the weekend was wearing off.

Stephanie, despite having hated what happened between her daughter and Sebastian, knew the love they shared was real. And with that she didn't want to make her daughter take any consideration to anyone else when thinking of what to do.

Therefor she got to spend the days telling her mom about everything from the trip to New York, the trip to Monaco and the latest fiasco of a GP without judgement about the thought she was having about it.

Ellie loved that about her mom, she never made her feel bad about her decision even though she would disagree. Her dad, Declan, Susie and Steve always made their opinions quite clear, so she appreciated that her mom would be in her corner and just let her talk things through without influencing her choices.

She arrives in London this morning trying to get some work done as the company was planning on expanding with an office in London. So she had spent the day with the finishing touches of getting things started. As she was finishing up after a shower she heard her phone buzz.

You coming to silverstone?

It wasn't that she was surprised that Charles had texted her, they had talked a little since Sunday and they were on better terms after, but still. She wasn't ready to let him fully in again.

Don't have a choice. Some of our friends from home are making me go support the English muppets

Charles who just arrived in England chuckled at her message. Surprised she actually answered.

When are you coming?

I'm leaving from London tomorrow, what about you?

I just arrived in London, which hotel are you in, I'm kidnapping you for the night.

Ellie just sighed at his message, but couldn't contain her smile.

And also, cancel whatever transport you have of getting there tomorrow.

What makes you think I'd tell you after you saying you'd kidnap me before even knowing if I want to spend the evening with you?

Why would I do that, it's impossible getting there otherwise.

Your driving me

What on earth do you mean I'm driving you?

A little birdy told me your dream car is a Ferrari, more specifically a California spider. And guess what I managed to get for myself this weekend?

Your joking

I never joke about Ferrari mon amour

Holy shit?!

Just try not to crash it, even though your dad would love the thought of you injuring Ferraris number one driver before such an important weekend

Your letting me drive THAT car???

If that gets me 2 hours with you, of course

Your insane, but that still does not mean I'll spend the evening with you.

You never even answered my question? What makes you think I'd tell you where I am if I don't want to see you?

Nothing, I just needed you to not suspect I already knew so you wouldn't leave before I get there

Ellie couldn't even understand what he told her before there was a knock on the door.

Ellie still in her towel, her wet hair clinging to her back, made her way to the door. Even though she had read the message she was shocked to see Charles standing there with 15 peonies in his hand.

"I don't know if you know the meaning behind the number of roses that you give someone, but since peonies are your favorite I thought I would extend the meaning to them as well" he said sheepishly.

Ellie couldn't form a word, her mouth just opening and closing unsure of what to say. She couldn't believe he was here, and her brain couldn't quite make up whether she thought it was a nice surprise. But one thing was for sure - it was going to be an interesting night.