CALL IT WHAT YOU WANT | Charles Leclerc

Chapter 15

Luci's pov

Journalism really isn't an easy job. Especially when all you can think of was your last interaction with a guy. With him. I think I regret how I acted, I shouldn't have been so dismissive but oh my did he make me feel like pure shit.

*bzz bzz*

My train of thoughts were immediately interrupted by the noise coming from my phone. I'd already received a million messages from my mother today asking how my day was going so it was most probably another from her, so I decided to ignore it and try and focus on my research for my next interview. I did not want another situation like the interview with Carlos and... Nevermind.

"Coffee Break?" I look up to see Olive standing over me holding two cups of liquid gold.

"You angel" I respond taking the warm cup of coffee from her hand and pouring some into my mouth. Instantly relieving me from the tension in my head.

Olive is truly the best friend I've ever had. Not only because she brings me coffee. Once I left Charles and found her this morning, she allowed me to sit and blurt out all of my boy problems to her when she knew she should've been focussing on her research. She wiped away the odd tear that fell from my eyes without commenting on it. She gave me advice. But most importantly, she listened. God, I love the girl.

******

It was hours later when I finally checked my phone for the first time since 8 o'clock this morning and realised the text I had received was not from my mother, but from him. Charles.

'Hi, Luci. I was wondering if you wanted to get dinner tonight, on me. I think it would help us start fresh. All friendly, of course. C x'

Fuck.

By the point I read the message it was the late afternoon and I really wasn't expecting him to wait this long for my reply. Qualifying was over. He struggled. People around me said he looked distracted and unfocused. It made me feel a bit guilty but I brushed it off as it could've been anything. But now, I feel full body guilt. I'd practically ignored the man and his kind request after he tried to apologise to me for the odd way he acted. You don't get men who do that, not nowadays, and I'd completely disregarded it.

I'd love to start a fresh with him, forget the weird past we've had. I don't know if I can though. I either want to be with him or completely forget his entire existence. Can I really be just a friend?

No. I'm big enough to control my feelings. I can't lose him forever. I need something to work.

I reply:

| Hey Charles. I'm so sorry if this is too late, I was so caught up in work but if you still would like to get dinner tonight, I'm happy to as well, Luci xo

And breathe. That was easy enough. Now I just need to wait for a-

*bzz bzz*

Was that him already?

| Thank you for getting back to me, no need to apologise. I'd still love to go out tonight, there's a new place 20 minutes from my place that I'd love to try out. Could I pick you up at 7?

I look at the time. 5:45pm. An hour and fifteen minutes is nowhere near enough time for me to get ready, but I don't want to mess this up anymore. So I agree to the place and time and quickly get up to get ready, ensuring I waste no time.

******

6:58pm and I've just finished my make up. I finally breathe after realising I've been holding my breathe as the time has gotten closer and closer to the time he's meant to arrive. I slip into my long black dress which I swiftly decided to wear not wanting to spend all of the small time I had finding an outfit. I pick up my bag and slip my phone inside as I unlatch the lock on the door and quickly and make my way to the lobby of my apartment block.

That's when I see him.

Fuck. The way his shirt fits perfectly around his chest, showing off his broadness underneath it. And his hair, how it falls perfectly onto his forehead in mini curls that I just want to dive into. He really is majestic. Magical. Magnificent, even.

My eyes catch his as I walk closer toward him. I hope he feels the same tension that I do.

At the moment I have that thought, I think I see his eyes dart from my eyes to my lips and quickly back to my eyes again.

He steps closer, practically removing any air that was between the two of us. He clears his throat. "Luci. You... you look..." he almost sounds winded. "You look stunning" his eyes dart to my lips again, although this time he holds his eyes there a fraction longer.

"Luci." He breaks eye contact, this time trying to look anywhere other than at me. "I can't do this. I don't think we can just be friends."

-Authors Note-
OKAY CHARLES Mr rizz?!?!
What's going to happen next? What's Luci going to do? Do they feel the same?? Who knows 🤭🤭
ANYWAYS a month ago I started this fic?!?! How has it gone that quick?? I've had so much fun writing it, and I know there's so much more to come!! Thank you again for the support on here and tiktok (ofc if you don't follow me it's f1belsfics and I really think you should 😉)
And finallyyyy, Carlos P1!!!! Carlando 1-2??? Was screaming at the tv the entire race, it was the best this season BY FAR!!
Love you lots,
Bels xo