Hope is a dangerous thing for a Woman like me to have

Chaper 21

My alarm woke me up at 7:15 am (I got up at the last possible moment) and I quickly got changed into the McLaren attire. I was disappointed I couldn't wear my own things but teams orders.

I got down to the track where I filmed a quick video with Lando discussing our feelings post sprint and pre-race. I was still buzzing off the high of yesterdays first podium and despite starting much further back on the grid today, I had high hopes. Me and Lando popped into the paddock cafe to grab a snack and a drink when Lando spotted the Ferrari boys.

"There's Carlos!" He beamed. I loved their friendship; I knew they were always meeting up outside of races and they had even met each other's families multiple times. "Let's go sit with him." I guess I didn't have an option then...

I followed Lando over who took the chair next to Carlos so I was forced to take the one next to Charles. After everything I heard last night, I felt slightly embarrassed to be near him. To make matters even worse, Lando immediately turned to Carlos and they started having a personal conversation. I couldn't bear to talk to Charles so I stubbornly faced straight ahead, drinking my coffee.

"End up sleeping ok?" Charles broke our silence. I could hear the smirk he wore without even having to look at him.

"I feel ill just sitting next to you." I stayed facing ahead. The silence commenced again. This time I couldn't help but break it. "Who even was she?"

"Just some girl I met in the paddock after the sprint." He replied nonchalantly. "Why do you care?"

"I don't, just curious" I replied too quickly. I finally turned to face him. He looked as gorgeous as ever and I couldn't help but see him like he was last night. "Wanted to know who was helping to fulfil your dream of becoming world champion," I saved myself. His smirk faltered before he restored it, but I could tell I had humbled him.

"She was some random girl ok," he grumbled "just needed to get some emotion out after whatever that sprint was. I wasn't looking for quality." I turned my face up.

"She's not a fucking item you buy, you dick."

"No sorry I didn't mean it like that." Charles said and his expression showed me he was truthful. "I meant I didn't spend time finding I girl who was going to be exactly what I wanted. I already know who that girl is and I can't have her,"

"Ooohhh. Spill the tea Leclerc, whose the girl?!" I couldn't help but inquire and I almost felt my hopes starting to rise. I tried to squash them but it felt impossible.

"You're so nosy Hakimi. And as if I would tell you! Half the paddock would know by the time the race started."

"So not true." I retorted. "I'm actually very good at keeping secrets. I haven't told anyone about last night" I paused "unless you want me to tell everyone..."

"No no, don't even Edom." I loved the way he said my name.  "Look, Carlos is hosting a dinner after the race today considering the drivers haven't been formally all together yet outside of the grid. How about I take you? Make up for last night."

I narrowed my eyes. "What time?"

"7:30" he said after a hesitation.

"Hmmm ok. Means I get to drink I guess. Is there a dress code?"

"Just fancy I guess, f1 drivers don't really do 'casual' " 

"I am a f1 driver you know Leclerc?," I rolled my eyes. "And Lewis actually complimented my style so I don't need any other approval."

"Hamilton complimented you?" Lando butted in. I nodded "That's so unfair, he's never complimented me before!" 

"Or me," Said Carlos. I raised my eyebrows at Charles.