Chapter 13

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I returned to London after a bittersweet goodbye with Ollie, our time in Italy having come to an end. We had laughed, explored, and shared countless unforgettable moments. It was painful to part ways, but we both had responsibilities to fulfill.

As I settled back into my daily routine, I couldn't help but long for the sun-drenched days, filled with shared adventures and endless laughter. My days were once again consumed by work, but Italy remained a vivid memory. That was until an unexpected and unwelcome intrusion disrupted my peace-a small newspaper article. The headline read, "New Love on the Paddock? Y/n and Ollie's Cozy Italian Getaway."

The article included photos of Ollie and me, captured during our time in Italy. In one, we were hugging on a picturesque street, and in another, our arms were wrapped around each other as we strolled along the coast. The accompanying text was filled with speculations and innuendos, suggesting that we were more than just friends. The gossip pages had seemingly taken our close friendship and turned it into something sensational. I sighed as I continued to read.

Our keen-eyed paparazzi have been at it again, capturing the most intriguing shots during the recent Italian getaway of rising F2 star Ollie Bearman and his close friend, Y/n. The pair seemed to be far more than just friends, as these sizzling snapshots suggest.

The name Y/n might not be as familiar to racing fans, but she's certainly made her presence known in the world of motorsport. Her frequent comments on Instagram posts from various race drivers have not gone unnoticed, sparking curiosity among fans. And it's her special interactions with Ollie Bearman that have caught our attention.

In one photo, Ollie and Y/n are seen locked in a warm embrace, their smiles revealing the unmistakable glow of newfound love. The chemistry between them is undeniable, leaving us to wonder if they've taken their friendship to the next level.

Another shot shows the dynamic duo strolling along the scenic Italian coast, arms wrapped around each other. The body language screams romance, and it's clear they're not just ordinary travel companions.

But the intrigue doesn't stop there. During Ollie's recent FP1 race, eagle-eyed spectators spotted Y/n walking with him in the paddock, and she was also seen celebrating his 15th-place finish in the garage. Could this mean that they've taken their friendship to the fast lane of romance?

If the rumors are confirmed, there's no doubt that Ollie's legion of adoring female fans will have their say. Y/n, who has been a relative unknown in the world of racing, will undoubtedly face scrutiny and maybe even some backlash from the passionate supporters of the talented young driver.

While both Ollie and Y/n have been tight-lipped about the nature of their relationship, actions speak louder than words. Could this be the new love story of the paddock, destined to make headlines? Only time will tell.

As I sighed, feeling frustrated by the invasion of our privacy and the misrepresentation of our relationship, my phone rang. I picked it up to find Kimi on the other end, a voice from Italy cutting through the distance and the unwanted attention.

"So you saw it, then?" I sighed, exasperated by the invasion of our privacy and the distorted representation of our relationship.

"What are you talking about, I saw?" Kimi responded, though I knew he was feigning ignorance. I took solace in hearing his voice, even if I felt somewhat embarrassed.

"It's shit isn't it, it's bad. They've never gone this far with Ollie and I, god, the second one of you hang out with the opposite gender they assume that there is something romantic going on. Can girls and guys not be friends?" I rolled my eyes even though Kimi couldn't see. The line went silent for I bit and I squeezed my eyes shut, realizing it kind of sounded like I friend zoned him.

"But, um, are you and Olli..." Kimi's words trailed off, his hesitation palpable.

"No, Kimi, god no. I don't want yo- anyone thinking that." I spoke, stuttering over my words. I sound pathetic.

"Okay, I get it. If it make you feel any better, you um, you looked beautiful in the pictures." Kimi said shyly but firmly. At this, I felt my stomach flip and heat rise to my face, a loss of words finding me as all I could do was smile. "Y/n? Was that too muc-"

"No, no, that was um, cute. Thank you, you just caught me by surprise is all." I stutter out and I feel a sigh of relief on the other line.

"It's just the truth, bella," Kimi said, and I marveled at the tingle that raced down my skin. His use of the Italian endearment left me feeling both flustered and delighted.

"My Italian isn't that good but did you just call me bella?" I smile widely as I hear a paus eon the other line.

"Do you want me to stop calling you that?" Kimi asks, almost rhetorically.

"No, no, I'm fine with that one." I respond, feeling a tingle on my skin. "You know, apart from the silly mistakes, you're basically fluent in English, maybe I should become fluent in Italian."

"Um, I do not make any of the silly mistakes you talk about, English is my second language." Kimi said defensively but also with humor before continuing. "Well, I can teach you but it's much easier face to face."

I laughed, knowing that our geographical separation made in-person lessons unlikely, at least for the time being. "I'd love that, but I guess it'll have to wait until Silverstone, only one month, then I get to watch you and Ollie smash it at Silverstone. You debut in F 2in two days, yeah?" I confirmed and I heard him agree on the other end. "Well then, if you have time during your off time maybe you could give me a lesson or two on Italian."

Kimi confirmed that his F2 debut was in two days, and we chatted about his race. "I can't wait honestly, I'll be watching on the tv."

Kimi's voice held a blend of anticipation and humility as he spoke, "I'm looking forward to it. I doubt I'll get a podium, but just being able to drive at this level is enough for a start."

The idea of watching Kimi and Ollie compete at Silverstone filled me with excitement, and I couldn't help but smile. We discussed his expectations, his self-awareness refreshing and endearing. "You'll do great, I'm sure," I assured him, feeling proud of his achievements.

However, my conversation with Kimi was interrupted as I noticed Ollie calling me, presumably about the newspaper article. Our newfound routine of calling each other was turning into a comforting habit, strengthening our connection without us realizing it.

"Oh, no problem. We'll talk later, ciao bella," Kimi said, ending our conversation with a sweet and familiar phrase.

As I dialed Ollie's number, sipping my coffee while the phone rang, his voice came through with a hint of distress. His words tumbled out as he vented his frustration about the media's penchant for shipping him with any girl he happened to be around.

"Why do they always need to ship us? I don't understand. Anytime I'm around a girl, I'm suddenly in a long-term, extremely serious relationship with them that will shatter the hearts of many," Ollie sighed, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Why are you laughing, bee?" Ollie inquired, his voice a mixture of confusion and frustration.

"Because, pup, it's funny - not the article part, I'm still annoyed by that - but even you know that hundreds of girls have fallen head over heels for your stupid ass," I replied, finding humor in the absurdity of the situation. Ollie groaned on the other end, and I could almost picture his exasperated expression, making me laugh even more.

the connection ~ Kimi AntonelliWhere stories live. Discover now