❥𝑹𝒆𝒅 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆

Chapter 66

Narrator

The countdown rushed backwards rapidly.
Charles sat tight in his Formula 1 car, receiving the steering wheel and gloves.
His breath was shortened beneath his helmet.

He didn't know if it was an issue with the equipment or with his panic.

»Can you check the helmet please? I can barley catch air.«, Charles gasped and undid its belts.

The engineers around the car made way for someone to take the helmet and check it.

Charles was used to so many people in the garage. But today, it drove him crazy.

After a few minutes waiting impatiently, he got it handed back.
»Everything should be fine with it.«

»Okay, thank you.«

Helmet back on.
Gloves on.
Steering wheel in its right place.

Engine roaring.

Charles intensely watched the red lights show up.
One after the other.

With a heavy chest and shivering hands, he pushed the rising fear aside and placed his foot on the throttle.

Gear, then throttle.
Don't forget to brake at the right time.
Corner ahead.

He repeated the words in his head.

Gear, then throttle.
Corner ahead.

He felt like a damn rookie.
5 years in this sport and yet he was nervous.
And unsure.

Drivers can't allow themselves to be unsure.

Corner ahead.
Corner ahead.

And then, the lights disappeared.

Shit.

His reaction time was miserable.

What a goddamn rookie.

After a few laps, two cars had already passed him.

»Charles, concentrate on the curbs, please.«

Xavi hushed into his ear.

»Charles?«

His engineer reasked when he didn't reply.

»Copy.«

Alright, time to race like a proper athlete.

It didn't get to him how the whole thing with Valerie could had such a great influence on his driving.
He felt like paralyzed.

It was the first race since a long time that she didn't attend.
In which she didn't support him.

He missed her face in the parc ferme. Her bright smile whenever he got out of the car.
He shook his head, as far as that was possible.

Okay Charles, focus.

***

Charles could make up three places and now found himself in third.
His teammate in front of him, with Max at first.

Of course.

The few points Max was ahead in the standings scratched at his ego and honor.
He had to make it up.

But he didn't feel like he could.

»Okay Charles, what do you think of another pitstop?«

»No, not necessary at the moment.«