Hold My Girl: A.Leclerc

Chapter 26

"I'm so nervous. What if I don't get it." Saffron says in a hushed tone to Arthur as they arrive at the internship awards together and to find out if Saffron has gotten the job of her dreams or not. "You'll be fine. I'm here. So is everyone else. You've definitely got this job." Arthur smiles, gently squeezing her hand. Saffron takes a deep breathe before stepping out the car that dropped them off at the venue. "Ready?" Arthur asks as the other F1 and F2 drivers, media interns and guests, including family arrived on the red carpet. Due to not being in contact with her parents, Saffron invited Pascale and Lorenzo to the event as well, since she considered them family. "Yeah." Saffron smiles as the pair head onto the red carpet together.

When the news came out of the event in Abu Dhabi after the race, bringing a plus one was optional and despite excessively kissing each other while alone and the moment here and there where they would fuck, Saffron and Arthur can still act as best friends infront of the camera. They're almost Friends with Benefits, shall you put it that way or not. Charles spotted the pair arriving as they arrived and Alexandra stood by his side. "She's got it for sure. All her hard work hasn't been for nothing." Alex says to Charles. "Yeah. Lets just hope she thinks the same." Charles smiles as Arthur and Saffron continue to make their way down the red carpet, stopping every now and then for the paparazzi and media.

"Saffron, you look incredible." Alexandra smiles, greeting the girl as she and Arthur join them. "You too, Alex." Saffron grins. "Nervous?" Charles asks, knowing it was probably a stupid question. "Oh definitely. Shall we go in and find our seats?" Saffron suggests. "Absolutely. I need some champagne if I'm going to survive the night." Alexandra jokes, grabbing ahold of Charles' arm as Arthur offers his to Saffron. She grins as she takes his arm and walk into the venue.

"This place is stunning." Saffron says in awe as she looks around. "Not as stunning as you." Arthur whispers causing Saffron to blush under her glam looking makeup and dark lights. "Lets find our seats." Charles says as the four walk through the room to their table. "Have you spoken to any of these?" Arthur asks as he sits beside her. "Only a few here and there. You know, simple words like good morning or hey." Saffron shrugs, not thinking about the other media interns. The competition for the job in F1 and F2 journalism was the more competitive than it has been in recent years. Only 2 make it. One gets the F1 role and the other gets the F2 role.

"Saffron, I didn't recognize you." a female voice says behind the girl. She turns around and smiles when she sees who's stood behind her. "Anita. Hey. Your dress is stunning." Saffron smiles, standing up and hugging the girl. "Thank you. But not as stunning as yours. How did you find the experience?" Anita asks. "Great. It was nice to travel then have time to relax between races." Saffron softly smiles. "Yeah. I saw your Vegas photo dump. How was it?" the red-haired girl asks. "Amazing. You should go. It's an incredible place." the blonde brit smiles.

"I might have to. If I don't get the position this year. I'll definitely do another year of this and sign up for the F1." Anita grins. "You should. It's definitely worth it and the experience you gain is incredible." Saffron smiles widely. All the interns couldn't talk about their work during both seasons but now they were over, they could. "Alright girl. Good luck. I'll see you later." Anita smiles before walking to her seat across the room. "She's nice." Arthur says, watching the redhead walk away. "She is. One of the first girls I met. But once the schedules came in and we got busy, we didn't have time to catch up. Not even by social media." Saffron frowns.

Once all the drivers, media interns and guests were seated, the event began with a speech from the head of the intern program. "This year we saw the highest number of applicants for this season of Formula 1 and Formula 2 than we have had in the years this program has been going. With the competition for the two roles being more competitive than ever. And as the applications for next season role in, we're seeing the same high level of applicants as we did this year. To our interns, who worked through sunshine and rain, clear skys and fog, we thank you for all your hard work this year. It hasn't gone unrecognized and therefore we congratulate every single one of you for your hardwork and determination this year." he speaks and applause echoes through the hall.

After speaking some more and the meals were handed out, the head of the FIA took to the microphone. "Firstly, I want to congratulate your class of 2023 intern graduates. But, as well as those being here, our F1 and F2 drivers aswell. I can see a few here and there. Firstly, I want to congratulate Max Verstappen and Théo Pourchaire on winning the FIA Formula 1 and Formula 2 championships. And to Redbull and ART Grand Prix for winning the 2023 FIA Constructors Championships. But to the other drivers, you all drove exceptionally this season and have produced some of the best battles, memorable podiums and unforgettable as well as unexpected wins." Stefano Domenicali speaks.

"But, we're here to celebrate you guys and the interns. Two of who have secured roles in F2 and F1 journalism. Now, the first one who is joining the F2 journalists has proven that they can work within a busy pitlane and paddock as well as quickly make their way from one location for an interview to another within the required time frame. They have defined all odds and come out on top over their closest competitors. So, huge congratulations to Julianna Bezmick." Stefano says and everyone applauds her as she receives her awards.

"Now, the next person will be joining the Formula 1 journalism team. This person has went through hell and back yet continued what they were doing. Overcoming bumps in the road was part of the challenge but they did it with such resilience that it's admirable. The list goes on but there were so many candidates for this position but we could only pick one." Stefano spoke. Some of the other media interns looked at one another with a smirk while Saffron had a tight hold of Arthur's hand. "So a huge congratulations to Saffron Beattie." Stefano smiles.

Upon hearing her name, Saffron fills with shock. Arthur helps her stand up before tightly hugging her as tears threatened to spill out her eyes. "You did it! You got it Saff!" Arthur says in her ear. "I cannot believe it." Saffron laughs as Charles hugs her tightly before she goes up to receive her awards. A few more were handed out before the party begun. The dance floor was near to full with people celebrating the end of the season.

Just as he made his way to the dance floor, Arthur noticed Saffron was still at the table. "You okay?" Arthur asks, sitting beside her. "Yeah. I'm just trying to let the fact I'm now a Formula 1 journalist for F1TV and Sky Sports sink in but I think it'll take a few weeks." Saffron laughs. "We have a while until Bahrain so relax. You did it, all your hard work has paid off. I couldn't be more prouder." Arthur smiles, sneakily kissing her cheek. "Thanks Arth." Saffron says. "Come. Some of us want to celebrate with you." Arthur laughs taking the girls hand into his and leading her to the dance floor.

As the music played and everyone sang alone as well as enjoying the drinks that were on offer. Being the light weight she is, it only took Saffron 2 and a half drinks to be tipsy and around 3 or 4 drinks to be wasted. "Come on you. Lets head back and go to bed." Arthur laughs at his drunken best friend. "But I want to stay." Saffron complains. "Not tonight." Arthur chuckles, throwing the girl over his shoulder. "No. Put me down, Arthur." Saffron giggles, slapping and punching his back. "Nope, not happening." Arthur laughs as he carries Saffron out over his shoulder.

After a few more attempts, Saffron surrenders and lets Arthur carry her back over his shoulder. "I can walk you know." Saffron says. "In the state your in, you can barely balance let alone walk." Arthur comments. "Since when were you this protective?" Saffron questions. "Why? Do you like it?" Arthur asks back. "Maybe. It's definitely hot." Saffron grins as they walk into the room and Arthur flings her onto the bed once they got to their hotel. "Good. Should be more like it." Arthur grins before kissing her. The couple change and as soon as she was in her pajamas and laid under the duvet, Saffron was immediately fast asleep. Arthur grins before gently lifting her into his arms, placing her head on his chest as he runs his fingers up and down her arm softly as he slowly falls asleep.