Just One Kiss

Chapter 19

"There's no way this is a real place" China said, holding Nicolas's hand as she dragging him around the paddock. This was her first Formula One Grand Prix, with Nico watching at least one a year.

He didn't mind being dragged around. He just like to watch her as she looked in all at the different garages of the cars, stopping every person she could in team gear and asking them questions about their job and how their life is as a Formula 1 staff member. Whether it was drivers, engineers, or team principals, she spoke to whoever she could find just like the first time.

The three of them settled in the Ferrari pit box, which Martin gave them access to being a friend of one of the drivers and as a final thank you for letting him be a part of the project's journey. The three of them sat with both men's shirts flapping in the breeze of the sea. Martin and China talked as they sipped their champagne, Nicolas adjusting his sunglasses with his eyes fixed on the street track.

When she could, China would sneak a glance at Nico, watching his gold chain shine the Monaco sun. Every time she turned his head to watch the car speed below them, Nico looked in the same direction at China's pearl pendants that hung on her neck, accentuated the bust of her white sundress, which swung in the wind every time it blew past.

Martin knew that it was China in the tabloid, but he said nothing. He watched the two observantly, seeing how they kept trying to turn towards each other, fighting the urge to show how much they loved each other but we're not willing to say. He chuckled to himself sipping on the champagne as they continue to watch the cars pass, the checkered flag signaling the end of the race.

Martin was able to secure a one-on-one interview with the two Ferrari drivers, which China was excited to use as the main centerpiece of the project.

During the interview, both China and Nico talked with the two drivers' questions as if it was a regular lunch conversation. China's phone sat in the middle of the group, recording all their words. With Nico next to her, she was able to breathe and relax, especially considering his friendship with the team's second driver who was a Spaniard himself.

The interview concluded, and they were able to secure autographs from the two drivers. Once they said their final goodbyes, the two of them with Martin walked out of the paddock, smiles on their faces as the sun set in front of them.

"It was an honor to work with you" he said as they reached his car. She hugged him goodbye, telling him how much she was going to miss him that it was all over. He shook Nico's hand and he went on his way, leaving the two of them in the dust of the paddock entrance.

"I can't believe it's all over" China said to herself as she watched Martin's car disappear into the streets.

"Neither can I" Nico said, taking her hand in his own.

"Are you ready to go?"

"Yes ma'am" he said, smiling down at her. He would never get used to how much she made him smile.

As usual, he opened the passenger door for her, this time for his black Porsche which he drove whenever he was in Monaco. Entering the driver seat, the car drove down towards the docks as the sun continue to the lights the residences around them, illuminating the streets ahead.

Once they reach the coastline, Nicolas parked his car, and the two of them walked hand-in-hand to a restaurant just near the waterfront. 

Throughout the evening and into the night, the two laughed and giggled like schoolchildren, making sure not to break physical contact. Even as they ate, China ran her foot up and down his leg as they watched each other in adoration.