Race & Rally // Charles Leclerc

3.00

I immediately regret my outfit choice as David and I enter the paddock. The sun is beating down on us and my fitted black midi dress isn't  helping.

"I can't believe you decided to wear something that is both black and has sleeves," chuckles David as I attempt to fan myself with my paddock pass.

"It was giving rain for today," I sigh and adjust my sunglasses over my eyes.

Despite it being off limits for most, the area was bustling with people. Every corner you turn there would be a TV broadcaster speaking to a camera. There are kids waiting outside of the garages hoping to get a sneak peek of their favourite drivers, excitement evident in their eyes. I'm able to spot a few other celebrities roaming around too.

I can't help but find myself looking for Charles with every step I take. I know there is only a small chance that I''ll see him before the race, but a part of me desperately needs to wish him luck.

I decide to wait by the Williams garage while David goes to get us some ice cream. I take out my phone to send a quick text to Charles but a voice interrupts my actions. "Aria Summers?"

I feel a knot in my stomach as I realise that this could be the press. They have finally found me. I haven't even thought of what I would tell them if I was asked why I was here. I turn around slowly as I prepare myself to be interrogated.

Instead, I'm greeted with a smiling face. A face that I have known for years. "Lily?!" I gasp.

I run to hug my friend that I haven't spoken to in months. I grip onto her tightly, feeling so glad to have found some familiarity in this unrecognisable world.

Lily and I have known each other since our late teens. We had first became friends when a junior tennis and junior golf tournament were both being held at the same hotel. From then on we had multiple events together. However, as our careers heightened, we found it increasingly difficult to keep in touch. Yet somehow, every time we see each other, it's like no time has passed.

"Aria, what are you doing here?!" she asks me in surprise as we let go of each other.

"I might ask you the same thing?" I laugh.
I notice a slight blush creep onto her face.

"Well, I may or may not have been dating Alex Albon for the past month..." she mutters under her breath.

My eyes widen. "LILY WHAT-"

"SHHH!" she hisses and we both immediately giggle. "Just don't say a word about it. We haven't made it public yet and the media are already suspecting something."

"That's so great Lily, I'm so happy for you," I grin.

"Thanks love," she says. It's obvious how happy she is, she's practically glowing. Her glare suddenly sharpens. "You still haven't told me why you're here though. Are you still celebrating your big Wimbledon win?"

"'Not quite..." I admit, unsure of how much I should reveal to her.

A bustle of people exit the Ferrari garage and my eyes hopelessly watch the commotion. I find myself yearning for the smallest glimpse of him. Lily's eyes follow my gaze as a look of realisation landed on her face.

"No way!" she gasps, looking back at me.

"What?" I question innocently.

"It's a driver isn't it?" she asks excitedly, as if she has solved a puzzle.

I shake my head nervously wondering how she has caught on so quickly. Was it that obvious?

"Aria don't lie to me, it totally is! It's Charles isn't it? I seen the articles of him attending your match," she smirks, moving her eyebrows up and down comedically.