We fell in love in Maranello || English version

A bittersweet situation

🎧 Vienna - Billy Joel

"I do not approve this idea."

3 simple words which had the power of making me lose control. The proposal had to be voted positively by both drivers, otherwise it was not considered valid to replace the old models. 

"Sorry, I have to go out for a second." I say just before I rush to the door of the conference room which suddenly became unbearable. I run into the hallway, sit on the floor in a corner, pull out my headphones from the pocket of the bag and impose random playback in the playlist "Bittersweet songs" at full volume. The first song that happens to me is "Vienna" by Billy Joel. That is exactly what I needed. This song is about how important it is to grasp the good things around us and to feel gratitude for life. So I close my eyes, I put my legs close to my chest and I finally break free in a regenerating cry. 

Unfortunately, I am still not very experienced in handling tears, so much that my friends are no longer surprised if I turn into a fountain for the slightest thing. I do not cry to pity people or to get noticed, even if that is what many people think, I cry because it is my escape valve, my natural calming along with the music. 

In particular, this time I am not crying because I won't get what I hoped for, but because I am angry with myself. I know Leclerc did it on purpose. I know it had something to do with the joke I made yesterday. I am disappointed in my arrogant and unprofessional behavior. And I am also partly angry with Charles who turned out to be immature. But maybe I'm just trying to justify my failure. The only one who has all the blame is me, just me. I knew I had the Monegasque against me and yet I hoped until the end that things would change. But what did I expect? Simple. A pity I never gave him. 

At some point I feel watched. I lift my head and look at my favorite driver. I look down and try to dry my tears. "What do you want, Leclerc? You have never seen someone cry?" I ask sour while I take off an earphone to hear what he has to say and I look in his eyes. He opens his mouth as if he wanted to speak, but closes it quickly. Maybe he wanted to spit out some evil, but he thought it wouldn't be too nice. If that's the case, I'd be infinitely grateful. Then he just walks away. 

Maybe I should go back too, even if my professionalism has gone to hell. I get strong and get up. Whatever happened is over now, we have to move on and think about the next project. 
Before entering I write a message to Sofia: "Babe, tonight I will make you happy. LET'S GO TO THE DISCO! I really need to pull the plug."

"I am sorry." I feel terribly embarrassed, but I don't want to let Leclerc win. I take the situation back and try to show myself as serious and cynical as possible. "Good. Therefore, since the proposal was not voted unanimously by the two drivers, it is declared null and void. Ideas related to previous videos will be published." 

"Actually, there is a variation." Bianca intrudes in my speech. "That is?" I ask curiously. 
Charles reassessed his vote. Your proposal has been accepted." She answers me full of satisfaction. 

"Do you mean that my idea will be published on the official Instagram, YouTube and Tik Tok profiles of Scuderia Ferrari?" I ask in disbelief, watching people sitting around the table smiling at me happily. 
"Exactly." My mouth opens wide and my eyes run for my favorite driver. Our looks meet for a moment. One nanosecond to thank him mentally, although later I plan to stop and talk to him. 
I focus my attention on Bianca and try to get the situation back. "Well, then it is decided. The meeting may end here, but before I say goodbye, I would like to thank you for the confidence you have shown in me." 

Everyone gets up and Bianca approaches me. "Congratulations Elizabeth. I liked the way you handled a critical situation. Of course, you should have stayed in the office, but it is only fair to remember that this is your first public presentation." 

"I thank you for your advice and for the comfort you have given me." I say sincerely happy. 
"Now if you do not mind, I should go thank someone." I apologize and walk away, while Bianca nods and looks at me with a proud smile. 

Charles has stayed in the hall near the front door and is talking to Andrea, his fitness coach and one of his best friends. Even though he seems to ignore it, I feel like he has been following the dialogue with a lot of interest.  

I approach ready to apologize and put aside misunderstandings and dislikes, but as soon as I am close enough, he leaves. 

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Ehi, ciao! 

Attention, attention, what did our favorite driver do? That he is falling in love with Beth? I guess we'll find out in the next episodes... 

Seriously, what do you think of the new chapter? The story is finally taking shape, but are you enjoying it or do you think it's too slow? It's my first story and I don't know if it's written well or not. 
So if you have constructive criticism to make of me, I'm willing to make sure of it :) 

I hope you enjoyed this chapter and we will be back with the next update :)