Race & Rally // Charles Leclerc

9.00

On the drive back to the hotel I try to tell David as much as possible, sparing the details I definitely didn't want him to know.

"Aria, you know I want you to be happy. But this isn't good for either of you. The media will be watching you both like hawks and I'm scared it will affect your careers," he sighs, gripping the steering wheel in frustration.

"I know," I say solemnly, looking down at my fidgeting hands. "We thought we were safe from them but we were also being careful. At least you can only tell it's me in the photo," I add.

David looks at me for a split second. "It won't take them long to notice that's he's attending every single one of your matches," he mentions sternly.

My eyes widen. "How do you know that he's attending all of my matches?!" I ask.

"I didn't know. You just told me a few minutes ago," he smirks, glad that his trick had worked. "But honestly Aria, I spotted him today and it's pretty obvious that he's not here just for the tennis."

I find myself trying not to smile. "It's just weird because we're not even dating yet and the press are already doing this," I explain.

"Yet?" Davids smirk grows.

I roll my eyes at him. "Shut up you know what I meant," I say, biting back my smile.

"Just make sure this doesn't affect you during the tournament ok? Or I will be kicking both of your asses;" he warns in conclusion.

"Of course," I answer, knowing that it will be easier said than done.

-

Back in the hotel room I check if Charles had seen my messages. I had sent him the article and I was patiently waiting his response.

In the meantime I decide to post a few photos from the match, thanking my fans for the support.

Within minutes Lewis has commented a few fire emojis, bringing a smile to my face. I begin to wonder if people would start linking Lewis to the photo from the article, taking the heat off of Charles for a bit. I shake my head in attempt to think of something else. This isn't good for my mindset.

My phone suddenly buzzes with a response from Charles.

-

Charles
Oh shit

Aria
Yeah..
I mean it was a bit stupid of us to do that in the middle of a street

Charles
True
You can't tell it's me though so that's good

Aria
You still want to take the risk of coming to my matches though?

Charles
I really don't know Summers
It's risky
But I love watching you play

Aria
A lot of people do
It's the reason they come to my matches ;)

Charles
Ugh
Forget I said anything

Aria
Haha
I think we need to see if this will last long
Or if it will die down in a few days

Charles
I agree
I'm not sure if I'll be at your next match then
But we'll see

Aria
Ok :/