Mystery in Red

Chapter LIX - Secret kiss

21.JUL - Budapest 

It's been a week since the weekend at Silverstone.

On Wednesday we were in Maranello for the last work duties before the week in Hungary. I hadn't seen Charles in a week and hadn't thought about him until I set foot on the grounds of Maranello. We both didn't met on the Pista di Fiorano. But this time my heart seemed to shatter into a thousand pieces. The last time I saw him was on Pierre and Kika's cam while we were talking and they were at the Wimbledon tennis tournament. Yes, I saw the pictures too... So I decided to focus on my relationship with Sainz and give him the attention I never did during the race weeks. And it's like the two of us really built something deeper between us during that time we spent in a family environment. And I started to feel much more accepted than before.

Thursday morning we left for Hungary and at exactly 11 o'clock we arrived at Ferihegyi. I waited on the sidelines for Carlos to pay attention to his fans, then we both drove to our hotel. We had to quickly get ready for the paddock as we were running late for our media engagements.

I spent the day at the track as usual - seat testing, the traditional track walk, which this time I did with Carlos on the wheels, then discussing the track and strategies for the weekend. The boys were busy all day with interviews and photos, but this time I was with slightly different company while I waited for them to finish - Andrea and Rupert in one place. The two coaches had decided to give me health and fitness advice, I don't know where they came up with this, but almost all the time they talked to me about training, diet, scheduling commitments so that I have enough time for adequate sleep and rest. When Sainz and Leclerc were finally ready for the day, I had already learned 15 recipes for fish and veal, about a hundred conditioning exercises, and the benefits of protein supplements and vitamins for heavy physical exertion like ours.

 - Muñeca! - Carlos called me leaving the hospitality.

 - Chili! - I happily ran to him and hugged him then whispered in his ear: - Thanks for coming!

 - Is it that bad, amor? - he laughed and looked at me playfully.

- Rupert and Andrea drove me crazy - I shook my head. - I have a feeling that I will soon receive a certificate of successful completion of personal trainer training.

 - Are you done with the love coo or do I still have to wait for you? - Charles interrupted our little conversation.

 I turned and glared at him, then took a step back.

 - What exactly are you waiting for, Leclerc? - I asked slightly sarcastically.

- Wow, little Lissie must be mad - he said defiantly. - Don't stress so much darling, it's not good for the skin on the face.

 - Oh really? - I exclaimed with feigned surprise and crossed my arms in front of my chest. - And who gave you this beauty hack? Should I guess or keep my spicy opinion to myself?

 The situation was heating up. We locked eyes with each other, his dangerously defiant, mine fiery. The fire in my soul ignited in seconds and I was ready to attack Charles. Why did I believe in his empty promises?

 - Guys, what's going on with you? - Carlos asked and laughed.

 - Nothing! - we replied in unison with Leclerc and looked at each other angrily.

 - I'm confused, but it doesn't matter - Sainz sighed.

 His arm suddenly found itself around my waist and gently pulled me against him. His teammate's eyes locked on the point of our contact and he clenched his jaw tightly. Although we got along, Charles was showing more and more jealousy.