The Bolter | Charles Leclerc

Chapter 6

"For the millionth time, it wasn't your fault," I laughed at Mila who looked at me like a lost puppy.

"Yes but if I hadn't pressured you into coming," she began but I interrupted her.

"Don't be silly, I knew what I was getting into. Plus, I didn't have to argue with Charles."

We sat on Max's apartment balcony, overlooking the sea in the late May sun. The city was preparing for the Grand Prix this weekend, so the city was a hum of activity. Tourists spilled into every corner, taking pictures left right and centre, influencers walking around, phones in the air.

People watching was one of my favourite activities, and this apartment was the perfect place to do it. With a coffee shop across the street, and the sun streaming across the balcony, I understood why Max bought this place.

"At least you managed to stay out of the press."

"True, always a silver lining I guess," I sighed.

My phone buzzed on the table in front of me of us and a Pinterest notification flashed on my screen. I clicked on it and it opened on a message from a random account.

ruperfischer1997

22/05/24, 09:36

Dani please call me back
I miss you, I'm sorry
Are you in Monaco?
I'm coming all the way to see you
You shpuld at least hear me out

"Oh my God," I gasped.

"What?" Milan's eyes widened.

"Rupert messaged me on Pinterest," I blinked, then a laugh escaped from somewhere deep inside of me. Then all of a a sudden it completely took over me and I couldn't stop. Mila joined in and we laughed uncontrollably for what felt like hours like kids on a playground.

"Pinterest?" She wheezed.

"I blocked him off everything else," I wiped the tears from my eyes and tried to regain control of my breath. "And he's flying out. He's gonna be here."

Mila shook her head. "He doesn't deserve to even be on the same continent as you. How are gonna make sure he doesn't find you?"

"I don't know, Monaco's pretty small. I could just leave," I shrugged.

"No, no, that's not fair, there must be something you can do," she stopped speaking as if she already knew what the answer was.

"Mila?"

"Well your brother just happens to be a pretty good racing driver, and the race weekend just happens to start tomorrow..."

"You think I should get paddock pass?"

"It's not like he could afford one," she shrugged.

"That's true, maybe I should, you know I've not been to a race since Abu Dhabi 2021."

"Wow, you should totally go," she squealed. "I'm gonna be there too and they've put me as social media manager for the weekend."

"No way, that's great," I squeezed her arm. "Ok fine, I'll call him."

I grabbed my phone and dialled his number as Mila beamed.

"Hey favourite brother," I said in my sweetest little sister voice. "How are you?"

"You want something don't you?" He asked, almost laughing.

"No," I said sarcastically. "Do you really think I'm that shallow?"

"What is it Dani?"

"Can I come to the race this weekend?" I bit my lip waiting for the answer.

"You," he laughed, "Danique Lucca Verstappen, do you want seriously want to come to a Grand Prix?"

"Don't make me regret it."

"Ok, ok. Give me three seconds."

The line went quiet and Mila started to point over the balcony to the sea front dramatically. I peered over to see a man running shirtless. She mouthed 'Charles', and I couldn't help but stare. He ran towards the apartment, the his skin glowing in the sun, highlighting his abs.

"Dani? Are you still there?" Max's voice cut through my thoughts.

"Yep, totally," I stuttered and Mila raised an eyebrow.

"You can come."