The anatomy of a champion • I •

33.

Race day was very smooth for Charles. He led it from the first lap to the checkered flag on lap 58. There were some safety cars during the race, one was caused by his teammate, Carlos, who spun off at turn 10 trying to overtake Mick Schumacher, one by Vettel because of an accident. Max attempted a couple of times to overtake Charles but he didn't succed. On lap 39 Max had to retire his car due to fuel issue, causing a small fire in his car.
I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw him getting out of his car. Two DNF in three races, he was probably filled with rage about his performance. Just in the moment when I could go and see Max, Alex rushed over with cheers for Charles' winning and dragged me in front of the podium.

It was almost 8pm when I arrived back at the hotel. Of course i didn t forget about my agreement with Charles. I was the stupid one to propose it, but maybe he will not show up. I started getting ready to meet up with him and while i was putting on some high heeld sandals i heard my phone vibrate on the bed

Max: Can we meet up?

Fuck...
As much as I wanted to answer in an affirmative way, I have to be in front of the hotel at 9 o'clock.   I was playing two dangerous games at the same time and I wasn't sure about the rules. In fact, if I remember corectly Max wanted for us to be something casual, we didn t discused exclusivity. It's not his fault I let myself grow some feelings for him. God, Irina...rationality over emotions!
I texted him back

Irina: Sorry, i got other plans

He didnt reply.

At 8:58 I was in front of the hotel. It was a warm april night and I dressed myself with an off shoulder red dress tight on my body with nude high heels. I have told myself to wait up until 9:15 for him to come, but few minutes and two cigarettes later, the sliding doors opened and Charles showed up.
Many emotions ran throughout my body while he was approching me and among those emotions I couldn't ignore the one about Max.

"This color suits you" he said with a charming smile across his face.
I didnt pay too much attention when i've picked up the dress, it was just the first one i laid my hands on. But for the sake of the conversation i'll keep that to myself  "it is the color of the car droven by a talented pilot" my series of being stupid are not done yet, i'm only at the beggining. Chessy lines, checked.

Of course i didnt make any reservation l wasnt even sure he will eventually show up. Or maybe my mind wanted that...and i've told him, only about the lack of a reservation.
"No problem, there's a bar right across the street from the hotel and I've already spoken to the manager to get me a table for two" well that took me by surprise. So his decision to come was not taken at the last minute.

On the short way to the bar, several fans approached Charles for autographs and pictures and he was kind to each and one of them. A bolder one told him "what a beautiful girlfriend you have Charles" and he replied "I know, right?" Looking straight into my eyes and flashing me a big smile.
My cheeks were now matching my dress. 

When we arrived at the bar, the host led us to our table which was in a secluded, more intimate place.
The waiter brought us a bottle of champagne and I was the first to raise the glass in honor of the Monegasque's victory. "to as many victories as possible monsieur Leclerc"
"if I have the opportunity to celebrate with you, I will definitely want as many victories as possible" I gulped. Of course I liked what he said, I mean, i don t think there is a woman alive who doesn t find him attractive. Myself included! I was attracted to everything that Charles represented, but..,because of course there is s but. And that but, is Max. Only the lightning thought of him in a split of a second sent shivers down my spine.