Hope is a dangerous thing for a Woman like me to have

Chapter 42

I put Charles' address into my phone and followed Google Map's directions by foot. 6:45 and the sun was still shining bright and glorious, free from the masquarade of grey clouds. Maybe it was just the weather or my destination, but I really loved Monaco; it's vibes, the cars, the people, the person-.

I arrived at Charles' in under 10 minutes, barely breaking a sweat from the light stroll. I knocked on the door and waited nervously. A blond boy opened the door.

"Oh shit sorry." I blurted. "Must've come to the wrong door."

"Stupid Charles" I muttered to myslelf - of course he would prank me by giving me the wrong address. The boy laughed.

"No - Charles may be stupid, but he has sent you the correct address." He sounded nearly identical to Charles. He saw my expression and chuckled "I'm Arthur - his brother."

"Ohhhhh you're Arthur!" I laughed, walking back up the steps to the door. "I've heard a lot about you and Lorenzo but I've never seen pictures."

"Well I have seen pictures of you and you're even more stunning in person!" He winked with a cheeky giggle.

"Charles has been showing you pictures of me?!" I accidentally gasped.

"No, I just watch f1." He chuckled awkwardly. I wanted to leave right there and then. How could I forget I was a racing driver that was advertised and shown round the world racing as well as being in the same races as his brother.

"Oh of course." I tried to laugh it off. "Sometimes I forget people actually know who I am now."

"He has been speaking a lot about you though," Arthur offered as he ushered me through the door. I was shown through a corridor and into a kitchen where food was being prepared by a woman with brown hair. She turned round when she heard us come in and broke out into a large smile.

"Ahhhh Edom! Right on time - I already like you." She embraced me warmly, her smile infecting my face. "I'm Pascale."

"Lovely to meet you Pascale" I returned the hug. "It smells incredible in here."

"Thank you amour," She went back to the food. "How's your stay in Monaco?"

"I'm really loving it thank you. A beautiful country."

"Maman, Charles devient stresse" Lorenz walked in, rolling his eyes.

"In English whilst our guest is here." Pascale replied authoritively.

"Charles is getting all stressed about Eeee..." He trailed out when he clocked Pascale's words and saw me.

"Edom!" He changed tone, trying to save himself. He stepped towards me with on out stretched hand that I shook. "Charles was just saying how excited he is that you're coming! We didn't realised you'd arrived." He looked purposefully at Arthur.

I chuckled. "Nice to meet you Lorenzo. I love your shirt."

"Thanks!" He smiled and wandered over to Pascale and starting to cut an onion. "I already like her."

"Me too." Pascale replied and I nearly levitated with happiness.

"Maman, as-tu lavé mes chaussettes?" Charles stampeded into the kitchen with his feet out.

"Yes Charles, I left the clean socks on your bed." Pascale rolled her eyes and Arthur burst out laughing.

"Your mum still washes your clothes for you, huh?!" I scoffed and Charles swivelled round.

"Oh my God, Edom! You're here!" Charles exclaimed.

"You did say 7:00pm did you not?"

"No, yes I did." He paused. "Give me one second and I'll give you a proper welcome." He left the room and came back in a minute later, wearing socks this time. He wore a white textured shirt that had the top few buttons undone and dark trousers - and white socks.