The bet | Charles Leclerc

• Thirteen •

Saturday

Richard walks by my side, as we head through the paddock. An unusual thing about this weekend, is that the race is happening on Saturday.

And for that reason, me and Richard are even more busy.

We've already been to a couple of press conferences and spoken to various drivers. Now we're making our way back to the office for a debrief with the rest of the team.

My heels clang against the concrete, as I suddenly notice someone ahead of us. Photographers, crew members and security surrounding them, my brother and Perez stand in the paddock.

They're holding some mini event, Max speaking as cameras record them.

My heart beat immediately rises. I need to get away. I seriously cannot be bothered with this now.

Taking in a deep breath, my gaze snaps to my feet. Ignoring them is my best chance at getting away unnoticed.

From the corner of my eye, I can see Max. Redbull cap on, he looks annoyed, bothered as he speaks. Please don't see me.. for the love of god don't se-

"Isa?!" A voice calls, belonging to one of the many photographers. Fuck. Just pretend you didn't hear them, just keep walking..

But as Richard comes to a halt, my plan immediately crumbles away.

"Isa come say hello to your brother!" Another photographer yells, almost with a taunting tone, like they know how much I don't wanna do this.

As slowly as possible, I turn around, my gaze following.

My eyes immediately lock with Max's identical ones.

He sure doesn't look happy about this situation either.

Richard gives me a light push in the back, starting my steps toward the crew and of course, my brother. I think I'd rather do anything other than this.

"Hello" Max says awkwardly, as I go to stand beside him. Normally siblings would hug each other, smile as they saw each other..

Max and I do the opposite.

"Hi" I reply quietly, unpleasantly smiling to him as the cameras flash away. Can't wait to see this on every fucking Dutch magazine cover..

Thankfully, the conversation directs over to Perez, the recording cameras switching over to him, letting me breathe.

But then I notice Max beside me, clearly uneasy.

"What are you doing with Leclerc?" He suddenly whispers, exactly so quietly that it only reaches my ears.

I freeze. Oh god.

"What?" I respond in a whisper, keeping my eyes forward and my mouth discreet, making sure I won't divert any attention over to me.

"What. Are. You. Doing. With. Leclerc." Max aggressively whispers back, the anger coming through in his voice.

My heart flutters.