we might be falling in love - patricio o' ward

saudi arabian gp

As Astraea stepped off the private jet onto the tarmac of Saudi Arabia, the heat hit her like a wall, a stark contrast to the cool comfort of the plane's cabin. She squinted against the bright sunlight, adjusting to the unfamiliar surroundings of the desert landscape.

Beside her, Toto and Susie Wolff greeted her with warm smiles, their presence offering a sense of familiarity in the midst of the unknown. Toto, ever the strategist, had invited her along not just for moral support but also with a hidden agenda – to help her secure sponsors and funding for her struggling team.

"Astraea, welcome to Saudi Arabia," Toto said, his tone congenial but businesslike. "I'm glad you could join us for the Grand Prix."

Astraea returned his smile, feeling a surge of gratitude for his support. "Thank you, Toto. I appreciate the opportunity."

Susie, standing beside her husband, nodded in agreement. "We're happy to have you with us. And don't worry, we've got a plan to make this trip worth your while."

As they made their way towards the waiting cars, Toto filled Astraea in on his strategy. "We've arranged some meetings with potential sponsors and investors while we're here," he explained. "I believe there's a lot of untapped potential for your team, and I want to help you unlock it."

Astraea felt a surge of excitement at the prospect of expanding her team's resources, knowing that every dollar could make a difference in their competitiveness on the track. "That sounds amazing, Toto," she said eagerly. "I'm ready to do whatever it takes to make it happen."

With renewed determination, Astraea followed Toto and Susie into the waiting car, her mind already buzzing with ideas and possibilities. As they drove towards the hotel where they would be staying for the duration of their visit, she couldn't help but feel a sense of optimism for the future of her team. With Toto's guidance and support, she knew that anything was possible.

As Astraea settled into her hotel room, she couldn't help but marvel at the luxurious surroundings. The opulent decor and stunning views left her speechless, and she knew she had to share the experience with Pato.

Pulling out her phone, she dialed his number and waited eagerly for him to pick up. When his face appeared on the screen, she couldn't contain her excitement. "Pato, you won't believe this place! It's like something out of a movie!"

Pato smiled at her enthusiasm, his heart warming at the sight of her. "I'm glad you're enjoying it, mi amor. Give me a tour!"

With a grin, Astraea flipped the camera around and began to show him around the spacious suite. From the marble bathroom to the expansive balcony overlooking the city, she highlighted every luxurious detail, her excitement contagious.

As they chatted, Pato's demeanor shifted, and Astraea sensed that something was weighing on his mind. "Is everything okay, Pato?" she asked, her tone filled with concern.

Pato sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I need to tell you something, Astraea. It's about Charlotte."

Astraea's brow furrowed in confusion. "What about her?"

Pato hesitated, struggling to find the right words. "She... she made a move on me, Astraea. And I rejected her, of course, but... I don't know how to tell Charles."

Astraea's eyes widened in shock, her mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions. "Oh, Pato... I'm so sorry. That's... that's not okay."

Pato nodded, his expression pained. "I know. I just... I needed to tell you, mi amor. Your opinion means everything to me."

Astraea reached out through the screen, her heart aching for him. "You did the right thing, Pato. And we'll figure out how to handle it together. I promise."