Formula 1 | One Shots (1)

No Need To Ask... | Carlos Sainz

Author's Note: Short random story, trying to show how people overthink too much (Me I am people) lol ✌🏼

Done in 3rd person POV.
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Carla was nervously looking out the window of her cab, en route to a first date. The streets of downtown Madrid were bright and full of life, the summer bringing in lots of excitement for the cities nightlife. She smoothed out the hem of her skirt for the 100th time so far, to make sure it didn't wrinkle. She had purchased a new outfit for her date tonight, pulling out all the stops to look her best. She curled her hair, shaved her entire body and wore her designer heels that she saved for special occasions. 

Carla couldn't remember the last time she was this nervous. She had been out of the dating scene for longer than she cared to admit, she honestly hated first dates. Going through a rough breakup resulted in insecurities, emotional distress and trust issues for Carla. Her ex of course moved on 2 weeks later, no guilt in his actions, yet she wasn't even surprised. 

She looked down at her phone to make sure she was still going to be on time for dinner. The last text she received from Antonio was earlier that afternoon when he shared the location that they would be meeting for their date and the reservation time. She had texted him that she was on her way when she left her apartment, but he hadn't viewed her text yet.

She didn't tell any of her friends about this date, knowing how they'd overreact. She hadn't been on a proper date over a year, despite multiple guys asking her out. Carla lived in her own mind, rent free. She was constantly self doubting herself, nervous about what people would think of her. How could she be lovable, when the man she thought she would end up with forever didn't even want her? 

Accepting this date with Antonio was a big deal, but she figured she'd tell her friends after. She also didn't tell anyone she had begrudgingly downloaded a dating app, finally attempting to put herself out there. She saw how some of her friends had great luck meeting amazing partners on the app, so she hoped for a love story of her own. 

Carla and Atoning chatted for a few weeks before he finally asked her to dinner. Endless texts and phone calls made Carla swoon for Antonio in a short time. She tried to think of every excuse under the sun to avoid meeting up, because she was nervous about what he would be like in person. She really liked him and didn't want anything to ruin that.

As the taxi pulled up to the restaurant, Carla paid the driver and  took a moment before going inside. She took a deep breath and affirmed herself that the evening would be pleasant and worth it, she would make the best o fit. As she approached the hostess, she gave her Antonio's name and was told that she was the first to arrive.

As she was seated, she checked her phone again for any messages from Antonio, considering it was five minutes past the time they agreed on. Still nothing from him. She brushed off the feeling, thinking maybe he got stuck in traffic. Putting her phone down, she took a moment to scan the room. She noticed multiple couples on what looked like date night, along with a few patrons at the bar area. The restaurant Antonio chose was very elegant and Carla loved the atmosphere. After searching the reviews, she was impressed he picked a well known 'Friday night date night spot.'

Carla found herself staring at a couple a few tables over, that looked infatuated with each other. She craved that feeling for herself. She couldn't help but smile to herself, seeing the way the two of them seemed so fluid in their actions, so confident in their feeling for each other. Carla told herself she would be bold tonight and just let loose for once. She wanted things to work with Antonio. 

Five more minutes passed, then ten, then fifteen. Carla was starting to get panicked in case something had happened to Antonio. Her mind was trying not to float to a negative place of possibly being stood up. She opened her phone, going to her messages with him. Her fingers trembled as she realized her messages weren't going through. She clicked the green icon, attempting to call him, only to receive a direct voicemail message. She had been blocked. She tried one more attempt by going into their private messages within the dating app, only to see he had unmatched her and disappeared from her inbox. 

Carla's heartbeat grew so loud, she was sure the entire restaurant could hear her. She felt her cheeks get flush, hot tears prickling her eyes. The waiter approached her for a second time asking if she wanted to other anything. To make it seem like she wasn't waiting for anyone any longer, despite the waiter totally knowing the reservation was for two, she ordered a sparkling water. 

"I'm so sorry to have to do this, but we need to move you to the bar if your guest isn't joining you tonight. We have a long wait and are fully booked for the evening." Carla nodded in understanding, crimson flushing her cheeks as she retreated to an empty stool in the bar area. Her mind slowly became her own worst enemy. 

"He saw you sitting here and fled." 

"He was never coming."

"He never liked you."

"He just wanted to see how desperate you were to agree to dinner."

"The waitstaff is probably making fun of you for getting stood up."

The bartender clearing his throat caught her attention. To him she looked like she was staring into space. He noticed her sitting alone in the dining area and immediately felt bad watching her be asked to leave the table. "Hola quierda, here's your drink" he said as he placed a glass of champagne in front of her. Her face twisted in confusion. 

"Um, I'm sorry, I didn't order this. I ordered a sparkling water" she shyly told the waiter.

"I know. This drink is from the gentleman at the end of the bar, salud" he responded with a wink.

Carla's heart raced again, a mixture of intrigue and anxiety filling her. She slightly turned her head to the right to see a handsome man smiling back at her, lifting his drink in the air, saluting her. She smiled towards the stranger, similarly lifting her glass in the air towards him. Once she finished her glass she would thank him, before heading out.

As she took a sip, she relished in the delicious flavor of the bubbly. She wasn't a big drinker, but she loved a good glass of champagne. She could immediately tell this glass came from an expensive bottle. She took another big sip, when a strong cedar wood cologne filled her nostrils. 

"I see you've started celebrating with the champagne, without me" the handsome stranger said, startling her. His deep and sultry Spanish accent made Carla unconsciously squeeze her thighs together.

"Celebrating?"

"Yes, celebrating how lucky I am to get to meet a beautiful woman like you tonight. Are you alone this evening?"

"Oh...I...uh...thank you for the drink, it's great" Carla said while blushing, avoiding eye contact. Smooth, Carla thought to herself, wanting to face palm herself. 

The man noticed she deflected the question about being alone, so he didn't pry. He stood by his statement, wondering why someone as beautiful as her was alone in a popular date spot in Madrid, no less on a Friday night. He had just finished a business dinner with a sponsor, deciding to grab a drink at the bar by himself before heading home. 

"Well I'm Carla, it's a pleasure to meet you" she said while extending her hand out to shake his. Rather than shake her hand, he brought her knuckles to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on them. She instantly got butterflies watching how intently his chocolate eyes were staring into hers. He had an intensity about him, one she couldn't explain. The smell of his cologne was intoxicating, almost inciting her.

"Carlos. Carlos Sainz, and the pleasure is all mine hermosa. May I join you?" 

Carla hesitated as she was already depressed from being stood up, however something about the way Carlos was looking at her made her forget her worries in that moment. The way he raked his eyes shamelessly over her figure made her slightly more confident. To hell with Antonio, he missed out and she would make the most of the rest of her evening. 

"Yes, I'd like that."

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Buckle upppp for a long story next! Part 1 of 2 for a requested Lando plot is coming tomorrow. Appreciate you all so much!! ❤️