Hard out here | Carlos Sainz Jr

Chapter 18

Isla sat in the paddock of the Imola Grand Prix sipping on champagne as she waited for Giovanna and the rest of the girls attending the GP.

She fidgeted with her van Cleef bracelets while watching the practice highlights on the big screen. Lando had gotten the fastest times in both and she hoped for him to get the same for qualifying.

Her friends started filing in, first came Kelly then Lily who was followed by Charlotte. The only person left was Giovanna who she knew would arrive later than everyone else because she planned on coming with her daughter.

"So," Kelly started also sipping on champagne. "Where's Giovanna?" She asked.

"When I called, she was getting Lee ready so I think she'll be here soon." Isla answered receiving nods in understanding.

"I can't wait to finally meet her, my gosh. I bet she's the cutest." Charlotte said.

"Literally the cutest! She does this thing where she fakes cries when she doesn't get attention. It's the cutest thing ever." Isla said taking her phone out of her purse to show them a video.

Giovanna left her studio with Liema in her arms and walked to the parked Audi outside the building. Liema was fast asleep after luckily dozing off to her mother's soothing sound as she finished her singles she planned to release soon

Gio had left Mark in the studio to finalise everything like emailing distribution companies since she had decided to do everything independently. She just hoped at least one would hear her out and help her.

She was so close to the finish line.

Biting her lip in concentration, Giovanna buckled Liema in her car seat careful to wake her up. After successfully doing so, she began her quiet drive to Imola where she picked up her mom and her old friend before heading to the track.

Arriving outside the track and seeing the hoard of fans waiting for their favourite drivers by the gate, Giovanna was reminded why she found loving the sport so much.

The vibrant red of the tifosi, the flags and posters of Carlos and Charles' face, Giovanna wouldn't wish to be anywhere else.

"There's so many people, Gugu. Will you able to get in safely?" Amila asked looking at the fans waiting by the gate.

"Yes, they usually move away." Giovanna answered as drove behind a red Ferrari she guessed could be Carlos'.

They watched Carlos stop the car to sign hats and take pictures for a few minutes before he honked as a way to apologise. Gio honked back capturing the attention of the fans who began waving at her.

With a smile, she waved back laughing when the screams got louder. Giovanna got into the parking lot after scanning her pass at the scanner and pulled up next to Carlos. 

Her mom got out of the car first followed by her friend, Maria, a woman she'd met on one of her many trips to Italy during her relationship with Giovanni.

Giovanna got Liema, who was now awake, out of her car seat and grabbed the baby bag next to the seat. "C'mon, let's go say hi to dada." She muttered before locking the car.

Carlos got out of the driver side and immediately smiled at the sight in front of him. "Hermosa!"

He walked to her before connecting their lips blissfully unaware of the cameras pointing their way. "Hi princesa! Oh, look at how cute you look in red." Carlos said taking Liema from Giovanna's arms who excitedly cooed at him. Liema was dressed in a red plaid romper and white socks.

"Had show up and show out, right bubba?" Giovanna said making Carlos laugh.

"Good afternoon Amila, Maria." He greeted the women by hugging them with his free arm. "How have you been?" Carlos asked as they started walking out of the parking lot.