Race & Rally // Charles Leclerc

35.00

"You're not going to compete in anything until the summer," says Antonio, causing me to drop my fork. It clatters against the table of the restaurant we're in. I pick it up hastily.

"What?!" I gasp. Ant had decided to take me for dinner, because apparently I've been working so hard. Now I know the real reason.

His head falls into his hands. "Listen, I know it doesn't make much sense, but the Monaco tournament is going to hold a women's competition for the first time ever. I think it's the perfect chance to warm up before Wimbledon," he explains. I watch him intently, chewing on my food slowly.

"I thought that was the mistake we made last time? Not playing enough tournaments before a Grand Slam," I mention.

"I just don't want you to waste energy and have a loss so close to your last one. We need to build up your confidence," he sighs, finally looking back at me.

"Well I'm glad that Monaco are finally hosting a women's tournament, but I would've liked to have had a bit more practice before then," I scowl, leaning back in my seat to indicate that I'm not enjoying this conversation.

"I know, but I'm going to get a bunch of professional players to play against you in training until then, ok?"

I don't respond. Instead I look at him like I'm disgusted. I really don't think that his plan will work, but I know that there's no point in trying to argue with him.

"In other news, your photoshoot with Jude was very well received by the public," he adds, raising his eyebrows playfully. "Nike would love for you both to work with each other again as soon as possible."

I bite my lip. Despite having heavily hinted that we'd be seeing each other again, I have gotten no contact from Jude since the day of the photoshoot.

"Sounds fabulous," I murmur sarcastically, pushing myself away from the table. "I'm going to head home."

"Alright. See you tomorrow."

My breath hitches. There is a certain type of bluntness when it comes to Antonio that always makes me miss the warmness of David. It's at times like this that I miss him the most; when Ant decides to suddenly switch strategies, and pull me out of tournaments.

I ignore the lump that's forming in my throat and make my way out of the restaurant.

-

I pull up onto the drive. Charles' car still isn't here. He hasn't been home since our rather public argument a few days ago. You can simply imagine the articles that have been written about us.

I had cried in my bed for hours, waiting for him to come home. When I finally realised that he wasn't going to appear, I drifted off to sleep. I woke up the next morning with a surprising text from him saying that he'll 'need some time' before he comes home again. I then cried some more.

Arthur has been keeping me in the loop, as he is the only person his brother will contact. Charles is apparently staying at a friend's house, and I've been silently hoping that this friend isn't Lacy.

I hang up my keys and my coat, before falling onto the living room couch. I wince, the TV remote jabbing into my back. I shuffle around a bit to retrieve it. With frustration from everything, I end up throwing it across the room, for it to land on a separate seat.

I take my phone out to check my Instagram, instantly noticing that I've a message from a familiar name.

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