Chapter 30: A New Experience in Monaco

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The next few days passed in a blur. Alex was busy with team meetings and intense training sessions, while Jamie focused on creating and posting daily content for Williams' social media platforms. Despite their hectic schedules, they both found time to start packing for their upcoming trip to Monaco, a trip that promised to be more than just a weekend getaway.

Jamie had informed Carlos that Alex would be joining them in Monaco. Carlos, ever the helpful host, offered to show them some prime spots in the city where they might consider living since he already knows from Alex's plans. But Jamie, feeling overwhelmed by the thought of such a big decision, texted back with a hint of humor, "Let me survive the weekend first before considering anything."

On Thursday morning, Jamie and Alex drove to the airport. The car ride was filled with a comfortable silence, each of them lost in their thoughts about the days ahead. When they arrived at the airport, they took a regular flight to Monaco, opting for simplicity over luxury. During the flight, they watched movies and played several rounds of Uno, the game serving as a light-hearted distraction from the weight of the decisions looming over them.

As they landed in Monaco, they were greeted by a welcoming committee that could ease anyone's nerves: Carlos, Rebecca, Charles, and Alexandra. Carlos immediately took charge of their luggage, his warm smile making them feel instantly at home. Charles introduced his girlfriend, Alexandra, and Rebecca, who was with Carlos, to Jamie. Both women were stunningly beautiful, and Jamie couldn't help but feel a bit shy in their presence.

"You both look amazing," Jamie said sincerely, her voice tinged with admiration.

Rebecca and Alexandra exchanged amused glances before bursting into laughter. "Thank you, Jamie! We've heard so much about you," Rebecca said warmly. "We're so glad to finally meet you."

Jamie felt herself relaxing. Despite her initial nervousness, it was clear that she would get along well with these two. They had a friendly, down-to-earth vibe that reminded her of Lily—genuine and kind.

As they made their way to the cars, the group naturally split up. Carlos and Charles loaded the luggage into one car, while the girls piled into another. Jamie found herself riding with Rebecca and Alexandra, who were eager to chat.

"So, Jamie," Alexandra began, turning in her seat to face her. "We've been looking forward to meeting you. How do you feel about Monaco so far?"

Jamie smiled, appreciating their enthusiasm. "It's beautiful, but I've always tried to avoid Monaco. I never really did much here," she admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed by the confession.

Rebecca and Alexandra exchanged surprised looks. "Well, that's about to change," Alexandra declared with a mischievous grin. "How about we go on a yacht and have dinner? It's the perfect way to experience Monaco."

Jamie hesitated, but the excitement in their voices was contagious. "That sounds incredible," she agreed, a smile spreading across her face.

When they arrived at Carlos's apartment, the boys quickly unloaded the luggage and carried it inside. The girls stayed outside, discussing their plans for the evening. Jamie was still taking it all in, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. She had always avoided Monaco, but now it felt like she was about to experience it in a way she never had before.

The boys were initially eager to join the evening plans, but Rebecca quickly put a stop to that. "Sorry, boys, it's a girls' night out. You can have your own dinner," she said with a playful wink.

Jamie couldn't help but chuckle at the disappointed looks on their faces. "You'll survive without us," she teased, feeling more at ease now that the plans were set.

With that, the groups split up. Jamie spent the afternoon with Alexandra and Rebecca, and to her delight, they were just as warm and welcoming as they had seemed. They showed her around Monaco, making her feel like a part of their close-knit circle. For the first time, Jamie felt like she might actually enjoy her time in this city.

Meanwhile, Alex, Carlos, and Charles decided to play paddle and then have a barbecue, relishing the rare opportunity to relax and unwind together. It was a boys' night out for them, and they seemed just as excited about their plans as the girls were about theirs.

Later, the girls arrived at the yacht, where a team of staff was already preparing dinner. As the yacht left the harbor, they lounged on the deck, enjoying the warm breeze and the breathtaking view of the sunset over the water. The dinner was exquisite, and the conversation flowed easily, punctuated by laughter and shared stories. Jamie found herself opening up more than she expected, feeling a sense of belonging that she hadn't anticipated.

After three hours, they returned to the harbor. Alexandra said her goodbyes and headed to her apartment, while Rebecca and Jamie walked back to Carlos's place. The boys were still out, so they made themselves comfortable with soft blankets, a plate of cookies, and a movie. It felt good to unwind after such a full day.

Carlos and Alex returned just as the movie was ending. They joined the girls on the couch, and together they watched the final few minutes in a comfortable silence. The evening had been exactly what they all needed—a break from the pressures of their respective worlds.

As the night wound down, everyone prepared for bed. Carlos's apartment had two bedrooms: his own and a guest room. Carlos and Rebecca would sleep in his room, while Alex and Jamie would take the guest room, which had two separate beds. It was a setup that felt both familiar and new, as if this trip to Monaco was already starting to change things in subtle, important ways.

As Jamie lay down in her bed, she couldn't help but think about how different Monaco felt now. With friends like Rebecca and Alexandra, it didn't seem as daunting as it once had. But as she drifted off to sleep, she knew that the real challenge was still ahead—figuring out whether she could truly see herself living in this place, surrounded by the world of Formula 1 drivers that she had always kept at arm's length.

Tomorrow would bring more answers, and Jamie was determined to face whatever came her way.

Behind the Pit Wall: Jamie Albon's Challenge // Lando Norris // F1Where stories live. Discover now