Race & Rally // Charles Leclerc

42.00

"Whatever happens, it's going to be ok," says Lily, squeezing my hand as we walk through the paddock.

The next race has rolled around, and I've been waiting patiently all week to see what evidence Hugo has produced for me. Charlie had texted me to meet them in their garage.

I can feel my stomach doing constant flips. What if Charles spots me? Even worse, what if I spot him? I don't think I could stomach seeing him without yelling in his face again.

It doesn't help that I feel like all eyes are on me. Everyone likes to take photos, especially when I'm with Lily.

There's been questions brought up about the fact that I haven't actually been seen in Charles' company, but I've been able to keep them at bay with attending the races.

I reluctantly let go of Lily's hand, taking a deep breath, before I walk into the building.

I'm on edge as I walk through the corridors, trying to find where I'm supposed to be. Each race the layout seems to be similar, yet completely different at the same time.

I rush past a glass door, but I stop myself, having noticed a familiar face. I make my way back, instantly realising that it's the main garage with Charlie in there.

He smiles at me softly. "I wasn't sure you were going to show up," he mentions as I enter the room.

"I wasn't sure I was going to show up either," I admit. I follow him to the other end of the room, while he makes sure that all of his gear is present.

"I'm waiting for dad to get here," he adds. He probably observed that I'm looking around the room quite anxiously.

"That makes sense," I respond, finally locking eyes with him. The exact moment that I do so, his eyes suddenly widen.

"What is it?" I ask with a frown. I begin to turn to see what he is looking at, but before I get the chance, Charlie grabs my hand and pulls me the opposite direction.

He hurries me outside, the pit lane feeling as alive as it always does. "Where are we going?" I hiss, hoping that nobody can see us as his hand is still clutching mine.

He sneaks us both around and into the side of the building, dragging me into the nearest room that he can find.

"Sorry about that," he says, both of us trying to catch our breath.

"What was that about?" I question, all of the possible scenarios racing around in my head.

"I was saving both of us from Charles," he reveals. I feel my body go rigid. "I'm guessing you don't want to see him anytime soon."

"No," I respond, "No I definitely don't."

Charlie gives me a sympathetic look, which I return with a thankful one. I'm just about to thank him when the door bursts open.

"There you two are, I've been looking all over for you both," sighs Hugo, walking over to us. I can't help but notice that he's holding a huge envelope in his hand.

"Sorry dad, we've moved around a lot," says Charlie, causing me to give him a knowing glance.

"We better hurry, we don't have all day," mentions Hugo, motioning for all of us to sit around the table that's placed in the centre of the room.