On and Off the Track

N I N E T Y S I X.

The next morning, I woke up to the sound of laughter and chatter echoing through the apartment. The celebration had wrapped up late, but the energy from the night before lingered in the air, filling me with a warm sense of gratitude. I smiled to myself, stretching in bed, reliving the night before. After a quick shower, I made my way to the kitchen, where I found Charles in a pair of sweats and a T-shirt, flipping pancakes.
"Good morning, chef!" I greeted him, my voice cheerful.
"Morning! Want some?" he replied, glancing back at me with a smile. "I thought we could do a little post-celebration brunch." I couldn't help but grin.
"You're a man of many talents. Pancakes? Where did that come from?" He chuckled, pouring batter into the pan.
"I might have learned a thing or two from my mom. You know, gotta keep it balanced after a night of indulgence." As I settled at the table, I watched him work, my heart swelling with affection. We spent the morning chatting and joking, enjoying the pancakes while reminiscing about the party and the funny moments that stood out.

After brunch, we decided to take a leisurely stroll around Monaco to shake off the previous night's festivities. The sun was shining, and the marina looked stunning, boats gliding smoothly over the water. Hand in hand, we took in the sights, feeling the warmth of the day.
"Look at that yacht!" I exclaimed, pointing to a massive vessel docked nearby. "I wonder who owns it." Charles laughed.
"Probably someone who wants to show off."
"Or someone who has a great sense of style," I added with a wink. As we strolled through the streets, we bumped into a few friends who had been at the party the night before. Quick hugs and smiles were exchanged, and soon we found ourselves caught up in conversations.

By the time we returned to the apartment, I felt invigorated.
"How about we have a movie night tonight?" I suggested. "Just the two of us, no party, no distractions. We can relax and enjoy each other's company."
"I love that idea," Charles agreed, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "What do you want to watch?"
"Something light! Maybe a rom-com?" I suggested, playfully nudging him. Charles rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his smile.
"Fine, but only if I get to pick the next one. No complaints about action movies!"
"Deal!" I laughed, feeling content. As the day went on, we relaxed at home, spending time lounging on the couch, sharing snacks, and reminiscing about the season. We looked through photos from the championship celebrations, laughing at the silly faces we had made and the candid moments that captured the essence of our joy. When evening fell, we ordered in from our favourite restaurant, opting for a mix of Italian dishes. Over dinner, I brought up plans for the off-season.
"What do you think about taking a little getaway somewhere? Just the two of us?" I asked, my eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Where are you thinking?" Charles asked, genuinely intrigued.
"Maybe somewhere in Italy? We could go skiing in Courmayeur or visit Florence," I suggested, my voice filled with enthusiasm.
"That sounds amazing," he replied, already imagining the picturesque views and delicious food. "I'd love to do that. It'll be nice to unwind after this season."

After dinner, we set up the living room for our movie night, complete with cosy blankets and popcorn. As we snuggled up together, I felt a sense of peace and happiness enveloping me. The film played on, laughter filling the room as we enjoyed the lighthearted moments. But as the credits rolled, I couldn't help but feel a bit pensive.
"Can you believe the season is over?" I asked, looking over at Charles.
"Yeah, it's crazy," he replied, his expression thoughtful. "It feels like it went by in a flash, but at the same time, so much happened."
"Yeah," I said, resting my head on his shoulder. "You worked so hard, and it really paid off." Charles turned to me, his expression sincere.
"I couldn't have done it without your support. You were my constant through all of it." I smiled, touched by his words.
"And I'll always be here for you, cheering you on." We shared a moment of quiet connection, the weight of the world outside fading away as we relished each other's presence.

The next few days passed in a blissful haze of relaxation and intimacy. Charles and I revelled in our time together, enjoying each other's company without the pressures of the racing season looming over us. We spent afternoons exploring Monaco's hidden gems, sharing meals at quaint cafés, and indulging in spontaneous adventures that reminded us both of the joy in the little things. One afternoon, we decided to take a drive along the coastline, the azure waters glistening under the sun. Charles took the wheel, his laughter echoing as he made playful comments about the stunning views.I leaned back in my seat, soaking in the warmth of the sun and the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks. As we drove, I spotted a small beach tucked away between cliffs.
"Can we stop there?" I asked, pointing excitedly. "It looks beautiful!" Charles nodded, and a few moments later, we parked the car and made our way down to the secluded spot. The beach was perfect, with golden sand and crystal-clear waters. We spread out a towel and settled down, taking a moment to just breathe and soak it all in. After a while, I suggested we go for a swim. The water was refreshing, and we splashed around playfully, laughing as we tried to dunk each other.
"You're going to regret that!" Charles teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Bring it on!" I challenged, swimming further out into the water. We spent hours at the beach, feeling free and lighthearted. After drying off in the sun, we enjoyed a picnic of snacks we had packed, sitting close together on the towel and sharing stories about our childhoods. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over us, Charles leaned in and kissed me softly, sealing our unspoken promise to cherish each moment together.

After our beach day, we returned to our regular routine but with a renewed sense of purpose. I began working on creating my own agency to help upcoming models. Charles spent time training and prepping for the upcoming season but made sure to carve out time for me and our relationship. The weeks flew by, filled with laughter, late-night movie marathons, and endless conversations about our hopes and dreams. We cherished the time away from the spotlight, creating a bubble of intimacy that felt like a sanctuary. One evening, as we sat on the balcony of our apartment, watching the stars twinkle above, I turned to him with a smile.
"So, what's the first thing you want to do when the season starts?" Charles leaned back, contemplating.
"Honestly? I want to focus on enjoying every race, but I also want to take you with me as much as possible. I want you there to share the moments. Good or bad." My heart fluttered.
"I'd love that."
"It's a date" I laughed, feeling the excitement for what was to come.

As the days turned into weeks, my agency started to take shape, and Charles continued to prepare for the new season. We both felt a sense of anticipation building for the upcoming races and the challenges ahead, but we also knew we were in it together. The off-season was drawing to a close, and soon the world of Formula 1 would be back in full swing. But for now, we were content to enjoy the quiet moments and each other's company, building a foundation for whatever lay ahead. As we watched the sunrise together one morning, I couldn't help but feel grateful for how far we had come.
"No matter what happens this season," I said softly, "I'm so glad we have each other." Charles wrapped an arm around me, pulling me close.
"Always," he replied, and in that moment, I never felt more in love with, my boyfriend, Charles Leclerc. And I was so grateful for him for making me realise that love is so easy when it's with the right person.