Formula 1 | One Shots (1)

English or Spanish | Franco Colapinto

Author's Note: Mindless Franco fluff 🙊 

Done in reader POV
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I was standing at one of the hospitality coffee stands, busy putting together my usual iced coffee...two shots of espresso over ice, just a little bit of cream and a splash of hazelnut syrup. I hadn't even noticed that someone had come up behind me until I heard a voice.

"Hey...what is that you are making?" The question came out, with a familiar Spanish accent that sent a little chill down my spine. I froze mid stir and turned around, only to find myself face to face with Franco Colapinto. He had this relaxed smile on his face, one eyebrow raised, his expression full of playful curiosity.

Franco looked at me, seeming to realize he'd caught me off guard. His expression softened, and he gave me a small, apologetic smile.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to sneak up on you like that."

I laughed, brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "No worries, I just wasn't expecting anyone," I replied.

He extended his hand with a friendly smile. "I'm Franco, by the way. Franco Colapinto."

I shook his hand, smiling back. Of course I knew who he was, but I figured I would just go along with it. "Nice to meet you, Franco. I'm Olivia."

He repeated my name softly, with his accent, almost as if testing how it sounded, and then his smile brightened. "Olivia," he said. "It's nice to meet you too. So what is that you are making?"

"Oh, this? It's just an iced coffee," I managed to reply, feeling my cheeks burn up in a way I hoped wasn't too noticeable. I'd seen Franco around plenty of times, but actually talking to him...that was different.

Franco nodded, looking amused. "An iced coffee, huh? With the perfect amount of...what is that? Hazelnut?"

I giggled, suddenly feeling a bit shy under his gaze. "Yep. I like a bit of hazelnut for the sweetness."

"So you're a bit of a coffee expert?"

I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "I wouldn't say expert, but I know what I like."

"Iced coffee with hazelnut. Got it," he said, as if mentally trying to remember it. "You'll have to make me one sometime," he added.

I laughed again, still a little flustered. "Are you sure? I mean, you might not like it. It's...an acquired taste."

"Challenge accepted," he replied with a smirk, stepping a little closer as he looked at the cup I held. "Looks good to me. So...tell me, Olivia, are you here every weekend? I've seen you around, but I never had the chance to say hello properly."

The way he said my name made my heart skip a beat. There was something about the way he spoke, his voice both curious and charming. I nodded, struggling to find words. "Yeah, I'm usually here. I work for Red Bull." I laughed at myself, feeling silly for being so nervous.

He laughed too, leaning against the counter beside me. "I get it. So you're part of the behind the scenes magic?"

"Something like that," I replied, now feeling a little more comfortable. "But what about you? How are you liking life in the paddock?"

Franco's face lit up. "It's a dream, really. Sometimes I still can't believe I'm here." He paused, and a softer look crossed his face. "It's a lot of work, though. Long hours, travel...but I wouldn't trade it for anything."

I nodded, understanding that feeling well. "That sounds familiar," I said, smiling. "But you seem to be handling it all pretty well."

He gave a small shrug, then looked at my iced coffee again. "You're going to have to teach me the secrets to staying calm and caffeinated like you," he joked, making me laugh again.