Gasoline - [Charles Leclerc]

0.8

Entering the circuit parking lot with Lando Norris at the same time was maybe something Charles had exactly hoped for. "That's her?". Andrea next to him asked as he parked the Ferrari in the team parking space. "Yeah". Charles nodded. "Why is she with Lando now?". He asked with a raised eyebrow. "She was filming with him to combine Lando's vlogs with theirs". Charles explained, his jaw slacking and Andrea grinned. "You're jealous". He nudged Charles' side as they got out of the car. "I'm not!". Charles protested and opened the trunk to get their bags. He swung his Ferrari backpack over his shoulders and they made their way inside of the paddock. Charles stopped here and there to make some pictures with some fans or to sign some things, but next to that, his eyes were on Edrice.

Lando seemed to be explaining some things as he pointed to the hospitalites. Every time she smiled at something he said, he felt his heartrate going up. Okay, maybe he was a little jealous, but that faded away when his hand moved down her spine and she turned to him, a bright smile immediately curling her lips. "Charles, you're here too". She said, not minding at all that his arm pushed her into his chest. "Are you sure you don't want a look around the McLaren hospitality?". Lando grinned a bit and greeted Charles with a friendly smile. "Thanks a lot, Lando, but when you're offered a paddock pass for the reds...". She chuckled and looked at Charles' trainer who held one up in front of her face. "I understand. It's been a nice morning, Edrice. See you later". Lando squeezed her arm before leaving.

"You look ready". Charles smiled when he eyed the red, shoulder off sweater she was wearing. "Right? I figured I needed some way to show you guys some support". Edrice smiled. "I'm Edrice by the way". She extended her hand towards Andrea and he introduced himself with a smile. "Famous Edrice, have heard a lot about you". Edrice chuckled and looked back at Charles who was clearly embarrased by his trainer. "Shall we head over to the pits? Think we're about to warm up the engines". Charles said then to change the subject and she nodded. Edrice carried a simple bag over her shoulder and now had the pass around her neck for the pit boxes too, next to the media one she had been given by the circuit itself.

"I guess you've been told all about the trip we made in Italy?". Charles smiled as Edrice easily started a conversation with his trainer as they walked their way through the paddock. Some photographers spotted Charles and made their pictures when they walked passed. "We've watched it together as soon as it launched actually". Andrea laughed. "That's great". Edrice smiled and looked back at Charles. He walked in front of them to the pitboxes and guided her to his side. Sebastian had his testing day tomorrow, so he assumed his German teammate would fly in somewhere this day to get to the circuit tomorrow morning.

"This side is for me and my crew". Charles explained. "I can show you my driver's room as well?". He suggested and she nodded. "Sure, guide me around". She smiled and followed him again, after Charles left his bag and winter jacket with Andrea. He opened the door to his cabin for her and she went in. "So this is the little room where you get dressed and prepare yourself before a race". Edrice stated when she looked around and her hand reached out to his gloves that laid on the table. "Yeah, basically. But then each time at a different circuit of course. The rooms are about the same". Charles replied. "You want something to drink?". He triumphantly opened the small cooler he had in the corner and she laughed.

"Water is fine". She said and he handed her a bottle, grabbing one himself as well. "You have something else in your car drinking system, right?". Edrice asked. Charles nodded. "It's like a salty kind of soup". They both chuckled. "Not really tasty. You can try it if you want". He said. "Maybe later". She smiled. "I have to get changed now". Charles announced, not necasserily meaning she had to leave, but she automatically walked to the door. "I'll leave my bag here". Edrice said. "I'd be quick if I were you". She said then and he frowned at her. "Before I drive away with your car". She smiled and he chuckled. "I'm sure you will". Charles smiled and watched her walk out, shaking his head with a grin. It was good to have her around here and he was pretty satisfied that she had turned down Lando's offer, if he was honest.