Gasoline - [Charles Leclerc]

1.8

"You can also come with me to Monaco for a day". Charles hummed as they were waiting at the airport of Nice for Edrice her flight back to London, which was delayed by three hours. It was late and they were tired and hungry, once again. They got into the plane in Shanghai while it was dark, and they returned in Nice when it was dark. The jet lag felt heavy in the back of her head, awake for to many hours as she didn't sleep on the plane either. "I booked this flight already, Charles". Edrice replied, feeling his fingers play with her hair. "I'll buy you a new one so you can fly back tomorrow". He nuzzled his nose against her face before pressing his lips to her cheek. He looked adorably sleepy and Edrice glanced up at him with a sigh, gnawing the dry pieces of skin off her lips. Her hand moved into her bag to get the chapstick out, briefly swiping it over her lips.

Charles watched as she did so, cupping her face afterwards to kiss her lips. "I'll call Jomana to let her know I'm back tomorrow". He smiled and nodded as she stood up with her phone pressed to her ear. "Are you at the airport?". Jomana's voice rung through her phone, no chance to say hello first. "I'm at the airport of Nice, yes". Edrice replied. "My flight is delayed for three hours. I'm staying over at Charles' apartment tonight". It was quiet for a moment. "So you're back tomorrow". It wasn't a question. "Yeah". Edrice said, her eyebrows raising at her tone. "You're not okay with that?". She asked next. "I never said that". Jomana snarled. "I don't know what's wrong, but we'll talk about it when I'm back in London. Please get your twisted panties out of your ass meanwhile". Edrice hissed in response and ended the call. Charles hadn't understood a word of the quick Arabic rambling, but from the look on her face he definitely got that she was annoyed.

"Everything okay?". He asked as she walked up to him, taking her suitcase back from his hand. "She's moody and thinks it's cool to take it out on me". Edrice muttered. "We haven't been the best friends in the last couple weeks, I'll talk to her when I get back". She said, pushing her phone into her pocket. "If you want to wait for your flight, then...". Charles was interrupted by a shake of her head. "I'd rather spend my time with you". She said and a warm feeling spread through his chest. He nodded with a smile and his arm curled around her shoulders when they walked out of the exit. A taxi was hauled to bring them back to Monte Carlo, only a twenty minute ride. The roads were quiet in the night and Edrice leaned her head on his shoulder as they sat in the back of the cab. They arrived back at his apartment and he lifted her suitcase from the trunk. Edrice payed the driver meanwhile and they walked back to the apartment block he lived in.

"Home sweet home". He smiled as they stood in the elevator. "For sure". She smiled back at him. Charles unlocked the front door, rolling the suitcases into the hall. Edrice hadn't been at his apartment before, so she stood in the doorway while he turned the lights on and ushered her inside. "Do you want some tea or coffee?". He asked, walking in front of her to the kitchen. "Some tea is fine". Edrice said and walked after him, looking at the picture frames he had on the walls. She recognized him with his family, and with Jules and some other friends. Charles let the water boil meanwhile, taking two cups out of the cabinet and putting two teabags in them. "Was this the race after your father passed away?". She softly asked, her nail tapping on the glass of the picture frame. Charles came to stand behind her, leaning his head atop of hers. "It was". He said. Edrice didn't say anything as she studied the pictures that reflected so many emotions. She turned around and looked into his bright eyes, her hand moving over his chest to his heart and they didn't need any words to say what she meant.

"Tea is ready". Charles said, softly kissing her lips as he gently pulled away. Edrice took a seat at the kitchen table. "I like having you with me in Shanghai". He spoke, leaning his head on one of his hands. "I liked being there". Edrice replied as she blew some cold air over her tea. "Red looks amazing on you". She smiled and he chuckled. "Do you come home to a lot of work?". He asked next and she shrugged. "I don't know. The way Jomana sounded on the Phone it seemed like it was very busy at the office, but I was able to travel with you because we were having a quiet month". Edrice sighed. "I guess I'll see tomorrow. I don't have any events in April left though, I wouldn't know why she sounded so annoyed". Charles smiled gently at her. "Maybe you got a knew, important offer or something. And she wants you to be there". He let his thoughts be spoken out loud. "Perhaps". Edrice said and let out a breathy laugh. "I don't know about you, but I'm about to fall asleep". She said, covering her mouth with her hand when she let out a yawn. "Let's get in bed then".