[3] MARANELLO || C. LECLERC

FIFTEEN

»»——⍟——««

CAMILLE

I looked at myself in the mirror, my hair and makeup finally complete. With my heart pounding against my chest, I allowed my eyes to wander towards Charles, who sat on the chair behind me, focused heavily on his phone. He looked so beautiful, so engrossed in his phone as soft breaths left his mouth. I was pleased that things between us were finally improving and we were beginning 2020 exactly how I envisioned. I was shooting with Felix today, for the first time this year, and I was nervous. I brought Charles along because I wanted them to meet, to ensure that there was no animosity between him and Felix. They were yet to meet and I was nervous about it, but I thought it was going to be okay. Despite the questions he'd bombarded me with, Charles seemed to be prepared to meet Felix. I hoped to God that it wasn't awkward.

"My beautiful girl," Charles giggled, a soft smile plastered across his lips as a sigh fell from them. "You look unbelievable. Truly. I'm so lucky to have you and to be here with you today. I'm honoured."

"I love having you around on shoot days," I giggled, standing up from my comfortable chair and walking towards him. I placed my hands in his lap, Charles placing his fingers over mine with his careful touch. I noticed that he was looking at me with a look of unease on his face. I shook my head. "What's wrong?"

"It's all just a bit strange," shyly, Charles lifted his eyebrows as his cheeks turned red. I wasn't expecting him to be excited to meet Felix, although I knew that he would act respectfully whilst being civil. "He's seen you in your underwear and that makes me feel a little uncomfortable. I know it's just acting and it's what you get paid for, but that doesn't make me like it any more."

"I don't expect it to," I sighed, allowing Charles to tuck a strand of my hair behind my ears. "I just think it's best if you meet him now instead of in a few months time. It's going to be fine, I promise."

"I know and I agree with your reasoning," Charles pressed his lips to my forehead. "We'd best get going, don't you think? I've got people to meet."

I watched as he swallowed with some force and I knew that this was going to be difficult for him. Charles was a jealous person and I was totally aware of that, but I didn't want his feelings to interfere with today. The sooner he met Felix the better because then the awkwardness and tension would slowly disintegrate into thin air. I scooped Charles' hand between mine and led him out of the door, down the corridor and towards Felix's dressing room. I could feel the nerves as they radiated off of Charles' body and all I hoped was that he wouldn't feel tense around Felix. Charles was the only man I wanted to be with.

I knocked carefully on his door, chewing on my lip as I waited for a response, "come in!"

He sounded so delighted to be at work and although I was definitely excited, I was nervous at the thought of Charles finally meeting Felix. His grip seemed to tighten immensely on my hand. I pushed the door open and smiled to myself when I saw Felix standing there, all ready, just like me, to begin shooting. Charles lingered behind me, his fingers tightly locked between mine and a smile on his lips. I was relieved to see him looking a little happier than before.

"Felix, this is my fiancé Charles," the introductions were a little tense, but I needed to get them out of the way now. It would improve the mood and make everything a little better. "Charles, this is Felix."

"Lovely to meet you, Charles," Felix held his hand out for Charles to shake and I chewed on my lip whilst watching their interaction, tightening the straps of my white dressing gown which covered my body. "I've heard a lot about you. Camille is so fond of you."