When we first met [Charles Leclerc]

3 - Caroline

It was my ringing phone that made me wake up. It took me a second to realize where I was. Someone was lying next to me and then it hit me. Although my brain was still clouded from the amount of alcohol I had consumed I remembered most of it. That someone I shared a bed with and I talked forever. He listened to all the crap that happened in the last couple of months. He told me about his cheating girlfriend. And that man lying next to me is Charles Lecerlc. Before I could get too hyped about this I looked at my phone. Victoria called. Then I noticed the time, it was 5:30AM. This better be something really important. I answered the call making my way to the bathroom in attempt to not wake Charles up.

"Hey Vic, it's literally in the middle of the night. What the hell is going on?" I was annoyed for obvious reasons. I never liked it when my sleep was disturbed especially when I've got a very handsome guy next to me. My mood changed when I heard my best friend sobbing. I knew she left with Daniel, that always ended bad.
"I got into a fight with Daniel" of course she did. "I know what you think but this time it was different. Like it was way worse than our usual. First it was like always. He started complaining about me still wanting this to be a secret and not tell Max. I'm fine with that, you know that but then he started doubting it all. He knows I like him but I'm not ready for commitment and the fact that he's my brothers best friend isn't really making this any easier for me" I could hear how hurt she was. Even though she always told me that she just wanted to fool around with Daniel we both knew that she actually really liked him, maybe even loved him. But of course she couldn't admit that to herself. I was debating if I should let my emotions get the best of me or confront my best friend with the truth.
"Vic, you know I love you, you are my best friend, my sister but how many times have I told you that this would end bad if you aren't honest about what you want. I know that's not what you wanna hear right now but its your own fault. I'm always supporting you and I'll always have your back so we figure that out together" my pep talk got interrupted by approaching footsteps. "Charles, sorry if I woke you up"
"Charles? As in Charles Leclerc? What the heck. Hello, Caroline? I need an explanation here!" I put the phone away from my ear but I was still able to hear Victoria screaming. The monegasque looked confused. His eyes all sleepy but a little smile on his lips. I decided that it would be best to leave and pick Victoria up.
"Hey, Vic, calm down. I'll explain everything. Just text me where you are and I'll be there as fast as I can. Love you" then I hung up and turned to Charles. I didn't want to leave him but my best friend needed me. "I am so incredibly sorry but I have to go. Best friend emergency. I wish I could tell you more but Victoria would probably kill me if I did. I really enjoyed last night. You have no idea how much I needed that and if..." he interrupted me with coming closer and pushing me against the wall, one hand right next to my head resting on the wall. He put his index finger on my lips and I felt the desire to kiss him. I knew he wanted it too. So I pushed his finger away and grabbed his hair to pull his head closer to mine. He did the same thing but before our lips could touch he turned away. I could already see a big smirk on his lips. He started to walk away but I went after him. I grabbed his wrist in attempt to turn him around.
"Not this time mon amour. I guess you have to wait" I could not believe what he has said. You're kidding, right? He took my phone and asked for my code. "What do you want?" I was honestly annoyed at this point. "You'll see. Don't you trust me?" I told him my code because I was way to tired to fight him and Victoria was waiting for me. After typing something he gave me back my phone with a big smirk on his lips. "Call me later. We can meet after I'm done with my team meeting. I've never been to Amsterdam, maybe you can show me around?" I was speechless. Never had I expected something like this. I just nodded because I was still at a loss of words. "Alright, I'll call you when I'm done so you can get here. Bye now, I have some sleep to catch up" he sat back on his bed and was waving as I headed towards to door. I turned around to wave back before I left.

Luckily Daniel stayed in the same hotel as Charles so I was there quickly. On my way to his room I was trying to process what happened that night. My thoughts got interrupted because someone bumped into me. It took me a second to recognize the tall man. I could feel my blood starting to boil because the tall man was Daniel. He could see how angry I was and turned around immediately. "And where do you think you're going?" He stopped and turned again. An inaudible sorry came from his mouth. "Care to explain why my best friend calls me in the middle of the night interrupting my..." better not go there Caroline. Even though I stopped talking the Australian caught up. "Interrupting what? Spill the tea, Harris. You know you won't get away with that" yes I know, thanks.
"I may or may not have spent the night with a certain monegasque driver but that is not the point here so stop distracting. You might not see that but Victoria really likes you and she wants to tell Max. Actually she's done with just screwing around but she's just afraid. I'm not sure why or of what but she just is. And you pressuring her isn't helping much. I know this sucks, trust me I'm sick of it too but we have to stick with it just a little bit longer. Don't screw this up, I really like you Ricciardo" Daniel and me both were impressed by the speech I just gave him, especially considering that it was not even 6AM. He pulled me in a tight hug. "Thank you so much Caroline. I don't know what I'd do without you. And be careful with Charles. He might look like an angel but don't let that cloud your judgment" he winked and then went back to his room.

After wondering around the hotel for what felt like forever I finally found my best friend at the pool. "I've called you like a million times. You scared the crap out of me" I sat down next to her. The sunrise was beautiful. The red and orange reflected on the water of the pool. "Yeah, sorry. I turned it off. Daniel called me and I got annoyed. I just needed it to be quite. And I've had time to think. Dan and you re right. I probably love him and I can't let my brother stand in the way of my own happiness. My life will be so much more easier once he knows. I'm done hiding my feelings from the people I love the most" never have i ever been more proud of my best friend. It was a long way but she finally made it. Victoria took her phone out and dialed someone. "What are you doing?" I was afraid I already knew the answer to that.
"I'm calling Max. I'll tell him right now, otherwise I might be too scared again" of course
"Vic, honey, its 6.45AM. I'm pretty sure he's still sleeping considering the night we had. Maybe telling him that you've been doing the dirty with his best friend for a couple of years is not the best idea right now. Why not tell him later?" Victoria nodded. I lover her but sometimes she's a handful. "What I do without you? So now that we've sorted my love life let's talk about yours" I closed my eyes and shook my head. I needed coffee first. I was kinda hungover and i could feel a headache growing. As if Vic could read my mind she suggested to have breakfast and talk then. The conversation about her and Daniel was already enough to survive without coffee.

"So you're telling me that nothing happened?" I nodded taking a big sip of my black coffee. "You shared a bed and all you did was talk and sleep? Who are you and what have you done to my best friend? Care, that's so unusual. I love you but you have to admit that you are an easy target" I frowned but she was right. Ever since my first and only boyfriend Paul cheated on me commitment was not for me. But I enjoyed it.
"I know but I didn't needed it. I feel like it would've destroyed the night, kind of. You know? I just wanted to talk to him. Having him around felt nice. Waking up next to him was amazing... Crap, I sound like a 12 year old. How did this happen?" I let out a huge sigh. I couldn't believe what I said. Some people might say that I'm basically dead inside and my mom dying didn't really help with that. Those people were right but something changed last night.
I was lost in my thoughts but Vic interrupted it by shaking my arm. "Hello, earth to Caroline?!"
"Sorry, I got carried away"
"I could tell. When will you see him again"
"Later today" Victoria looked surprised. "He asked me to show him around Amsterdam since he's never been there" I could feel the excitement growing inside me as I told my best friend.
"Then what are we still doing here? We need to get you back home. God, this is amazing"

A/n: so here is the next chapter. Sorry for my messy updating schedule but I kinda work full time and I'm moving in three weeks so my life basically is a mess. LOL I hope you like it. Let me know
Btw I'm so hyped for the race. Last one of the season already which means last time we get to see Carlando as team mates and Seb in the Ferrari.