When we first met [Charles Leclerc]

4 - Charles

When is this finally over? I don't think I can listen to another pep talk to our mechanics. Especially because it didn't really help. Our pit stops were a mess compared to the other top teams and lets not get started on strategy. Seb and me gave everything but somehow we didn't end up where we wanted to. The car definitely improved from last year but not nearly where we wanted it to be. I wanna race for the championship, not to be close to it. Considering its only my third year in Formula 1 that's a handful but others have done it too. Like my teammate. I've learned so much from him already and even though it doesn't seem like it most of the time but we get along amazingly. I couldn't wish for a better teammate. He challenges me in the best way. Sometimes a little bit too much like in Brazil last year but we talked a lot about that and figured everything out.

My mood lightened when I saw my teammate approach me. Finally someone to get me out of this. I know that these kind of meetings are really important and that it means a lot to the team that we drivers are here too but its not like anyone cares what I say. At least not when it comes down to strategy.
"Hey, how are you feeling today? You left pretty late last night" I rolled my eyes. I was pretty hungover and all I could think about was Caroline. Besides racing of course. My career would always come first.
"A bit hungover but I've been trough worse" Seb raised an eyebrow. Of course he wanted to know more. And not just about how I'm feeling.
"And what about a certain blonde who definitely isn't your girlfriend?" As if this meeting wasn't dreadful already.
"First, I don't have a girlfriend, second, I'm gonna meet her after this stupid meeting. She's gonna show me around Amsterdam. And before you ask, no nothing happened after you saw us at the beach. We just talked, the whole night" he looked surprised. It's the same look that Pierre gave me earlier when I told him about it. Like it's so absurd that you can spend a night just talking. I mean, yes there definitely was some tension between us and we almost kissed but that would be so cliche. Two strangers getting drunk together, sharing their deepest thoughts and desires and then they hook up and never talk again. That's not for me. I really like Caroline. There's something special about her and I can't wait to get to know her.

My thoughts got interrupted by the people around me applauding. Finally this is over. Seb said his goodbye and wished me luck with Caroline. Normally I don't get to nervous about a date. Not that meeting Caroline again would be a date but somehow I could feel that heaviness building in my chest. The last time I felt something like this was on my first weekend in F1.
I just left my garage when I bumped into some familiar faces. It was Max with his sister and Caroline. Well now I didn't have to call her. But I was hoping that she didn't tell Max about last night. She probably told Victoria but that's fine. I just didn't need any other drivers to know about my love life. Or my cheating ex-girlfriend.
"Easy there, Leclerc. I'd rather fight you on track" Max said mocking me. Even after three years in F1 I still wasn't sure if I liked him or not. Besides that I really enjoyed our fights on track. They're exactly why I love being a racing driver. I tried to smile.
"You remember my sister?" I nodded and we shook hands. Then he stepped aside probably wanting to introduce Caroline.
"And you must be Caroline, Max's sisters best friend, right?" I offered her my hand hoping she would play along. After what I told her about my really complicated love life I was hoping so.
"Yes, I am. Nice to meet you" she answered while we were staring at each other and still shaking hands. If only Max knew what happened the night before. But little did he know that we have met before. I noticed Victoria barely holding it together. She almost burst out into laughter.
Our rather awkward silence got broken by Max's phone ringing. He answered the call and soon returned to the kinda awkward encounter.
"Well, that was my boss. I have to leave. Can I leave these two with you, Leclerc?" it caught me off guard. I was lost in my thoughts trying to find a way to get rid of the Dutch.
"Yes sure. Don't worry about it. See you" Max left in a hurry and Caroline and me finally got to talk without pretending to be strangers. The second Max entered his garage Caroline pulled me into a tight hug. I was definitely not expecting that but I'm not complaining.
"Hey you. How are you? I was just about to call you" I let go of her so she could talk. I noticed a huge smile on her lips.
"Tired but in a good mood and ready to be your tour guide today"
"That sounds amazing. Just give me a moment. I have to go back to the facility and change" I winked and left.