Love and Rivalry {Female F1 driver}

A crazy deal

Arthur had decided on a sushi place in central London, where we sat down and had our dinner. While eating, we just talked casually and Arthur and Charles had their regular siblings banter. It was really refreshing to be around them, as they seemed to have a strong bond. When growing up, I always wanted siblings myself, but given the circumstances, I guess it worked out for the better.

The dinner did really get me on other thoughts, and I was glad that none of them seemed to try and bring up the topic anymore. It wasn't that I didn't trust them enough to talk to them about it, I was just too drained by it already, and I wanted to just think of something else for once. 

At one point, Arthur excused himself to go to the bathroom, and Charles and I were left in silence. Not awkward silence, it was very comfortable actually; until he spoke up. "You and Lando seem to get on quite well?" I looked up from my plate and into his eyes. I never noticed before, but they were a bright blue colour. I don't know why, but I had always imagined them to be dark brown.

"Yeah, I guess. He's very nice." I simply replied, smiling a bit as I didn't really know what he meant. "Do you think he's cute? I mean-.. I think you two could make a cute couple." I furrowed my eyebrows as I didn't expect him to say anything like that. It made me feel a bit weird, almost sad. Lando was a cute guy and all, really sweet, but I hadn't thought of him like that at all.

I didn't know what to say, so I just stayed silent as Charles and I kept looking into each other's eyes. I think he could tell that I didn't feel comfortable, as his eyes didn't seem as happy anymore. Luckily, Arthur came back, and we all continued the conversation amongst us, only I couldn't bring myself to look at Charles again for the rest of the dinner.

"Thanks for letting me come with you guys. I'll see you tomorrow, A." We were standing outside the restaurant and I was about to turn around and leave, but Charles interrupted me. "Let me take you home, it's already late and your car is at the track." 

"No. Thanks but, I really don't mind-" I tried, "It wasn't a question, Carter. C'mon, Arthur can walk the two blocks to the hotel, so I will take you home." He seemed persistent, so I didn't bother trying to fight him on it and just agreed to let him take me home. 

The car ride was quiet, and I just stared out the window, admiring the streets of London. I really loved being home, it always made me feel more at ease. 

"Look, I'm sorry about earlier, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." I turned my attention to Charles for the first time since we had gotten in the car. His gaze shifted between me and the road. "It's okay. I was just taken aback, that's all." I tried to brush it off, but as if he knew that it wasn't the whole truth, he pulled over and stopped the car. 

I looked around confused, but when my eyes landed on him, he was already staring at me. "I really am sorry. I don't even know why I asked that question. It was stupid." He sounded so sincere, and I couldn't help but get lost in his eyes a little. "Charles, it's okay. Don't worry about it." 

He scoffed under his breath, I could feel that he was getting frustrated. "You say it's okay, but you've been avoiding my eyes from when I said it until now. YN-" This time I cut him off, and without thinking, I placed my hand on top of his. "Charles, I'm okay. I mean it. It did make me feel a bit uncomfortable, but that's alright, I know you didn't mean to." 

His face softened and he nodded his head as he relaxed more in his seat. There was silence once more as we simply looked each other in the eyes. 

"I never properly thanked you for checking up on me the other day. It was really sweet of you, so thank you." He smiled, still not breaking the eye contact. "It's not a problem. I just want you to be okay." The way he spoke gave me a feeling of comfort that stuck deep within. He always seemed genuine, and always seemed to care, and it really left me speechless at times.

"Are you?" He added after a pause. "Am I what?" I asked. "Are you gonna be okay?" I looked down, giving it some thought. "I hope so. I mean, I have to. I can't win like this..." 

"Who says you have to win all the time? It's okay to lose, and to have a setback or two." I shook my head a little. "You don't get it. To prove that you're good enough to be a professional driver is one thing. It's hard. But it's even harder when you're a girl... Not only that, but I have to prove to my mother, that this isn't a waste of time for me. And I have to prove to Red Bull that I'm a good enough driver and win that stupid bet." I realised that I was rambling a bit, which made me trail off as soon as I looked back at Charles, who was listening intently. 

"Wait, what bet?" Charles looked puzzled. "If I get all podiums from now on, and two more P1s they will sign me for the next season in Formula 1." His eyes widened a bit, "Are you crazy? That sounds impossible! For anyone, not just you." I chuckled a bit. "I know. But I thought I had a good shot at least." I looked down slightly, "Not anymore though..." 

"I can only imagine what you're going through, but you also have to give yourself a break and let loose a bit. You're 21 years old, you should be having fun. And I'm sure, even if you don't sign with Red Bull and get into Formula 1 next season, you will succeed and be up here at some point! You are way too good, there is no way that the teams would just let that slide."

His words really had a way of sticking with me, and I couldn't help but feel happy inside and out when he said all those things. It gave me a feeling of comfort, and I genuinely felt more at ease whenever he encouraged me. "Thank you, Charles, that's really sweet of you to say. I feel a lot better now, honestly." I smiled at him and he gave me a wide smile back, showing his dimples. 

"Alright, let's get you back to your place, so you can rest up and be ready for tomorrow!" He squeezed my hand, which I hadn't even noticed that he had been holding this whole time. I felt some warmth rush to my cheeks, as I bet my face was red as a tomato when he let go of my hand and began driving again.

When we arrived at my flat, I turned to him, smiling once more as I thanked him for taking me home. "I'll come and pick you up tomorrow morning as well, so you won't have to worry about how to get to the track." I immediately shook my head, about to protest, but he was quicker than me, "It wasn't a question, Carter. I'll be here at 8." I frowned a bit. "My qualifications aren't until 2 pm!" I tried, but he just shrugged. "I watched you race today, you watch me tomorrow. I need all the support I can get for my qualifications." 

I knew, that even if I tried to protest any further, I wouldn't accomplish anything by it, and seeing that he did spend a lot of his own time on me today, it was the least I could do in return. "Alright then, Leclerc. Whatever you say." I rolled my eyes playfully, to which he widened his, looking offended like he always did. "Be ready at 8 Ms. Carter. And wear red, you will be in the Ferrari garage." I just shook my head and began to exit the car with a large grin on my face. 

As soon as I closed the car door, he rolled down the window, catching my attention. "Oh, and YN! Thanks for tonight! Sweet dreams!" I just stood laughing as I waved at him when he drove away. Oh, Charles... If only you knew how happy you made me...