Thursday morning came. We were back in the paddock, ready for a new day full of positive emotions. After the hot night I had spent with Carlos, something inside me seemed to have changed. I felt more confident, there was no doubt in my mind that he was not in love with me. I don't know how long it took me, but this very morning, when I woke up in bed next to him, watching him go about his morning routine, putting on his divine body-hugging black T-shirt... I realized I was in love with him . I let my guard down completely, but I didn't want to admit it to anyone, not even to myself, because I didn't want to get hurt. I didn't even know what would come of our relationship, just because we had to be more private. But I had decided to live for the moment and enjoy what I have now. That way I would be truly happy.

Part of a new movie dedicated to our sport was to be filmed at the track this weekend, featuring many celebrities, and Brad Pitt box was next to Ferrari. I was standing outside our garages, my huge laptop in my hands, trying to read the analysis from the diagnostics I had plugged into Charles' car computer. I had to make sure everything was fine for tomorrow's Free Practice. The inspection on Carlos' car had already passed successfully and I had a little time left before I started my favorite lap of the track, as always with the bike.

 The sun was shining directly into my laptop screen and it was hard to make out what I was seeing, so I unconsciously stepped back in search of a more shady spot without looking around. I was so engrossed in work that I couldn't even hear the conversations in the crowded pit lane.

 I suddenly bumped into someone's body, my heart skipping a beat as the laptop nearly fell out of my hands. Thanks to my quick reaction, I managed to hold him back, but the level of aggression in my blood rose instantly. Thinking it was one of my "favorite" colleagues, I mechanically turned around saying:

- You fool, don't you look where... Mio Dio!

I stepped backward and immediately blushed all over with embarrassment. Opposite me was standing the real, flesh and blood, Hollywood star Brad Pitt.

 - What courage! - he noticed and looked at me. - Ferrari, huh? An engineer?

- Strategist - I replied with a timid smile. - But after calling Achilles a fool, maybe I'll retrain as a toilet cleaner.

 The actor laughed out loud, and I looked around, realizing that we were gathering everyone's eyes.

 - And what is such a pretty girl doing in the garage instead of participating in some blockbuster? - he asked me, putting his hands on his waist.

- I focused on the general and fundamental patterns that determine the structure and evolution of the material world, instead of acting - I giggled.

- A beautiful mind - remarked the man, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. - You know, I think you are quite suitable for one of the roles in my film. Why don't you come for a quick chat in the garage?

- I think her boyfriend won't allow it - I heard Charles' voice behind me, and we both turned to him.

 He came closer to us and consciously or not, he put his hand on my waist.

- My boyfriend can't control my life choices, Charles! - I said through gritted teeth, and Leclerc grinned and lifted his sunglasses slightly.

 - I'm glad to see you too, darling! - he winked.

 - Wow, fiery girl! - remarked Brad. - A real Italian woman!

 - Yes, if only you see how she slaps people who dare to make her angry  - laughed the Monegasque.

- You'll get one big slap if you keep up your brazen behavior... - I gritted out.

 - Hey, hey, let's calm down! - suggested Brad. - We can ask the boyfriend in question to participate as well, so that we don't cause problems for the young lady.

- Oh, he's already in - Leclerc and I looked at each other, giggling, while he still had his hand on my waist.

 - No way! - exclaimed the actor. - How could I not know about that?! How did I not notice it at all?!

We both looked at him confused.

 - He's your boyfriend! - the man pointed to Charles and laughed. - But of course! You look so great together!

 - Oh no no! - Charles and I simultaneously said and waved our hands.

 - We are not a couple - I hastened to clarify.

 - Yes, just very close friends... and colleagues - Leclerc looked at me and smiled slyly.

 - Then who is...

 - Muñeca!

 At that moment Sainz's voice came from behind me and we all turned. He was wearing a black short-sleeve Ferrari T-shirt and shorts and was walking towards us. His gaze fell on Charles, then on me, and before I knew it his arm was around my waist and our lips were in a tender kiss. It was the first time he had allowed himself such a thing, and as a result, my entire face turned red with embarrassment.

 - So this is him... - began Brat.

 - What are you talking about here? - Carlos asked with a mischievous smile. Jealousy oozed from his body, making me want to sink into the ground in shame.

- Well, for movies -  I said, grinning stupidly.

- And boyfriends - Charles added, and I gave him a quick murderous look.

 The actor clapped his hands and laughed.

 - Holly shit! - he exclaimed. - I came up with a brilliant idea! I... I have to write it down. The scenario. The movie of the century! Oh, what a wonderful idea you gave me, Italian girl! Thank you!

 - Lissa, her name is Lissa! -  Sainz and Leclerc said menacingly in unison.

 - Okay, here it gets even more spicy - Brad paused for a moment. - You know, Lissa came through my garage to discuss some things. I would love to see you again after this inspiration! And invite... your friends... or your boyfriend... Anyway... I'll go before I forget the whole plot!

 The actor ran in the direction of the garages and hid from us, and the three of us stood staring after him.

 - What is he talking about? -  Sainz asked.

- I don't think it matters - I replied. - I'm going to get my bike, and you get ready for a tour of the track. I'll catch up with you.

And I ran to the garages where our bikes were usually stored. Seriously, Charles and I looked like a couple, even if we weren't. This was not acceptable... No! I had just become convinced of my love for Sainz and began to have doubts again. No! It shouldn't!

#

 After a long day of work in the paddock, it was time for my usual recharging walk into town. I and Carlos visited some of the biggest sights of London - Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Downing Street. Dressed in our best clothes, the truth is I have no idea why Carlos wore a suit, but our walk finished in the park near Buckingham Palace. There we had much fun with the various animals - ducks, geese, squirrels, a real zoo and a truly recharging contact with nature. We settled down briefly on a bench to rest, and then Carlos allowed himself an unexpected emotionality for me. He ever so gently touched my chin with two fingers and pulled me to him in a passionate kiss. This time she was filled with a lot of love, desire, emotion that seemed to transit me to another world. We broke away from the kiss for a second and I looked into his eyes - they were the same big brown warm eyes, but the clothes were different - a red-orange, sunset-colored uniform and golden shoulder epaulettes. Military decorations adorned his chest, and when I looked down at my lap, I was wearing a red loose dress, a gold belt, and a black cape with gold shoulder stripes. It was sunny and green all around, birds were singing, it was daytime. I stepped back as I was frightened by what I was seeing and suddenly everything disappeared.

 I snapped back to reality - Carlos was standing across from me wearing gray straight pants, a white shirt and a gray blazer over it - just like when we left the hotel. And I was wearing my black dress shirt, dark red straight pants and a gold tank top. The colors almost matched the dress I saw in my "dream". But this was freaking out, what was happening to me?!

- Muñeca? - he muttered and caressed my lips with his thumb. - Is everything alright?

 - Yeah... Yeah.. I just felt a bit dizzy and... it's okay, babe.

 - Are you sure love? - Sainz asked and tried to cup my face in his hands but I leaned back.

 - Yes... Can we find a shop? I'm thirsty and...

 - Of course! Let's go, let's not get late for the surprise.

 - Surprise? - I frowned and stood up. -  What a surprise?

 - You will see, my girl! That's why it's a surprise!

 He kissed me again then we walked down the aisles.

 I was walking towards an unknown part of the city, but as I was still under the influence of my apparently other life memory, I was not even aware of what was happening. Suddenly I found myself outside Covent Garden's Royal Opera House, and in the distance were Charles, Pierre and Kika, George and Carmen.

 - Carlos, what are we doing here? - I asked him quietly, approaching the group of friends.

- I brought you to the opera, love - he replied and kissed the back of my hand. - You need art to relax yourself... Me too.

 - But which play are we going to watch? - I fired a question again.

 - "Othello," - replied Sainz.

 There was no time for further explanation as our friends took over his attention, but I was smitten. 

- "Othello" - why exactly "Othello"?

And I locked eyes with Charles's, but that wasn't the last time that would happen. Throughout the evening his eyes were on me and met mine from the nearest place...Constantly. I tried to avoid it, but I kept seeing him, seeing his eyes, those blue, beautiful, tender eyes, captivating me every time, transporting me to another world.

 And here again as I was holding Carlos's hand, I looked down at my lap and saw the same outfit - the dress, the uniform, the man next to me... And when I blinked and rubbed my eyes, it all disappeared.

At this point I panicked and left the lodge as I felt sick. I wanted to take some air in front of the building and hid between a few of the columns. I sat on the stairs and closed my eyes.

 - Hello, Lissie! - I heard a voice in the distance.

 I opened my eyes and saw a familiar figure approaching me. It was evening and I couldn't see well, but the man was holding a torch. And when he got closer, I knew - the clothes, the mask, the eyes...

 - Chess! - I exclaimed and jumped up from my seat, trying to hug him, but he pulled away slightly. - What are you doing here?!

- We haven't seen each other in a long time - he said, and I could tell by his eyes that he was smiling. - How are you?

 - I think you follow everything briefly - I laughed sadly.

- Nice bracelet - Chess remarked. - I did the same for my Petit Beautè!

 - Charles gave it to me - I smiled as I looked at her. - But you probably know... Sometimes it seems... Through her I feel your presence...

 Chess nodded and sat down on the stool, and I followed him.

- You know, when they reopened this building in 1803, I was here - he said, looking around.

 Ah, he reminded me so much of someone, in bearing, in demeanor...

- My Petit Beautè was here too - he continued with a heavy sigh. - I saw her. But I couldn't talk to her. In the distance. On the lodges. Once we just managed to meet our eyes, but... She didn't seem to recognize me. She didn't react.

He turned to me and I saw the sadness in his blue-green eyes. My heart skipped a beat. These wet eyes that have lost its positive glow.

- But now you've made me happy - Chess continued. - And that made me feel good... And I remember... then she was wearing the bracelet too. At least Angelo had done his job, she got it.

 - Did she wear it? -  I exclaimed. - Chess, why are you sad? This was a sign that he really cares about your relationship. She must have been trying not to show emotion in front of her husband.

- If I'd known you back then, I'd have asked you for a competent opinion - Chess laughed. God and that laugh. So familiar. - You're clearly on the inside with your love life.

 - Looking at me, am I? - I replied, rolling my eyes. - I can solve other people's problems, but I have some difficulties with my own.

 My interlocutor looked at me sympathetically and sighed. I did not know what was hidden under the mask, but I am convinced that his face was very beautiful. The strong bearing that Chess had, that masculine strength and power emanating from his body, made me think how handsome a man he would be if he took off the mask.

- I bring you something - he said suddenly. - A gift.

 He reached into his boot and pulled out a small red ruby. Then he handed it to me.

 - You collect them...

- And you always find a way to guide me - I said with a smile, taking him in my arms. - Can I ask you something?

 - Always.

 - Why are you hiding under the mask? Is there something ugly?

 - Quite the opposite... But my life demands it. I have to be undercover because I'm...

 - Muñeca!

 - Little one!

 The voices of Charles and Carlos could be heard in the distance.

 - You must have been too late.

 - I didn't understand why you keep your face a secret...

- You'll find out one day - he said and stood up. - And now I will go, because they are looking for you.

 - Chess help me! - I shouted after him. - What should I do with them?

 - I already helped you, Lissie! - he pointed to my hands. - Keep it until next time.

 - Chess help me! - I shouted after him. - What should I do with them?

 - But Chess, they...

 - Just lean back and...

 He suddenly looked behind me and waved. And then he threw the torch into a bucket by the pillars and everything went black.

 - Little one! - Charles called from behind me.

 - Muñeca! - I heard Carlos and opened my eyes.

 The two boys were standing across from me and were looking at me worriedly. I glanced quickly at my hands where I was clutching the ruby ​​tightly.

 - What happened my love? - Carlos asked me and grabbed my shoulders.

 I looked at him in confusion and Charles lowered his eyebrows as if he was in great pain.

 - I don't know... I'm just tired... - I said quietly and looked down. - Today was an eventful day, huh?

 - Do you want me to take you back to the hotel, little one? - Leclerc intervened and stepped towards me.

 - I will, thanks! -   Sainz said with slight irritation and helped me stand up.

- But my car is nearby and... - Charles tried to explain.

 - I said thanks mate! - the Spaniard hissed and put his hand on my shoulders. - I'll see you tomorrow at the track. Good night!

 I was still in shock from the events, so I couldn't say anything as Carlos led me down the path. I turned and looked at Charles, meeting his watery, sad eyes. Familiar, right?

 And soon after, I was in the taxi, in Sainz's arms, traveling to our hotel. And in my hands I clutched tightly the ruby ​​that Chess had given me. Oh, how stupid I am! I forgot to tell him that his Petit Beautè wrote about him in the diary. Ah, couldn't these guys come a little later.

Notes: Hello lovely people! Glad to see you again, and happy new race season! Yeah, I know a little late message but, hey, it is important that I am here now again :D 

So guys I hope you liked the new chapter - give a star/comment if so and see you in the next part! ❤️❤️❤️ 

Love you all! 

N16 XOXOXO