24.Feb - Second day of pre - season tests

I woke up early. The jet lag and the anger of yesterday's team meeting did not give me to sleep. I was constantly thinking about the possible mistake that I made applying for this job and actually believing that someone will accept me. Me - the girl with zero experience, only a master Physics degree?! How could I even hope to be a main Strategist when nobody knows me.

However, I had to get up from my bed and start to fight for my place again. When it came to choose my outfit for the day, I preferred not to dress with the Ferrari uniform. They could have tried harder, not only handing me a simple red brand T- shirt and black trousers as I am a fan purchased their merch. It was hot in Bahrain, and I had two suitcases full of clothes. So, I decided to design my own paddock look and changed myself in long tight red dress. Charles did not want to take his jacket back, so I put it on again and then my high - heels boots. I did my light make-up, then put my hair in a French braid.

Now I was ready to leave the hotel. Everything was going well until the moment I realized I do not have a transport to the circuit. Given to the hour, Charles and Carlos were already there so I could not call them for help. We were not even at the same hotel again because of the unprofessionalism of Vasseur's assistent. I hope that at the end of the day, I should not pay my staying here, because it was expensive. I mean... really expensive.

I went out of the hotel but in front of the building there weren't parked cars as uber or taxis, so I decided that I have enough time to walk and find myself one.

#

After two hours of walking and being stuck in a traffic jam I finally reached out the circuit. The taxi driver refused to take my money. I guess he was a big fan of Formula one, because he did not know a single word in English, but when I showed him my access card, where I was introduced as a Scuderia Ferrari member, the man became more friendly and drove as fast as the racers.

I got out of the car and walked to the turnstile. The man in front of them tried to stop me, but I waived my ID in his face and checked on the barrier. First level of the obstacles was successfully passed.

While I was walking through the paddock, I was looking at my phone, sending pictures to my parents just to show them, where am I now. At least I was having a good time as on a little business trip. I took a sip from the big coffee cup I got from one coffee shop near the main street and sighed heavily. How long was going to last this torture. My mind was non - stop busy with thoughts about the contract. It was important for me and I was trying to find a way to get it. But I had the feeling that the whole world was against this.

Then I heard someone screaming my name. I looked up and saw Carlos and Charles running out of the exit of the Ferrari motorhome. I stopped to wait for them.

- Oh, Lissa, I am glad that I found you - Carlos reached me first and breath out heavily.

- Why? What is happening? - I asked in confusion.

- Lissa where were you this morning?! - Charles ran to me too. - We were looking for you!

- Well, I was stuck in a traffic jam - I said and casually took a sip of my coffee. - Guys, you scare me! What is happening?!

- Fred wants to see you at his office before the test session - explained Sainz in a worried voice.

- Yes, he was searching for you in the past two hours - added Leclerc.

I looked at my wristwatch and gasped. The session was beginning in 20 minutes, so I had not much time. I throwed rapidly my cup, purse, telephone, and ID, which I was holding, in the hands of Carlos and ran to the motorhome entrance. Then I remembered that I gave him my mobile phone and ran over to him to take it back. Both drivers were watching me puzzled trying to understand what I am doing. But how could they, when even I did not know?! I was so panicked that my head was empty as a broken pot.

I left the boys in confuse and get back to the building. Then with a fast walk I went to the second floor where was the office of the team principle and entered without knocking.

Frederik stood up immediately from his chair, almost falling on the ground in an attempt to hide the fact that he had stretched his legs out on the desk.

- You wanted to see me, Mr. Vasseur - I said and took a deep breath. - Here I am.

- Lissa, please, take a sit - he smiled softly and went back to his chair.

- I prefer to stay up - I said cold. - Why did you call me?

- Lissa, I just wanted to talk to you about the meeting yesterday - started Frederik in a serious voice. - Your behavior was a bit inappropriate, and I want to be sure that this would not repeat.

- Well, your behavior was inappropriate too - I said and crossed arms in front of my chest. - You did not introduce me to the team and did not even have the intention to do it. Also, you two with Mekies, allowed them to act like I was not there. They interrupted me, they did not want to hear my point of view... Nothing!

- That is normal, Lissa - he shook his head. - People do not easily accept the new additions to the teams

- Yes, and you didn't do anything to integrate me here. - I said sharply and leaned over the desk. - Am I part of this team or not, Vasseur?!

- Well, first you have to sign the contract, then...

- It is yes or no question, Mr. Vasseur! - I raised my voice. - Am I part of this team?! If I am not, I will leave on the second and will never come back!

Frederik sighed heavily and stood up from his place. He gave me a serious gaze and said:

- I want to see your performance at the track, but first you must learn some things. At this company are working people with many years of experience behind their back. There are rules, you must not break!

- Well, you want me to be a silent sheep, ah? - I raised my eyebrows.

- No, I want you to learn the art of strategy and build a strong base before giving an opinion for our work - Vasseur said dead serious. - You have one week to improve your knowledge. Then I will have a reason to keep you at the team. Learn, remember, and watch the more experienced than you in this field. I trust in your capability, and I think you will be a great employee. Just learn your material and respect the other people at the team.

- Respect goes both ways, Mr. Vasseur! - I whispered.

- Lissa, be careful! - Fred waved his finger. - I am giving you an opportunity nobody has ever received from me. I am strict but fair.

- We will see... - I said quietly and stepped back.

- Lissa!

- Okay, I'll learn my lessons - I hissed. - I will be as a blotting paper. You would not regret for choosing me! I'll prove you. Thank you, Mr. Vasseur!

- Please Lissa, call me by my first name - he begged. - I told you hundreds of times! For you I am Fred.

- Fred the friend - I smirked. - Well, I won't forget anymore!

- Good! - he clapped with his hands. - Let's go to the track now!

Vasseur went out of his office, and I followed him, thinking about his words. He was very suspicious. I was starting to wonder if I really could trust him.

#

Nearly two hours have passed since the tests began. Charles and I were sitting by the pit - wall, watching Carlos' performance on the track. Fred was talking with Leclerc and Mekies, and often in their conversation was joining Ravin Jain. Well, I was still the new one, so nobody wanted my opinion. But I was writing down everything I had in mind. Someday it may be used for good reasons.

While I was peacefully drawing the car of Carlos and the direction of the air movements passing through it, someone tapped me on the shoulder.

I looked up and saw Charles, softly smiling with his deep dimples shown. I put down my headphones and looked him questionably.

- Come with me! - he said. - You can get your drawing done later.

- Oh, no! - I shook my head. - Fred told me not to move from here.

- Wait, did I miss something?! - Leclerc exclaimed pretending to be shocked. - Since when you allow to be bossed around?!

- Since today - I replied annoyed. - Now, leave me, because the head - masters are going to get angry.

He laughed ironically then leaned over me. When he shortened the distance between us my heart skipped a beat.

- Don't tell me you are a chicken! - Charles whispered in my ear.

I got goosebumps all over my body, hearing his voice - so tender and provocative at the same tame. His minty breath was caressing the skin of my neck making me feel like I am going to faint any second.

- Charles I am not a chicken - I got the strength to speak. - I just need to keep my job, that I even do not have still.

- Exactly! - he winked. - You could do whatever you want to!

Why was he acting like that?! Standing over me, his hands around my shoulders and pink lips curved in a smug smile. Our bodies were touching and I could feel how my heart was going to explode. He was so defiant that in a minute I lost all of my confidence.

- Charles, please... - I mumbled, looking at his playful eyes. - I have to work.

- If you worry about them... - Leclerc pointed to Fred and Laurent with head. - Just stop! They will not scold you, if you are with me.

I sighed heavily. He was not going to give up, so I did not have another choice. I stood up from my chair and politely pushed him away from me.

- That's it, show me you are not a chicken! - he smirked.

I gave him a dead stare and hissed:

- Call me again a chicken and you will see the stars during a sunny day!

- Is someone pissed off? - he teased me with a smug smile.

- It is easy for you as you do not have to fight for your contract - I replied sharply.

- Oh, darling, I have to fight for so many other things... - Charles laughed and shook his head. - But now it is time for entertaining walk, not for serious things.

"Darling?! How come?!"- I thought.

- Okay, come on! - I rolled my eyes. - Lead me, Lord Perceval!

We chuckled then ran into the garage together.

#

Charles showed me every single corner of the "Ferrari" motorhome. I had the feeling that he was a tour guide, telling me facts and funny stories about the Scuderia.

After the little tour in our workplace, we went on a walk through the paddock. Leclerc did not stop talking and presenting me more and more from his world. He was burning in passion. I could see the flames in his eyes, hear the excitement in his voice and see the delighted smile, while he was walking me around. His behavior was showing that driver for Formula one was not only a profession for him, but this was also his passion and life. The thing he was dreaming and fighting for. He told me about his father, the man who had ignited the passion for this sport in him. His biggest inspiration and motivation. Charles also promised to introduce me his brothers, who were connected too to the sport, and they were his biggest support during the ups and downs in his career.

I was so engrossed in his stories that I hadn't noticed when the time had passed, and it was already time for lunch. Suddenly, the paddock came alive, and it wasn't just the two of us anymore. It did not remain a trace from the morning calmness I saw today.

Charles offered me to go to the restaurant and get a lunch, but this time he did not accept rejection. We headed back to the Ferrari motorhome and on the way down ran across a filming staff.

Leclerc recognized the crew which were preparing the advertisements of Las Vegas Grand Prix and immediately expressed his wish for us to join them. I wanted to refuse, but he was so insistent, telling me that it will be a pleasure for him to do together the things he is forced to. I couldn't resist the cute puppy face he made while he was begging me to take part in his media engagements.

Finally, I accepted and made him happy. He took me by the hand and pulled me to the requisite to choose together his "Vegas" outfit. The young man wanted to look natural for the "occasion", so he decided to wear the "Elvis" wig and red feather marabou. On the top of this, he put his sunglasses and a helmet. The crew gave him also a sparkling sequined jacket and playing cards and his look was completed. He was looking like the "Lord of the casinos". And because I accepted to take part of this thing, Charles made me to wear a feather crown as the one of Sandra Bullock at "Miss Congeniality 2".

I was feeling so stupid with my ridiculous outfit, but the deal was a deal. At least Charles told me that it fits me a lot. I was not sure this was a compliment, but his innocent smile was making everything look easy.

The filming staff took some pictures and short videos of both of us, but I preferred to remain away from the cameras, at least until it is 100 percent official that I am a part of the team.

I found a stupid excuse to went aside and sit on the closest bench, so I could see Charles being flawless in front of the lenses. This situation was stressing me out a lot. I did not have a real contract, just empty promises depended on my "performance". I had forgotten about this, while we were having fun around with Leclerc.

I stared at him. He was a funny, cheerful guy, pretty kind and very talkative. And even if it was annoying for him to do all this media stuffs, he was continuing to smile.

Suddenly an unknown for me young man with black T - shirt of the Alpine team approached to Charles. They happily greeted each other, clapping their hands, then started speaking in French. I was curious who the new person was, so I fixed my eyes on him. He was tall, with fit body, wild curly dark blond hair, and deep extremely blue eyes. On his handsome diamond shaped face, he had beard. As I could hear it from my place, he had deep cracky voice.

While I was studying the unknown man, I saw Charles who put his sunglasses off and now intent looking at me under eyebrows. When we locked our eyes, his lips curved in a smug smile. His actions made his collocutor to turn around and look me over head to toe. He smirked and leaned to Leclerc, whispering something into his ear.

They were keeping the eye contact with me which made me feel uncomfortable. I moved my look in another direction. But I could still feel their eyes on me.

At this moment I heard someone calling me by my name. The blood in my veins froze when I recognized the voice. I gave an eye to Charles who suddenly took and extremely anxious look, then I turned around and saw Mekies angrily walking to me.

- Miss Bernardi why aren't you at your workplace? - he asked when reached me.

- I took a break - I answered innocently. - It is lunch time, right?

- You are not where you must be for more than an hour - Laurent hissed. - And what for God's sake are you wearing on your head?!

- This is my crown! - I smiled and run my fingers through the feathers. - Isn't it lovely?

- Put this thing down... Immediately! - he tried to not raise his voice, but he was too furious to succeed. - Where is your uniform, Miss Bernardi?!

- And where is my contract, Mister Mekies?! - I asked brazenly, exasperated by the way he was constantly treating me.

- Laurent, please, let's not make scenes here! - Charles suddenly broke into the conversation.

- Oh, God! Look at you! - exclaimed our boss. - This girl made you look like an "Uncle at Vegas"! Why are you wearing this?!

- It is for an advertisement... - I tried to explain.

- You both, take these things down immediately from you! - Mekies was barely keeping his cool. - And you Miss Bernardi...

- She is not guilty - Leclerc interrupted him in a worried voice. - I made her to leave the pit - wall and if you intend to punish her, then punish me instead.

Laurent shook his head in disbelief and sighed heavily.

- Charles, will you stop acting like a child? - he said serious. - I told you to put these accessories down! We are not a in a show program, we are on serious sport event!

- Please, Laurent be more careful with the tone, there are cameras everywhere - warned him Leclerc.

- You know what? - said sharply our boss. - The principal staff took a decision. You, Miss Bernardi, will come back at work for the qualification and the race. You are still very incompetent to be here all day long and handle the stress.

I left speechless. This was the first step to my kicking out, before I even had started.

- No, Laurent! I told you... - Charles tried to stop him but Mekies was determinate.

- Charles, we will discuss this later - he cut him off. - Now it is time for you, Miss Bernardi, to go to the motorhome and find Mister Jain to apologize him for your absence. We will cover "this here" and you will tell him that you needed a rest, because you are tired of the jet lag.

- But what is next? - I gathered my strength to mumble.

- Till the end of the day, you will remain here by the pit wall, right next to your department chief - explained in a serious voice Laurent. - Then you could attend the team meeting, or you could go at your hotel... Where your actual place is... At least for that moment. Do whatever you want, but tomorrow we do not need you to come to the circuit.

- Are you kicking her out? - asked Charles worried.

- No, I give her a chance to learn from her mistakes - Mekies snorted. - Now, let's get our work done. If we do not see each other till the end of the day Miss... We will see us at the qualification. Have a nice day!

Our boss left us alone. I put down my feather crown and looked around myself. At this moment a short Japanese driver from Alpha Tauri was passing by me, so I put the crown on his head and told him that it fits him a lot.

I turned my back to Charles and headed to the Ferrari motorhome. I heard him shouting after me, but I was trying to hold back my tears and didn't want to look at him. Then he caught me up.

- Lissa, sorry, I did not want this to happen! - Leclerc said sadly.

- Don't worry, you are not guilty - I said and tried to move away, but he took me by the shoulders.

- Please, forgive me... I did not intend to...

- Charles, everything is alright - I interrupted him. - Now go to your driver room and prepare for the tests. I am going to find a way to handle this... See you later, Lord Perceval!

I forced a smile and left him speechless. He nodded and stepped back, then I passed by him. When I turned around for a last time, Charles was staying in the middle of the paddock, with bowed head and sad look to the ground. This sight broke my heart even more... Oh, what a mess I made?!

Notes: Hello, readers! I hope you enjoy the chapters so far. As you know there is an external link to feel the mood of the part. I would be happy to see your votes and comments if you liked the part.

See you at the next chapter! XO

N16