30.May-01. Jun – Arrival in Spain

Along with the problems I had accumulated the previous weekend, I completely forgot that we were going to present a new concept of our car at the track in Barcelona. The sidepods and the floor were upgraded, and I had high hopes for the new design of the cars, they were still similar to those of Red Bull. I really hoped that after the disappointments in my personal life, at least in terms of work on the track, we would do some very good tests of the improvements and the team would finally perform well. After the race, the annual Pirelli tire tests would also take place, which is why Cataluña was such an important track for us. It was one where Formula 1 always feels very comfortable, because everything is well arranged, and the Ferrari cars were  working pretty well. Or at least it was like that so far.

After about 2 hours of flight, in which I lay quite calmly, snuggled into Carlos, without speaking at all, I finally realized that we were landing. My excitement grew as I looked out the window of the plane and saw the huge city, with the small squares of buildings formed, the huge cathedral at the center of it all, and the stretching expanse of water in the distance, in which the reflection of the sun's rays glistened. I unconsciously squeezed Carlos's hand and heard him laugh. When turned to him he was watching me with pride and affection. I smiled. Right now, I needed a person to be my spiritual support and it was strange that I found it exactly in Carlos. The person with whom we were not always on good terms, the person with whom we quarreled so often that we even went as far as to show physical aggression towards each other, but one thing seemed to bring us closer – the broken heart.

We got off the plane and there were two Ferraris waiting for us - red and gray metallic. I was surprised by this - it was the first time I had seen such a welcoming, but after all, Carlos and Fernando were revered in their country, so I should have expected that there would be a special treatment for one of the Spanish kings of the track that I was currently riding with. With great effort, Sainz fit our luggage into the sports car, but thanks to his persistence, he succeeded. As I climbed into the passenger seat, my body sank into the comfortable black leather seat. I also smelled the scent of a new car, and my skin got goosebumps. It felt so good, and my brain immediately made a reference to Charles' car. I tried to push the memory of him back, but got lost when Carlos started the engine, the radio accordingly activated, and George Michael's jazz music played from it - the same one I listened to on my way to Capri, after my first meeting with Charles. And I saw his blue-green eyes fixed on me, I felt his lips against the skin of my hand again, I remembered that sweet innocent smile and the deep dimples that captured me. How good he looked then in the red suit, with his black "epaulettes", disheveled hair, and slightly sweaty forehead. Regardless of how he was dressed, in my eyes Charles always looked like a prince, like a handsome, gentle nobleman... A nobleman with blue-green eyes...

- Lissie, guapa - Carlos' voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

- Chess Player - I whispered and turned to him.

Sainz looked at me with concern and put a hand on my knee.

- Lissie are you okay? - he asked. - You look pale...

- I... I'm just a little tired... - I stammered and forced myself to smile. - I had a restless sleep and...

- I know - you were talking in your sleep and several times I got up to check on you - he answered and smiled, but I blushed with embarrassment. - It doesn't matter, Lissie, you'll have a good night's sleep in MY apartment now.

- Which hotel are we in? - I asked and opened my phone, intending to check what the rooms looked like. - I really hope there is a terrace facing the beach and I can drink my coffee on it. The view of the water calms me.

- Oh, we won't be in a hotel - said the Spaniard and drove off.

I gave him a puzzled look, then, out of habit, scanned the road with him before he turned to exit the airport parking lot. As many times as Charles has driven me, I've never double checked the road. This unconscious action of mine further embarrassed me.

- We will be in my three-room apartment – explained Carlos, staring at the road. - I have one here for when we're at a race... Or I need to be alone with myself.

I gave him a suspicious look. Being alone with yourself could also mean being alone with someone and yourself. And now he's taking me... To HIS apartment. Isn't it a little bit too fast.

- Carlos, isn't there a hotel for me? - I asked worried. - I've already been in someone's house for a week and... it didn't end well... I don't want...

- I promise you that you have nothing to worry about - Sainz interrupted me. - I'm not Charles... I never will be. Also, I can't let a special guest like you sleep in a hotel in my home Grand prix.

I nodded and swallowed hard. The tape was spinning again, and I had the feeling that I had fallen into a vicious circle in which events were repeating themselves. It's like I'm in the Uncle Scrooge story, except it wasn't Christmas and the ghosts of the past, present, and future weren't showing up. Only one appeared in my dreams over and over again, and it was the girl in white getting out of Charles's car.

I leaned back and closed my eyes. Just wanted to put Leclerc and the thought of the two of them out of my head, but I couldn't. I just felt humiliated, like Charles made fun of me and my feelings, and I couldn't even shake the thought of him. To proceed as he had done, after he had professed his more particular interest in me, through the kiss.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't realize when we arrived in front of a large, luxury apartment building and pulled into its internal parking lot. Carlos promised to come down and bring the suitcases after, but first he wanted to show me the apartment, and I had nothing to do but agree. We took the elevator up to almost the top floor of the building, and after passing through a short corridor, Sainz unlocked a large black metal door. It looked heavy, secured with two locks, as if it were an entrance to the secret quarters of some great chief.

- Passe, señorita! - Carlos winked at me and opened the door wide.

It sounded strange, yet sweet to hear him address me as señorita. I passed the small entrance hall leading to a huge living room, furnished in the gray and brown range. As an earthy zodiac sign, Sainz was clearly drawn to warmer earth tones, as I noticed that the kitchen, which was separated from the living room by a small island of sand-colored marble, was also in that range. What a contrast to all the white in Charles' home.

I turned to Carlos, who had been following me the whole time as I walked around the rooms. Yes, there was definitely a difference between him and his teammate. Leclerc always seemed to glow, and Carlos even had something dark in his smile. Dark but attractive. It hadn't occurred to me until now that this Spaniard is quite good looking. Yes, I had rated his physical data as stunning, but until now, he had always been that handsome guy in my circle of friends. For the first time, my assessment of him was "attractive". He had removed the blazer from the Ferrari suit and was left in just a shirt. The white fabric was slightly see-through, hinting at the smooth tan skin beneath, and the collar was unbuttoned as his powerful neck prevented the two ends from coming together. The shirt was tucked under the trousers, and the large silver buckle of the black leather belt could be seen in the foreground. The black trousers accentuated the length and strength of Carlos' muscular thighs, and the overall look of this Latino made me swallow hard and my heartbeat faster than normal.

- Where am I going to sleep? - I asked, trying to get rid of my thoughts.

- Follow me! - he smiled and made a sign with two fingers to invite me to come closer to him.

I followed him and we walked through the big living room, my attention drawn to the huge French windows overlooking the beach. Sea, sand, and a wild Spanish fiesta - here was really the perfect base for a break from work pressure.

Sainz opened the door of one of the rooms and ushered me into it. Walls painted in burgundy color, thick curtains - graphite gray, and the only white I saw here were the covers, on the bed, the upholstery of which was also graphite. For the first time, I did not see bedside tables, but low glass tables. Round bedside lamps were built into the wall, and an elliptical ceiling with gold ornaments was built into the gray ceiling. The huge, lacquered graphite wardrobe at the bottom of the room had a large mirror on its doors, in which I could look around quite calmly.

The room also had the terrace I dreamed of - a large one, with a view of the sea and some comfortable round rattan chairs.

- Stunning! - I whispered and was startled when the heels of my shoes clattered on the cherry wood parquet.

- Do you like it? - Carlos asked and I felt his hands on my shoulders.

- You have good taste - I remarked and laughed. - Elegant with class... You surprise me Sainz.

- I've got a few aces up my sleeve - he winked at me. - Do you want to go to the terrace?

- I want you to bring my luggage as soon as possible - I smiled shyly. - Then we can drink coffee on the terrace.

- Of course, señorita! - he winked at me again and left the room with his slow, proud gait.

I looked after him. He had been very strange lately, and this change made a strong impression on me. It even bothered me a little.

I went out onto the terrace and looked at the expanse of sea unfolding in front of my eyes. I photographed it to have a memory of this place, but immediately the view from Monaco appeared in my mind. Charles' balcony. Our kiss on the piano. I couldn't get rid of it. And he would probably never get rid of it.

#

A few hours later, at nightfall, I was standing in my room, sitting on the bed, with the rubies and the diary of letters spread across me. I looked at the gems and could barely hold back the tears welling up in my eyes. Such beautiful stones, carrying love in themselves, letters filled with feelings, with pain, with torment from the impossibility of being with the person you love. I sympathized with Chess, his story, because I was in the same situation right now. I couldn't be with the person I had feelings for, not only because of Vasseur, but also because he chose someone else. Another one, not me... What was so wrong with me that he preferred her. Was I not worthy? Why did he have to lie to me with words, actions and proposals when I was not the one of his heart. Why? For example, Chess loved Petit Beauté so much and never gave it up. When would I too have the opportunity to experience this unconditional love? Would anyone ever love me like that and fight for me the way Chess did for his beloved one? Would someone ever dream about me the same way...

As I was asking myself all these questions, tears streaming from my eyes, I heard footsteps outside my door and a soft knock on it. I quickly gathered the letters into the diary and tucked it under my pillow along with the gems. I wiped the tears with my hand and shouted:

- Come in!

The door opened to reveal Carlos wearing a light gray sweater with a gray shirt collar showing underneath and dark skinny jeans. His unruly black hair now combed and pulled back as if he had taken special care of it, and the scent of cedar and amber perfume wafted through the room and overwhelmed my senses.

- May I come in? - Sainz smiled.

- Carlos, since when are you so polite? - I laughed ironically, and the Spaniard shyly lowered his head and entered the room.

- What's wrong with your eyes? - he asked concerned. - Did you cry?

I laughed at his absurd question but didn't answer. Carlos approached me and smiled.

- It doesn't matter... - he shook his head and put his hands on his hips. – You still look beautiful.

- And now you are pretty kind – I laughed, not knowing how to react on his compliments.

- There is nothing for dinner and I wanted to ask if you would like to have dinner out? – Sainz continued.

- I don't feel like...

- I insist! - he interrupted.

I gasped in surprise at his stern gaze. I didn't expect him to react like this, but I shrugged my shoulders and said quiet:

- Well, so what... At least we will have an opportunity to explore the city.

- You will love Barcelona at night, I guarantee you! - he winked at me and smiled widely.

- Give me five minutes to get ready - I said and forced a smile.

The driver nodded and looked very confused for a moment, then left the room and I finally let a sigh of relief out. I pulled the letters and rubies from under the pillow and quickly put them in the hidden bottom of the carry-on.

#

We were walking down the dark streets of Barcelona. I ran, stopped in front of every window, if there was an open store, I went in to have a quick look and probably drove Carlos crazy with my behavior, but he silently followed me and every time I looked at him he was smiling and his eyes were shining happily. At last, the Spaniard managed to tame the child in me, and held me close, just as I approached him with the intention of stealing the cap he had slipped on before we went out. 

 Soon after, we stopped in front of a tapas bar, and as we read the menu at the front, Carlos allowed himself to put his hand on my back and not remove it, despite my insisting glances several times and the confused looks of passers-by. Surely a photo would appear on social media, but I had long since gotten used to the fact that there would be photos. Both love and hate.

- What will you take, señorita? - Sainz asked me as he read the menu with half-parted lips. He always looked like that when he was concentrating.

- I don't know which is the best - I said, staring at him.

He smirked and giggled.

- I would recommend the Empanada - replied the Spaniard. - It's close to your Calzone.

- Can't it be... Croquettes? - I asked shyly.

- But there is nothing nutritious in them... - Carlos looked at me confused.

- I just want Croquettes! - I insisted.

- Croquettes and Empanadas - he said in turn.

- Just the first one - I shook my head.

Carlos rolled his eyes and removed his hand from my back. Finally!

- Wait for me here, you stubborn lady! - he ordered me and entered the restaurant.

What was that? I was called different ways all the time. As I stood out front, I checked my phone for messages from Charles, but there were none. What a fool I am, how can I expect him to write to me after the party and the way I spoke to him.

I saw Carlos come back with paper bags in his hands and I hurried to put my phone away, then we both walked to the beach, where Sainz decided it would be good to eat the Croquettes and Empanadas he had brought.

#

We dined sitting on the sand, on the first line, and the "sound" of our silence was broken only by the lapping of the sea waves. Carlos periodically sipped from a bottle of Estrella Galicia, and when our eyes met, he smiled gently. In the dim moonlight I could see his cheeks blush, but I couldn't tell if it was from the beer or shame.

I was just leaning back and staring at the sea, going back to memories of Jeddah, the last time I looked at the sea at night, with Charles sitting next to me, when Sainz broke the silence:

- Tomorrow we will travel to Ávila - he said seriously.

- The City of Barefoot Saint Teresa? - I replied after a short silence.

- I like how knowledgeable you are - Carlos giggled, and I turned to him.

- That's right, I have diverse interests - a smug smile dawned on my face.

- And what directed you to them? - he raised his eyebrows in feigned surprise. - Or who?

- I just like to be knowledgeable! - I shrugged and laughed.

- Physics, history, geography, cars, football... - enumerated Sainz. - You amaze me, señorita.

I laughed and shook my head. Yes, I used to amaze Charles too, and where did we end up...

- Why are we going to Ávila? - I changed the subject.

- That's where my parents' mansion is - answered the Spaniard calmly.

I was shocked and looked at him worried. Carlos finished his beer most calmly, and I didn't feel as chill at all as he looked.

- Can't you go alone? - I asked nervously. - I will stay here... I will just work in peace and...

- I will not leave you alone in an unknown country - Sainz interrupted me in a stern tone. - Tomorrow, I have a Fan Forum with Alonso, then we will leave for Ávila. You will need some luggage as we will only be there one night, pequeña.

I looked at him confused. What right did he have to talk to me like that. But I kept quiet. I was too tired to question his behavior. Carlos has always been weird and always will be...obviously.

- Do you want to go home? - Sainz softened his tone.

At home? It might be home for him, but for me... I nodded slightly and by the time I gathered my things the Spaniard was already on his feet. He held out his hand to help me stand up. I hesitated at first, then accepted his help and placed my palm in his, which seemed to be twice my size. Then we both walked along the beach back to his house.

#

The next day, due to the long walk and accumulated fatigue from the previous week, I could not wake up early and overslept. Carlos only woke me up when we had to leave for the track. I didn't have much time, so I filled the travel bag with the first clothes I took out of my suitcase, put on a white linen shirt and milky purple pants and a blazer in the same color, quickly put my makeup on and my hair back in a low ponytail. There was no room left in my small luggage for the formal heels I had been meaning to take with me, so I had to carry them along with my Ferrari jacket in case I got cold. Sainz met me in the hall, holding several cases of clothes in his hands and the cap from his Merch, special for his home race. I remembered that I also kept his Merch in one of my suitcases, as well as Charles'. But I chose not to think of Leclerc.

My host motioned for me to go and soon we were both in the red Ferrari on our way to the track.

#

I watched from the front row the media appearances of the two Spaniards and thought why I never attended those of Charles and Carlos. They're probably hilarious, especially knowing what a bombastic combination the two teammates are. And I looked at my phone for messages. Nothing. Neither of the Leclerc brothers had sent me a message since the scandalous night. This made me more or less sad.

But the sadness quickly passed when Carlos and Fernando came off the stage and came to me, and Alonso began to pour out his funny jokes, with a serious tone and a slightly ironic smile. The truth is that I approached the driver from Aston Martin a little bit reservedly, as I expected as someone who has been around for a long time, much more work and life experience, that Alonso would behave even slightly arrogant, but no... Fernando was very funny and a polite person. Apparently, not everyone was like Vasseur and, seeing a young woman in motor sports, began to rough her up.

After our little chat the Spanish drivers paid more attention to the fans and Carlos, and I headed to our car as we had about a 6-hour drive to Madrid.

#

Driving a long distance with Sainz was quite different to driving with Charles. The music in the car was soft, melodious, there were of course Latin rhythms traditional to the region, but my driver preferred to spend most of the time listening to jazz and old blues songs. Of course, we couldn't help but listen to our mutual favorite Sade with her Smooth operator, but while when I was with Charles in the car he would sing along with me (no matter how many wrong tones he got), Carlos preferred to sing only the chorus of the song with me, and I, as always, performed as if at a concert. But fatigue took its toll, and soon after my concert performances, I relaxed into the soft leather seat and fell fast asleep.

I only woke up when I felt the car stop. When I opened my eyes, Carlos was just parking in a large gravel yard. I felt something weighing on me and when I looked down, noticed that I was covered by Carlos' black jacket.

- Buenos dias, señorita! - he said with a smile. - Was the nap good?

- I didn't even realize when I fell asleep... - I mumbled and cracked my neck.

- I guess you need a massage - Carlos suggested after hearing the crunch of my vertebrae.

- Or a more comfortable bed - I laughed. - No offense, but the Ferrari is not one of the most suitable cars for sleeping.

- It is more suitable for other activities - the pilot winked playfully, and I immediately felt myself blushing.

Either my mind was dirty, or he deliberately used that catchy pun.

Sainz got out of the car and as I watched him with a confused look, he walked around the car and opened the door for me, then gave me his hand and nodded to me to get out. I smiled shyly and placed my palm in his, then got out of the car.

- Come, I want to show you something - he mumbled and led me in an unknown direction.

We crossed a narrow path surrounded by thuja trees and found ourselves in a large parking lot. Carlos let go of my hand for a moment and whistled, then shouted something in Spanish and waited. He looked at me and winked, then suddenly out of a corner of the building near us jumped a large skinny dog ​​with long brown-gray fur. It ran over to Sainz and jumped into his arms, whimpering, and petting him, tail wagging happily.

I stepped forward and smiled at the sight - Carlos was laughing happily, kissing the animal's head and muzzle, talking to him softly and gently. My movement probably caught the dog's attention and it turned to me. It barked then ran over and stood up on two legs, placing its paws on my stomach. I laughed and put my hands to the dog's muzzle, and he just lightly sniffed them and wagged his tail friendly, starting to lick them.

- Piñón, don't be so rude with the lady! - Carlos tried to pull the dog by the collar.

- No, don't, I don't have a problem - I laughed and started stroking it. - You are actually a wonderful gentleman, sweet Piñón!

The animal barked and lowered its legs to the ground, and I crouched down to continue petting it. It started spinning in circles, whimpering, and petting itself, happily wagging its tail.

- This is the first time I've seen him act like that with a stranger... - Sainz remarked, watching us with his hands on his hips. - This is not typical of him.

- He's a hunting dog, isn't he... - I asked while trying to keep my balance after several times Piñon pushed Carlos and then me on the legs. - German Drathaar. Birdwatcher.

- That's right - confirmed his master.

- Well, then it shouldn't be out of character for him. He is an obedient dog and easy to train - I looked at Sainz defiantly. - And he is extremely affectionate and loyal to his owner.

The Spaniard swallowed hard and looked at me sheepishly, then smiled widely.

- Impressive! - he exclaimed. - Are you interested in dog breeds?

- I could say so - I shrugged and smiled. - I used to have encyclopedias for almost the entire animal kingdom, so... I'm well-informed about a lot of things.

Carlos silently walked over to me and helped me to my feet, then set about dusting me off. I could have done this myself, but actually... I liked the care with which he treated me these days. It was another, unknown Sainz that I had never seen before. When we faced each other, he smiled widely and took my hand again.

- Let's go inside, señorita - he suggested, while trying to straighten my messy hair after playing with his dog hair. - My family is waiting for us.

I nodded in agreement and turned to the dog:

- See you soon, Piñón!

The dog barked in response and stood up on its hind legs. Carlos was looking at me with a wide smile and a bright look, something unusual for him. I had only seen one person look at me like that, and that was Charles.

With a heavy heart and thoughts again of Leclerc in my head, we both headed for his family's house. It was a huge, two-floor house, with a facade of plain river stone, one side wall all green ivy, and the large wooden doors inlaid with the Sainz family crest in gold. I was speechless and my heart pounded at the thought of what was in store for me, as I had some vague ideas that Carlos was of ancestry, but seeing all this... I was beginning to wonder what I was doing here.

We went inside, hand in hand, and while I was looking with interest at the crystal chandelier hanging from the high ceiling in the wide hall, a woman's shout was heard from one of the rooms inside the huge house. A tall thin woman with brown hair and a 4 finger long below the knee white dress with a print of large magnolias appeared in the great hall. She hugged Carlos, spoke in Spanish, and besides realizing that she called Carlos, Ana, Blanca, I realized that she called my host "son". Apparently, it was his mother, Carlos has mentioned her name to me - Reyes Vázquez de Castro Sainz. Two younger women also appeared from the same room and ran to Carlos and hugged him, they were his sisters. The last to join the welcoming delegation was El Matador - Carlos's father. He was a tall, massive man, with graying hair, a large, imperious chin, and eyes as large and black as olives. He had the bearing and air of an aristocrat, and with his hands outstretched, palms up to heaven, in salutation, assumed the appearance of a true ruler and patron. The two greeted each other and hugged, then quietly exchanged a few words.

While all this was happening, I stood aside and watched with a smile the family idyll, and one of Carlos's sisters turned to me several times and looked at me more insistently.

- Guys, I understand you're very happy to see me, but let's give the lady some attention - Sainz said, turning his focus to me.

His family turned around, but I didn't get the traditional smiles and cheers. Carlos' mom and dad looked me up and down and looked outraged—I have no idea if it was my appearance (Piñón's paws were still on my shirt) or my presence. Of course, the shy smile instantly disappeared from my face and was replaced by a serious stony expression.

- Pero esa no es Isa! - the woman turned to her son and whispered, but loud enough for me to hear her.

My blood boiled in seconds. Carlos opened his mouth to say something, but I was faster and even slightly aggressive.

- Si, mi nombre es Lissa - I smiled mischievously and extended my hand to shake - Encantada de conocerte! Lissa Bernardi.

His parents and younger sister, reportedly named Ana by Carlos, were shocked. They did not expect me to be so bold, nor to speak to them in Spanish. I may have known just a few sentences in that language, but they were enough to put these people in their place. I didn't really care at all if I was badmouthing my teammate at the moment or not. It was humiliating enough to stand in the center of his hall and instead of getting to know me, they commented in a language foreign to me that I was not their relative's ex-girlfriend.

Carlos' older sister suddenly broke the silence and grabbed my hand, which I extended to shake.

- Girl with wild temper... I like it! - she laughed. - Blanca Sainz Vázquez, it's a pleasure! And these are my parents, let's just call them Carlos, Rayes and my sister Ana. They are all very happy to meet you, but right now they are in awe of your otherworldly beauty.

- How diplomatically said! - I smiled. - Saved the day, raga!

I looked sternly at Carlos. His mother and father were still looking at me with disapproval, which affected me quite a bit, until his sister, Ana, finally shook hands with me. I know that my appearance came to them like a bolt from the blue, for me meeting them was a similar thing, but I never imagined that someone would welcome me like this. I couldn't help but draw a parallel with Charles' mother, who even hugged me when we first met.

- Lissa, do you want me to show you your room? - Blanca asked me and pointed to my shirt. - I see you have already met Piñón.

- Oh, yes... a very friendly dog ​​- I laughed embarrassed and wrapped myself in my blazer. - I would be happy to change.

- Come on, follow me! - she said and took my hand.

I looked at Carlos one last time, and he gave me an encouraging nod, then I headed inside the house, which had the typical appearance of a Spanish aristocratic mansion.

I found out that the estate is called La Piñonera and their father now produces wine there. While showing me around the house, Blanca told me about their family history, about their grandfather, about everything that Carlos Sr. had achieved, about their mother's life, their career. Her sister had married in February a son of the Duchess of Estremera. I began to wonder less and less why they reacted like that when they saw me. They were a family of high birth, and there was no other title before my name than Miss. Well, apparently, I had to try to impress the family not with aristocratic orders and titles, but only with charm and intelligence. A difficult task obviously.

We went up to the second floor and finally entered the room - spacious, with oak flooring, a wide Queen-size bed, with led lamps on the sides and a frame over the head, lined with leather, oak bedside tables and a huge wardrobe, with mirrors on the doors. Next to it was a small dressing table with a comfortable swivel chair, as well as a small bench by the windows, overlooking the garden of their home. The door next to them led to the terrace, on which there were rattan chairs. Finally, a smile appeared on my face, and I was able to feel at home.

- Do you like it here? - Blanca asked, and I turned to her, nodding in agreement.

I left my luggage and hurried out to the terrace to enjoy the spacious view and greenery in their garden. But what I heard was a loud conversation from downstairs. I recognized Carlos' voice, but everything that was said was in Spanish and I couldn't understand anything here.

- You're very quiet - Carlos' sister noticed, snapping me out of my trance as I tried to figure out what the argument was about downstairs.

- I'm sorry, it's from stress - I laughed. - Under stress, I am at both extremes - either I fall into a highly aggressive state, or I shut down and become very untalkative. I know I'm a difficult person and everyone in my family wonders who will put up with me.

Blanca and I laughed. She was such a down-to-earth person, easy to talk to, and since she was the first to introduce me to the setting, I couldn't help but relax in her presence. She was embarrassed by the rising tone of the conversation below us, so she suggested we go inside. I agreed, I didn't want to bother her unnecessarily. I may not have known their language well, but they didn't know that.

- Lissa, forgive me for the too personal question, but I wanted to ask you... - began the lady uncertainly. - How long have you and Carlos been...

- We are colleagues and friends at the Scuderia... - I hastened to clarify that we are not in an intimate relationship. - I am...

- Ah, you are this Lissa - the strategist! - she exclaimed. - Yes, Carlos...

- Has spoke a lot about me, right... - I interrupted her, and she nodded in surprise. - You are not the first to say that someone talked a lot about me.

- Girl, do you know what it means for Carlos to talk about you... - said his sister in a mysterious tone.

- I wouldn't like to know - I smiled and closed the topic with that.

I set about unpacking my luggage, shaking my head at the things I had stuffed into the bag. It was all so inappropriate for this aristocratic environment.

- Do you have a special outfit for tonight? - asked Blanca after a short silence.

- Special outfit for what? - I looked at her shyly.

- For dinner... - the lady shrugged. - It will be more formal, as this is what we do when we welcome new guests into our home. Ana's husband will also be there, as well as one other guest from outside our family besides you. It will be more fun, I hope.

- I brought a lot of things, but they don't look very suitable to be honest - I answered and looked at my bag. - I had prepared for Monaco, but there... things didn't go according to plan... And I left half my luggage in Barcelona... Everything happened in a hurry and...

Seeing that I was starting to panic, Blanca approached me and put her hands on my shoulders, then asked me to sit on the bed.

- Hey, guapa, why are you panicking? - she asked me worriedly. - Do you want me to call Carlos?

- No! Not him! Just don't call him! - I said and took a deep breath. - I'll be fine, I just need to find a way to get to... your level, you know...

- Don't worry about it! - Carlos's sister caressed my cheek trying to calm me down. - You were born this way... On our "level". Now let's see what you have and if nothing is up to... our "standards", I'll go downstairs and talk to my brother about it. Is that fine?

- You know how to calm someone down - I laughed.

Blanca bent over me and caressed me gently, then we both dug through my luggage. But in my mind the next worrying thought started looping - Who is the official guest who would be present with us at the dinner tonight?

Notes: Hello guys! I hope your F1 summer break goes well and I find you in a good health! I would like to thank you so much for the support! <3 <3 You are amazing! <3

So what we have in this chapter - Carlos suddenly became really concerned and it looks like he is trying to get closer to Lissie. His parents also seemed like they  didn't have the love of first sight with Lissie. Aaaand while she can't get of her mind Charles, there will be someone on the "royal" dinner. Who will be?  Wait for the next chapter to understand! :P

So guys I hope you liked the part - give a star/comment if so, hear the external señorita link ;) aaaand see ya in the next part! <3 <3 <3

Love ya all! <3

N16 XOXOXO