02. Jun – FP1 and FP2 day

In the evening after finishing the duties in the paddock, Carlos and I returned to his home. I was very tired from the hectic day so I preferred to stay in my room without having any conversation with him. I even refused dinner, which made him really sad. I left alone in my room with myself and thought over Charles's words. He says it's hard for him, but it doesn't seem like this. Is it hard for him to choose which part is better? Of course men always need time right? To judge, to make a decision... And they claim that we women never know what we want. At least I knew what I wanted, and it was one thing - love - as devoted and strong as Chess's love for Petit Beauté. If Charles really cared about me and my feelings, he wouldn't have hurt me like this. But there was one thing he mentioned in his panic - "If the feelings are mutual". What feelings does Leclerc have? I don't know what feelings he had for me, but I certainly knew that I felt confused by his behavior, by his words... By everything.

#

The next day, Carlos welcomed me in the kitchen with a hot cappuccino and brioche. He had gotten up much earlier than me to train with Rupert and Caco, and then he had picked up Brioche from a bakery near us. I felt good from the care he took for me and we even had breakfast together. The Spaniard apologized for his behavior yesterday. He stated that he was too scared about me, that's why he reacted like this in the first place. I looked at him suspiciously and nodded my head as if I accepted his words, but the truth is that I was already careful about what words I believe and what I don't.

After breakfast we both put on our uniforms, me in his Merch, just like I promised, and we drove to the paddock in his red Ferrari. However, there was no way that my day could start so pleasantly and melodically - someone had to show up to spoil it. In the parking lot, we spotted Charles, who had arrived in an SF90 Ferrari, and as soon as he got out of the car, he and Andrea approached us.

- Good morning, early birds! - Charles greeted us and bumped his fist with Carlos, but I put my hands in my pockets so I wouldn't have to return the greeting.

- The morning would have been better on the beach with a Piña Colada - I replied and turned to Andrea: - Andre, I'm glad to see you!

- We missed you on the plane, little one! - replied the coach and smiled.

The mood in the company died suddenly. Leclerc looked down as Sainz took on that serous, fiery expression that gave me goosebumps every time. Andrea was confused as to how his words could provoke such a reaction.

- Well, I suggest we go, since I have a whole team of strategy-hungry bosses waiting for me - I tried to cheer up, but alas, the only thing I managed to do was break up the meeting.

- Okaaay, let's go! - Charles said, clapping his hands.

Carlos and I looked at each other as Leclerc and his coach turned their backs on us. Carlos seemed slightly irritated by Andrea's comment, but what exactly provoked his irritation was still a mystery to me.

I spent the day between the garages and the conference room. I also attended the sit-fitting but missed the track tour that the boys traditionally did. This time I decided not to interfere in any of their activities. Today, in addition to the usual team that gathered at the operatives to discuss the upcoming weekend, Diego Ioverno also appeared. I had spotted him several times at our meetings in Maranello, but recently it struck me that he takes an active part in the race days as well. Or I didn't see him before because my vision was too blurry, besides the fact that my brain was busy with other things... Or people to be more precise. We discussed the strategy - an idea of ​​two pit stops, with the possibility of using medium, hard, soft or soft, hard, hard, depending on wear and the position of our drivers on the starting grid. I was sure we would have a positive result after we introduced changes to the floor, sidepods and rear wing. For the first time I was satisfied after the meeting with the team, something strange was happening with everyone - they agreed with me on every statement I made. Either this was another attempt by Vasseur to discredit me later, or I was finally accepted into the world of these people.

The meeting ended and we said goodbye to our team. I was talking to Matteo and we were both heatedly discussing the new changes comparing them to those on the other teams' cars when we left the conference room and my eyes met Sainz's.

I stopped to continue the conversation with Togniali, my focus constantly drifting to the Spaniard, who was nervously hopping from foot to foot, waiting for me to finish my duties. Something very interesting struck me that day - this guy acted like he was afraid I would run away and used every free moment to be around me. I couldn't understand his behavior. He had provided me with a roof over my head for this weekend. Where do I would run? Didn't he expect me to go to Charles? No chance!

Finally, I got tired of feeling Carlos' eyes fixed on me and said goodbye to Mateo, then approached Sainz, who waved at his colleague and gave me a friendly smile.

- Let's go! - he said.

- Was it necessary to wait for me and walk around the front like a hungry wolf? - I asked him seriously.

- Actually, I'm really, really hungry - he laughed, placing a hand on my back. - Come on, let's go hunting for dinner! We're both done here for today, right?

I nodded in agreement and both with Carlos walked side by side. He was moving quickly, his long, strong legs covering the distance equal to two of my steps, and I had to almost run to keep up. Where was this man in such a hurry?

We left the hospitality and on the way out we passed none other than Charles. Seeing him, my heart tingled. His words "If the feelings are mutual..." inevitably brought back some old feelings in my soul and despite what happened in Monaco I realized that I still wanted to stay close to him, it was just my fucking pride that made me ignore him and nagging.

- Hey, mates! - he greeted us in a friendly way, and we both waved back.

We had only gone a few steps forward when Leclerc called after me:

- Lissie, would you like to go for a walk around the town?

Carlos and I stopped, turning to him. I looked at him and got goosebumps. His pure innocent look was filled with hope, as if he was inwardly crossing his fingers that I would give him a positive answer. I took a deep breath to answer, but Sainz was faster.

- She already promised me - he stated seriously.

- Oh really? - I asked, looking at him questioningly, and the Spaniard nodded. - And when did we agree?

- Right now! - he snapped, making me gasp in surprise.

- But this is our tradition! - protested Charles and approached us. - Is that so Lissie?

I looked at him anxiously. It's really been our tradition, I've never been around the place we were at for the weekend with anyone other than Charles before. We had so many memories together...

- It was your tradition! - Carlos' stern voice pierced my ears when he underlined the word "was". 

- Guys, enough! - I stomped my foot. - You will force me to leave alone and rent a room in some motel, within a radius of at least 20 km from here, just to be away from you!

They gave me a startled look and swallowed hard.

- And I'll take the Ferrari of some of you! - I threatened them.

They both let out an exasperated groan and rolled their eyes in unison. What a well-working machine this duo was. Hope I am not going to ruin it.

- She's going with me! - Carlos finally hissed through his teeth.

He grabbed my hand and I looked helplessly at Charles, who was left open-mouthed. I also couldn't believe how our teammate was behaving, but as always, his grip was stronger than my stubbornness and he managed to force me to walk.

- See you tomorrow mate! - Carlos said and we turned our backs on Leclerc.

- Are you really going to follow him, Lissie? - he shouted after us.

We stopped for a moment, and I bowed my head guiltily. My heart was saying one thing, but my mind was saying another.

- Are you serious? - I heard his voice, which broke at the end of the sentence.

I turned to him and gave a sad look. I wasn't doing it on purpose, it wasn't even an attempt at revenge, just a matter of choice...or compulsion.

- See you tomorrow, Charles... - I mumbled and looked down.

Sainz shook my hand and motioned for me to go, then led me towards the exit of the paddock where the fans had gathered.

#

We visited  many beautiful places in Barcelona, ​​but unfortunately, only had a few hours for ourselves. However, I enjoyed many sights in this huge city. Thanks to Carlos, I had the honor of being one of 400 people allowed to visit Park Güell each half hour. And then we visited the Ciutat Vella or the old town and the Barri Gòtic. This was the oldest part of the city where centuries-old buildings were left since from before the Middle Ages, also including Roman times, during the reign of Augustus. Then this site was chosen for the foundation of a new colony. The Roman forum was located at the place the Plaça de Sant Jaume is today. The central square was busy with tourists, but there were so many amazing terraces, and restaurants, which we left to visit for the next time I and Carlos come here – we were with limited time after all. But Carlos brought me to the royal palace - Palau Reial which was located in the Gothic Quarter – an amazing old place which made me feel the way a real princess does. 

All the while, Carlos stood at a discreet distance from me, smiling gently as he was looking at me with delight, admiring everything he saw, and periodically his hand would find itself quite by accident on my waist or around my shoulders. At first this made me feel uncomfortable, worried and blushing, but gradually I accepted his behavior as something normal and even began to give me pleasure to detect his dreamy, delighted look, followed by a shy smile and a gentle touch on my back.

At the end of our tour, we visited the Sagrada Familia and stopped in front of it to admire the greatest, unfortunately unfinished, miracle of ecclesiastical architecture. It was indescribably beautiful. Every part of the building had some sacred meaning. And the interior was unique. I had to sit on one of the benches inside, as I was too stunned by the unique ornaments of the stained-glass windows and especially the massiveness of the building. I felt small and insignificant compared to this sacred colossus of imposing proportions. And the details on the columns, the sculptors of the Holy Virgin and the cross of Christ... Unique. This wonderful piece of art should have been seen by every person at least once in his life. Right there, as I sat in the corner of the farthest and most hidden bench, Carlos ran his hand gently over mine and intertwined our fingers. I looked at him uncertainly and he smiled and nodded slightly. We both understood each other with just a look, and the moment was sentimental and romantic.

It wasn't long before we headed back to his home as Carlos was scheduled to shoot a vlog for his home race all day and had to go back to work commitments. And even though the day was long and exhausting, Sainz took me and Team 55 to the gym for the obligatory daily workout. Unlike Charles, he at least included me in some way in his activities during the filming, never mind that I refused to participate in the video, for security reasons.

It was 8:30pm, I was barely on my feet, but I was still training with Sainz's team in between the filming, so I wouldn't look like a fool who didn't join in on the general activities. It was obvious that I was very exhausted and barely doing the exercises, so after both Carlos and Rupert saw that they couldn't fight my grudge, they just decided to finish the workout faster.

Night had fallen outside. Sainz and I had both showered and were sitting at his kitchen table. I was pushing the steamed vegetables onto my plate and barely touched the salmon. I was sick from being overworked, and thoughts of Charles kept going through my head. I felt terrible for abandoning him today and not asking Carlos to at least go for a walk, the three of us together. He was right that it was our ritual and to do it with another person was tantamount to betrayal. Maybe I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions that day and should have questioned him, listened, heard his opinion... He wanted to explain himself to me. Especially after seeing how sad, he looked today when I abandoned him and refused our traditional walk, I was quite inclined to believe that he was really hurt by what happened in Monaco. The bar scene still haunted me, good thing there were no clips of it, but that didn't save the day at all. I thought about our kiss in Monaco, and then the figure of that woman in white appeared in front of my eyes...

- Lissie, que passa, guapa? - Carlos reached across the table and grabbed my hand, snapping me out of the trance I was in. - You hardly touched your dinner. Don't you like it?

- Nothing... - I replied and put the fork down - I'm just tired...

- Are you sure it's just that... – he started caressing my hand with his thumb.

I raised my head and locked eyes with him. He was looking at me seriously, with worry in his eyes. I couldn't quite put my finger on what that look Sainz gave me meant, but I've certainly seen it before... At Charles.

- I'm absolutely sure, Carlos! - I forced myself to smile and pulled my hand out of his.

The Spaniard nodded reluctantly and went on with his dinner without another word. I was watching him now. He was eating with such an appetite, and so abundantly, that I did not know how he looked so thin and so well. Just training? Hardly. Such an Apollonian body could not be acquired by just working out and no regimen. Carlos was a connoisseur of food and it showed from afar. Me too, though I starved more often than I ate... But the worry and engagements here made me quite a glutton.

And now, I tried to eat, but quickly gave up. It wasn't that it wasn't delicious, I just felt some deep, inner sadness that was killing my appetite.

- It's very tasty, Chili - I smiled. - You are a great chef. You have talent!

- Thank you, guapa! - I saw how his cheeks turned red.

I bit my lip and continued to poke at the food on the plate, forcing myself to eat.

- Lissie, I wanted to ask you something... - Sainz suddenly began uncertainly and looked at me with his big puppy dog ​​eyes. - Do you want to stay here for a while after the Grand Prix?

- What do you mean by that? - I asked worriedly.

- My sister is getting married at the end of next week and I would like you to attend the wedding...

- Pardon? - I choked on the salmon I was chewing. - What do you want us to do? We have work to do Carlos, we have to...

- After the Grand Prix we will have tests again here in Barcelona, ​​for the days we will work we will go to the track, and on the rest, we will spend them together here and in Madrid. If necessary, we will also call a tailor to take your measurements and sew a dress, but... Accompany me to the wedding! Please!

I thought for a moment and slowly put the fork down on the plate. It was all too much for me. I had certain expectations from my stay here, but something completely different happened... I was looking for friendship and support, and this went in a completely different direction. I needed time. Time to focus on myself and what is best for me.

- Carlos, may I take a walk? - I asked and nervously scratched my nape.

- Why are you asking me such a question? - he was shocked. - I'm not keeping you under lock and key... Just let me do the dishes and I'll come...

- I mean on a walk alone... - I cut him off. - I have to think over your proposal and...

- Yes, of course... take the keys from the bowl in the hall - he replied with a sigh. - Be careful not to get lost... I'll wait for you...

- Oh no, go to bed, Carlos, you have to sleep for tomorrow - I smiled gently and got up from my seat.

- I'll wait for you, guapa - he smiled and reached across the table, cupping my face with his huge palm.

His thumb gently caressed my cheek. I smiled and looked into his eyes. Genuine concern could be read in them. How did things change like this? Or I didn't notice this before... But I missed seeing Charles' bright eyes staring at me, hearing his throaty laugh and the gentle "little one".

I sighed heavily and pulled myself out of Carlos's arms. He let out a sigh as well, then turned and began to lift the table, and I headed for the exit of the apartment.

#

I lost track of time, walking the streets of Barcelona, ​​browsing the shops, when saw an ice cream shop and stopped in front of it. I fondly remember my walk in Maranello with Charles when he chose the right ice cream for me without asking. What if I missed my chance? If, because of my own stupidity, I had missed the opportunity to be with the person who was truly made for me. And going through all these thoughts made me realize something very important to me. It was about time I admitted to myself... I was hopelessly in love with Charles. My eyes watered and I turned to continue my walk when I suddenly collided with someone's body. I ignored it and continued walking until I heard:

- Hey Jet Pal!

I stopped and turned around. Max was laughing at me, walking shoulder to shoulder with Kelly and her toddler Penelope.

- Maxie, hello! - I waved at him and forced myself to smile.

- Are you alone on the streets? - he asked, pointing around him with his finger.

- Yes... a bit... - I answered sadly.

Verstappen turned to Kelly and said something quietly to her. Then he kissed P on the forehead and said to his girlfriend the sweet "bye, bye". They kissed and I lowered my head. Oh, how it hurt me! I wanted someone to treat me like that...

The lady gave me a friendly wave, and so did the child, and they continued in the same direction as they had been walking, and Max came up to me.

- I'll come and keep you company - he said, laughing.

- Aren't you going to continue the walk with your mother and sister? - I asked playfully, and the Dutchman took on a serious expression.

- Lissie, these are...

- Maxie, I know, I just like teasing you like that because you get annoyed by me - I cut him off with a giggle.

Max laughed too and put his arm around my shoulder, then we slowly walked down the street.

- Why did you look so sad? - he asked.

- Ah, the fatigue from the races weighs on me... That's... - I forced myself to smile to look like everything was fine and the questioning stopped.

- The fatigue? - Verstappen raised his eyebrows looking at me in disbelief, and I nodded. - Great, so now we're going to the hotel so you can go sleep.

- I'm not at the hotel... - I admitted with a heavy sigh.

- I know, it was a way of asking you where you are... - he said seriously.

I fell silent and looked down. We both sat on a bench, and I continued to say nothing, searching for the right words.

- Charles is at the hotel, I saw him today after the paddock and we talked... And you are...

I just gave him a meaningful look and he gasped.

- I cannot believe it! - exclaimed the Dutchman. - I saw the story with your suitcases behind his back, but I thought it was a coincidence...

- What did he do? - I asked, and Verstappen immediately pulled out his phone and showed me a photo of Carlos' apartment. He had taken a picture of himself in the large mirror in the hall, and my suitcases could be seen blurred behind him.

- Shit! - I shouted and stamped my foot. - Now everyone who knows my luggage will guess.

- I couldn't help but recognize the two suitcases I dragged to the airport because of you - Max rolled his eyes. - Of all the people in the paddock, only you take so much baggage with you.

- I need it! I have to be prepared for anything - I excused myself and crossed my arms.

- But that surprised you, right... - he looked at me seriously. I knew what he was talking about, so I just nodded. - And since when have you been here with Carlos?

- From Tuesday... - I answered and looked down - And he offered me to go with him to his sister's wedding...

- No way! - Max almost screamed, and I motioned for him to be quiet, as several of the passers-by turned. - Well, well! Excuse me! And what did you reply?

- I don't know, I haven't said anything yet... - I shrugged my shoulders and sat down on a bench I found nearby. - I have to think. I, he...

- Charles - we both said in unison, and I looked at him in shock.

Verstappen sat down next to me and cleared his throat.

- There were bets being made in the paddock when something would happen between you two - he said. - It seemed from everywhere that the two of you would be the new secular couple, but what happened.

- Vasseur forbade me to "interact" with his drivers, and I probably pushed him away more and here is the result...

By the time I realized what I had said, it was too late. The Dutchman gasped softly and put his hands to his cheeks in surprise.

- Did Vasseur forbid you? - Max exclaimed, and I nodded. - So, what... you admit that you had feelings for Charles?

- I guess that's what I did just now... - I shook my head.

- Now why are you with Carlos? - he leaned down and said more quietly.

I fell silent and thought. I asked myself the same question. Why didn't I stay alone after everything happened with Charles, but I clutched at straws with Carlos.

- Because at the moment when my heart was broken, he took care of me and continues to do it... - I answered quietly and looked up at my interlocutor.

Max's honest blue eyes were fixed on me. He seemed to be considering my words. Verstappen always seemed to have some kind of scheme going on in his head, whether it was about racing or life outside of it.

- You gave Charles a week, didn't you? - he asked after a short silence.

- What do you mean? - I raised my eyebrows questioningly.

- You were with him in Monaco - I nodded. - Well, give Carlos a week too. See how things develop and choose what makes you happy.

- Max, I have no intention of being in a relationship with Carlos - I said indignantly. - We are friends, and he helps me get through the difficult period of disappointment from unrequited love. Do you understand me? A friend in need is a friend indeed.

- To be honest, it doesn't seem like the feelings are the same, and it's becoming more and more visible - sighed the Dutchman. - We may not be in constant contact, but I follow a lot of things and Carlos seems quite insistent lately, I'm sure you can see that yourself.

- I didn't want to admit it, but you're right here - I replied, biting my lip. - Maybe I should cut them both off and listen to Vasseur

- Since when have you been listening to Vasseur? - Max raised his eyebrows in feigned surprise.

We looked at each other and immediately laughed out loud like little kids. Verstappen was that dispassionate observer from the rival team that made me grow attached to him and accept him into my small circle of friends, where until now it was only Kika and Pierre. I exclude my two teammates from this circle, they were there from the beginning of the season by default, and to be honest, I had a knife stuck in the back of both of them, so they could quite easily be counted among that circle of friends that is on a step or two farther than the nearest.

- Come on, I see you need a hug! - said Max suddenly and spread his arms wide.

I really had. And he understood that and satisfied my need for someone to share my pain and problems with. I think my secret was in safe hands here, so I entrusted it to him. And gradually in his embrace, my soul became lighter, and in my mind, there was room for new thoughts.

#

When I got home, Carlos was asleep on the couch. I moved closer to him and stroked his hair, trying not to startle him. He opened his eyes slowly and when he saw me, he jumped off the couch.

- Go to sleep, Sainz. - I said quietly.

- Won't you come? – he asked.

- Go, go... - I interrupted him. - I'll take a shower and go to bed then.

He got up from the couch and cupped my face in his big hands. For a brief moment the Spaniard looked into my eyes and smiled gently, then leaned down and kissed my forehead.

- Good night, guapa! - he whispered and headed for his bedroom.

My heart sank. So did Charles.

#

The next day I woke up to a pleasant aroma of warm bread wafting through the whole apartment. I hadn't even opened my eyes yet and I was already leaving the room to check what was causing this unique smell. My canine sniff led me directly to the kitchen, where Carlos, dressed in a long-sleeved white blouse that clung perfectly to his sculpted muscles, was hovering around the induction hobs, preparing breakfast. I had only heard myths about what a great cook our teammate was and now I was going to try his prowess in the kitchen. Toast with mashed tomatoes and jamón. This was accompanied by scrambled eggs and a huge cup of warm coffee.

I approached the table, then slowly walked towards him. Sainz had parted his lips again and was staring intently at the pan as he scrambled the batch of eggs, presumably for him. I smiled and put my hand on his back, saying:

- Good morning, Chili!

Carlos jumped up, startled by my sudden appearance, and placed a hand on his chest.

- Oh, DIOS MÍO! - he exhaled heavily. - It drove the angels out of me!

- I didn't know you had those - I laughed and winked at him playfully.

The Spaniard giggled and punched me lightly on the shoulder, and I pretended to be extremely hurt so that I would have an excuse to return it to him and he also received a light slap on the shoulder.

- Why are you up? - Carlos asked, looking at the table behind him and then at me. - I was going to bring it to your bed.

- Are you sure we didn't do anything in Monaco? - I laughed, and he looked at me seriously.

- If we were, you would surely remember - he winked at me in response, and I rolled my eyes.

- I'm not convinced - I scolded him.

The Spaniard looked at me seriously. As a true Latino, he was deeply affected by this labeling of his sexual qualities as unsatisfactory and unmemorable. But how could I know what they are really like since I haven't tried them yet. Oops, did I say it yet?!

I was in my pajamas - shorts that reached the middle of my thighs and a loose T-shirt, and Sainz, willingly or not, put his hand on my waist, slipping it under the t-shirt and pulling me to him. He looked at me predatorily from head to toe and smirked defiantly.

- You know that by talking like that you're making me want to change your mind - he said quietly. - Nothing, I've never had such intentions towards you before.

- And do you know that if you stand like that a little longer, your eggs... - I rose on my tiptoes so that I could whisper in his ear: - will burn.

The Spaniard immediately released me and stepped back, turning to the hotplates to check on his meal. I giggled slyly and headed over to the table to take my place in front of the food being served. During this time, Carlos poured the slightly burnt eggs onto his plate.

- Did you see? - I continued until I was giggling. - They burned.

- That's because you underestimate me - he replied and turned to place the portion on the spot opposite mine before looking up at me and piercing me with his serious, icy gaze. - And I hate being underestimated.

I smirked and winked at him. I felt like I was starting to play a special game that I'm not sure if I should continue and where it would take me... But I loved it. It was like putting fire in the hands of an arsonist, and obviously I was a huge arsonist.

#

It was shaping up to be an interesting day in the paddock. This time I spent time not only in Charles' garage, but also in Carlos's, where his father was. But I deliberately avoided it, since after dinner at their mansion, I preferred to be almost invisible to the Sainz clan. On the other hand, Carlos was almost constantly around me to talk about cars, strategy and more. It was the first day he didn't seem distracted, or his system wasn't crashing. Dressed in a half-black, half-red race suit and a gifted hat with chilies on his head, Sainz Jr. looked both hot and funny. On my other side, but somehow always at a distance, as if even in the shadows, stood Charles. He was again in the traditional red race suit. Still nice, but somewhat more tired than before. With each passing day here, his appearance grew more tragic. We'd met eyes before practice and more specifically before he jumped in his car, and my heart skipped a beat when that happened. He is painfully beautiful, and I realized again what attracted me to him and made me...fall in love.

FP1 went very poorly. Charles and Carlos finished P8 and P9 despite the supposed improvements to our cars. These were disappointing results for me. With the first free practice officially over, I left my post by the wall and headed for the garages, but Carlos met me in the pit lane. Without even asking me or waiting for any kind of response from me, he led me to the pit where his father was to meet him. It was already inevitable, but it was also clear that it would eventually come to this point. After exchanging the usual pleasantries and a brief debriefing of FP1, Rupert called Carlos over to film his vlog. He said goodbye to us and before leaving he left a gentle kiss on my cheek, and I instantly turned red. I was left alone with his father.

El Matador looked at me for a long time, perhaps wondering why I was wearing his son's merch, and at one point said:

- Since when is this?

- Which one? - I turned to him and looked at him confused.

- With my son - he said.

- Oh, we're friends and...

- Miss, this is definitely not friendship between you - Sainz interrupted me. - He was talking about you since the beginning of the season.

- Please stop! - I raised my voice slightly. - I'm already sick when I hear someone had talked about me.

- If you are Carlos's new girlfriend, we should get to know you more than one dinner at our house - his father continued with a low serious tone.

- Shall I give you a CV and motivation letter? - I crossed my arms in front of my chest. - I will not apply for the position of Carlos Sainz's girlfriend. I understand that you are aristocrats, but I am not anyone either.

- Well, that's exactly why we want to get to know you better - said the man.

- You must have already studied me for a long time - I smirked. - If Carlos sees fit, he'll help you get to know me... Now enjoy the rest of the weekend. I have work.

I turned my back on him and left Carlos' garage, hoping that this ridiculous and even insulting conversation would not happen again.

#

Already at the beginning of FP2, our guys took to the track on Soft tires. Carlos achieved three purple sectors, setting the best time - 1.14.999, and Leclerc immediately after him achieved the second time 1.15.119. I was in no hurry to be happy, after all, we were almost the only ones on the track. We took our two drivers into the pits for a tire change, and during that time I looked at the stats. We had a new configuration for the car and the aero package - the radiators were above the driver's head, and new sidepods, which were supposed to resemble those of Red Bull, should help us more. However, I didn't like something about the numbers, so I asked them to put aero paint on Leclerc's car near the floor. I wanted to see exactly how the new configuration worked, according to the drawings, it was supposed to direct the air to the floor in the back. And again, we put the two pilots on the track. I only focused on Charles' car this time, and something struck me - there was a strange noise in Charles' clutch. However, he set a record third sector, and on the second fast lap he was second behind Sainz, who also had a problem - on the lap in turn 10, he lost his rear slightly and hit the floor on the curbs. Not our precious new floor! The Spaniard contacted us to check the floor for problems and immediately after their fast laps were over, we called them both into the pits.

After a quick check, we found that there were no issues with both cars, and they were able to hit the track again. We had our drivers do a series of long laps to make sure what our race pace was, and the results were P1 for Charles, P2 for Carlos.

We halved the session, our drivers felt good in the cars, and everything seemed fine. The qualifying simulations have begun. With 28 minutes to go we released both drivers for another fast lap as they dropped the rankings to P5 and P6. And despite the new fast laps it was P6 Leclerc and P7 Sainz. New faster laps were needed.

Unfortunately, the wind started to pick up and clouds were gathering in the sky with 16 minutes left in the session. It would be very bad if it started raining right now, as our program plan would not be fulfilled, and our pilots were still at P6 and P7. I called them into the pits, and we put test tires on both drivers' cars.

After gathering enough information from the new Pirelli tires, we called the drivers back into the pits and put them on Softs. It turned out that as a side effect of our very pronounced diffusers, the cars bounced around turn 10 and the saddest thing was that actually the adjustments he made to his cars didn't seem to help anything and our level remained the same as before. And our drivers finished in P6 Leclerc and P7 Sainz.

It was late evening and night had fallen over Barcelona. I sat in Sainz's car in silence, and we drove back to his apartment. He had just finished filming his vlog and now it was just the two of us. I looked out the window at the lights of the city and silently admired their beauty. I thought about everything that had happened until now - our conversation with Max, with Carlos's father... I missed the contact with Charles. I felt quite isolated from him, never mind that I had chosen this course of action. I was used to his presence, his laughter, long conversations, our chats. And now all this was somehow slowly disappearing and remaining in the past.

- Guapa, are you okay? - Carlos interrupted my thoughts.

I turned to him and looked at him with a lack of any emotion. I was tired of hiding and smiling.

- I am not satisfied with the results today - I replied. - Something has to be done about these cars... It can't be like this!

- Hey, guapa! - he cut me off and parked in the building's parking lot, then turned to me. - Don't think about it after you leave the track, okay?

- What should I think about? - I asked confused. - Well, that's my job, if I don't think about it, tomorrow what...

- Lissie... - he reached out and cupped my face in his hands. - Tomorrow will be a new day and I promise you it will be better. It's a qualification, we'll make it there.

I nodded uncertainly and looked down. The way Carlos has been communicating with me has been confusing me a lot lately. I didn't know if I liked it or not.

- Guapa, how about I make a light dinner and let's watch Netflix? - he asked, making me look up at him again.

- We must be well rested for tomorrow - I answered seriously.

- We will be, don't worry - replied Sainz with a small smile and kissed my hand. - Let's go?

I agreed and left his car with a slow weary step.

Notes: Hello guys in the first race week! Here I am with the new chapter, sorry it took me so long, but with the drivers' break I've decided to take a little writer's break to write some chapters forward. That's why I was so inactive excuse me about that! <3

Soo what we have in this chapter? Well three key conversations which would change the life of Lissie. One with Carlos - should she accept his offer?  Second with his father - what does he wanted from her? And third with Max - does she have to listen to him?

Well, I hope you liked the new chapter -  give a star/comment if so, hear the external link aaand see you at the next part! <3 <3

Love ya guys! <3

N16 XOXOXO