03.Jun – Qualifying day

Saturday. After race day, this was perhaps the most important of all during the race weekend. When I woke up, I felt a weight in my chest, as if a stone was on the top of them. Realizing the importance of Qualifying today, for both Carlos and Charles, after we tested the new components on our cars yesterday and the results were unsatisfactory, now something had to compensate for the inadequacy in the build of the cars. That was the strategy. I always had one built up, I knew as soon as I opened my eyes how the day was going to go, but now it was different. The only sensible move I could think of so that the responsibility fell entirely on the driver was to separate them. They didn't have to be on the track at the same time, or at least not in such close proximity, because there was always someone (in most cases Carlos) slowing down his teammate and then problems happened.

Satisfied that I had found a compromise, difficult as it was to execute, I got out of bed and directly put on Carlos's merch uniform. Put on some light makeup, pulled my hair into a fishbone braid and put all my traditional jewelry on. I walked out of my room and looked over to Carlos' one - the door was still closed. Interestingly, I woke up before him - it's unbelievable. Went to the kitchen and hastily prepared an espresso, since I could not find the necessary components for my favorite cappuccino. When my coffee was ready, I decided it would be a good idea to go out on the terrace and stay there for a while, alone with the sea.

I leaned against the metal railing, cup of coffee in my hands, and gazed out at the endless expanse of sea. If I could define the concept of beauty, I would point out exactly what my eyes saw. A wide space occupied by water colored in various shades of blue, small boats, medium-sized yachts, larger ships and in the distance huge tankers floating in it, a large beach with golden sands, blue cloudless sky, sun caressing with its rays and all it touch is desolation. This sight brought peace to my mind and soul, soothed me, gave me pleasure, and made me forget about everything.

Something flashed and caught my attention. It was the ruby ​​bracelet on my hand. I sipped my coffee and stared at it, then played with it. There was something here - I felt like the events with Chess were repeating themselves and I was experiencing his pain of impossible love. But those eyes, I saw them often, I knew them, they were so similar that I was already starting to think that the problem was in my head, and I was... crazy.

The bracelet flashed again, and I felt a light touch on my back, and within seconds, Carlos' huge hands were on either side of me, gripping the railing tightly.

- Good morning, guapa! - he greeted me, whispering in my ear. Shivers ran through my spine.

I gave him a quick glance over my shoulder as his massive body greatly limited the movements I could perform.

- Good morning... Carlos! - I answered half-heartedly.

He took a step to the side and lifted my chin with his finger to ensure eye contact between us.

- Is everything okay? - Sainz asked. - Didn't you sleep well?

- Oh, no, no, I'm fine - I laughed and pulled back, putting distance between us.

I couldn't help myself and looked down at his body, biting my lips. He was naked to the waist, and every muscle in his body was well sculpted, as if shaped by a chisel. His body of a Roman deity made me gasp in my mind every time, and sometimes I couldn't hold back and let my admiration flow outside the confines of my brain. But this complexion, lush black hair, domineering, sometimes confused look, combined with a charming smile and well-kept shape began to impress me more and more. And I found myself unable to stop staring at him.

- Do you want to go out for breakfast? - the Spaniard suddenly asked as I sipped my coffee, staring at his abs and V-line.

- I want to go to the circuit - I answered unconsciously, then looked up at his face. There was confusion in his eyes.

- What are we going to do there so early? - he frowned.

- I want to watch Arthur - I said uncertainly.

Carlos pursed his lips. He looked angry, but I couldn't understand why. What did he expect from me? I am not his property, nor should I have to conform to him, given the fact that our relationship was on a friendly level.

- If you want, I can go alone - I stammered. - I won't take you off your schedule.

- No, we'll go together - he shook his head. - Come on, we'll have breakfast here first.

He headed for the apartment, and I followed him, shouting to him:

- Then I'll go alone, I don't need breakfast.

- I insist!

Carlos said this sternly and turned to me, looking at me with that eerily serious look that gave me goosebumps every time. However, I cocked my head, as I did whenever I was ready to force my opinion over that of the person opposite me. Ready for a confrontation.

- I'll take my laptop and bag - I smiled slightly. - And will be waiting for you in the car.

I drank the rest of my coffee in one gulp and shivered. Then turned my back on Sainz and headed for my room, calling out to him before entering it:

- If you insist so much, you can make me a cappuccino. I will be grateful!

I could feel the tension in the air. Carlos was furious, and I was pleased that I had managed to bring him to this state. I hated being told what to do and it always made me want to overcome. This time I succeeded.

#

Sainz left me in the garages and headed for the hospitality. His bad mood today was probably due to the fact that his day didn't go according to his plan, but mine. But he was going to have to get used to complying with me. Of course, I felt a little uncomfortable that Carlos was frowning, but this childish behavior was something he had to forget. Still, I also had friends who were before his intrusive presence in my life, and he had to respect them.

As Arthur prepared to get into his car, Charles walked past and greeted him, then wished him luck. When I saw the Medium Leclerc approaching the garage, I hid in the back of it, trying to remain unnoticed. But as always Charles, in addition to the ability to catch the cameras, he had the one of catching my eyes.

Now our eyes met again, and my heart skipped a beat. I even felt a little dizzy and had to sit down. It wasn't the first time Charles had given me that feeling, followed by my quickening pulse and slight shortness of breath. And as I nervously fumbled for a tissue in my bag to wipe the sweat from my forehead after seeing him, he walked up to me and took the chair on my left without asking if the seat was free.

- I didn't say you could sit down - I said coldly.

- I don't see any other candidates - laughed Charles, looking around.

I looked up at him and a blush crept up my cheeks. He was the same handsome man, the same playful young man with whom I had shared everything until now. Nothing had changed. He was still my friend, and he was trying hard to fill the hole we both had created recently.

- Okay, then stay, but if other candidates show up, I'll ask you to leave - I said, crossing my arms over my chest.

- I plan to kick them out - he laughed out loud.

- Don't you dare! - I replied in a threatening tone. - You have moved on, don't put limits on my future!

It came as a bolt from the blue for Leclerc. He was embarrassed and parted his pink lips slightly, looking at me pityingly. I wasn't sure that was the right thing to say... I hurt myself with those words because... I wanted him.

- I see you have your pants on - I changed the subject after a short silence.

- And you with the amulets - remarked the Monegasque, pointing to my bracelet.

- I'm not removing them... - I shrugged. - Traditions are traditions...

- And they must be followed - we said together in one voice and laughed.

He regained his calm sweet expression. The beauty of his pure, innocent gaze overwhelmed me again. His smile with the cute dimples was what always made my heart beat faster no matter what was going on between us. But the memory of Monaco still haunted me, and everything was ruined when the incident in the bar there flashed before me.

- You're too early for the paddock - noted Charles.

I looked down and smiled. If he knew how I forced my roommate to bring me here, he'd probably be amazed.

- I wanted to see Arthy - I answered and started nervously playing with my manicure. - After Monaco, we couldn't see each other and...

- Lissie, about Monaco - Leclerc interrupted me and grabbed my hand, but I hastened to pull away.

- It's already past, I don't want to bring my thoughts back there... - I tried to lie, but the truth was that my thoughts were only there.

- I have to explain something to you, but I can't here... - he leaned down and whispered. - You know that here even the walls have ears.

- Charlie, you have nothing to explain to me. I overreacted the other day and realized my mistake, so I really hope you are happy and everything in your life is okay now - I shook my head and smiled through the pain.

- But Lissie...

I cupped his face in my hands and silenced him. Both of our eyes filled with tears at that moment. Apparently, something was really bothering him, but it was better for both of us to move on than to go back and give each other empty explanations.

I swallowed hard and said:

- I'll keep my fingers crossed for you... I hope you get a Pole position.

- Thank you, little one! - he couldn't help himself and pulled me into a tight hug.

We stayed in each other's arms for a long time, and I really didn't want to let go. I didn't care if anyone would see me, comment, or take pictures of us. His embrace felt like home. I felt happy and whole here.

#

The third free practice went as always, Max was first, leading the practice almost the entire time. Shortly before the second half of practice, Sergeant crashed into the safety walls and caused a red flag. As it was raining, it was necessary to use intermediate tires in the second part of practice. Our drivers finished P4 for Sainz and P7 for Leclerc. A disappointing result that I was hoping would be improved.

This weekend the official guests of our garage were football stars Kylian Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski. The boys, knowing that I love football, decided to introduce me to them, so I spent a relatively long time before lunch in the hospitality, where we talked and took pictures with these masters of sports.

I had just headed to the garages to start working on the cars when Carlos called me from behind and stopped me.

- Lissie, it's lunch break time! - he said, catching up with me. - You coming?

- No, Carlos, I have a lot of work to do - I replied and shook my head.

- Pequeña, you didn't have breakfast, and now to skip lunch... - Sainz approached me, looking at me with concern.

- Carlos, stop treating me like a little child! - I got angry. - So far, I have managed without your constant tutelage!

The Spaniard pursed his lips, placed his hand on my cheek and began to caress it gently.

- I'm just concerned about you and your health, guapa - he said quietly.

- And since when? - I raised my eyebrows.

Carlos was silent for a moment, as if searching for the right words, but when he didn't answer me in the few seconds, had given him, I simply turned my back on him and headed for the garages. I walked with my head down and my eyes fixed on the ground, thinking about what was happening to me, so didn't even notice that a person was walking towards me. I realized this only when collided with his body and felt two strong arms around my waist. I inhaled deeply the scent of bitter orange and peppermint... It was him.

- What are you doing here? - I muttered, looking up at him.

- I work here - Charles laughed, not letting go of my waist.

- Yes, for a minute had honestly forgotten that we are on the same team - I giggled sarcastically and stepped back. - By the way, good job today, but P7 doesn't suit us... Especially for the Qualifying.

- I know, I will try to improve - Leclerc bit his lips and looked at me uncertainly. - Do you want to have lunch together?

I thought for a moment and looked at him with a sad look. I wanted to accept, but I couldn't. Especially after I refused Sainz.

- I'm sorry, but I have to work on the cars and prepare for the Quali - I replied with displeasure and patted him on the shoulder. - Good luck Charlie!

- Good luck, Lissie!

He leaned down and kissed my cheek, then walked around me and headed for the hospitality. I was numb for a moment, then stroked the kissed place and smiled. When I looked up, I saw Vasseur in the distance. And realized that I had messed up.

#

It was time for the most important part of this day. I took my seat by the pit wall, put on my headphones and went through all my pre-race rituals. After passing through them I looked up at the sky. The rain had stopped but the track was still wet which was dangerous so I decided to leave our cars in the pits as long as it was possible initially - if one of the other drivers accidentally caused a Red Flag then we wouldn't have wasted tires or caused it ourselves.

Qualifying has begun. Only our cars and Sargeant's were in the pits. I waited for the other teams to start putting the first times on the track and reports on its condition, but the radars called my attention - the rain was approaching, and we had to clear the laps before then. But the track was too wet, and I had just instructed the two drivers to leave the pits when they red-flagged for the bad track conditions and everyone had to pit again.

- Okay guys, I want you to be ready - I put my microphone on. - When the session is resumed, we must go on the track first. Charles - you will lead, Sainz - follow him.

- Copy - answered both drivers.

I turned to look at them, but they were both hidden behind the huge analysis boards in front of them. But I managed to catch Andrea's eyes first. He looked at me anxiously, but still nodded as if to reassure me that everything was fine. Then I looked over at Rupert in the garage next door. He and I hadn't yet established the relationship that I had with Andrea, I don't know if we ever would, but I saw Sainz pull his arm and say something to him, then the coach looked straight at me and waved. I answered the wave and smiled shyly. When he bowed his head to his driver he nodded and the tension in the garage calmed. But not mine.

My tension was increasing with each passing second and I was worried about the boys' results. A good strategy was important right now, but I was starting to feel let down. I started to think I wouldn't make it. Chills shot through my body, sweat suddenly broke out on my back and my stomach curled up into a ball. No, it wasn't a good omen.

The session resumed with 13 minutes remaining. I wished the drivers good luck and began to follow their movements through the track. But total chaos reigned.

Charles' car in the third sector floated slightly in the water and for this reason he registered a P12. Sainz almost crashed into Gasly before exiting the final corner but registered a second time.

- He should be punished for that - Sainz said into the microphone.

- We are working on it - I answered and changed the station. - Leclerc you are at P18, try to get out of the elimination zone, you have 7 minutes left. Enter a new fast lap.

- Copy - he replied.

I called Sainz into the pits, as he was already on P6, and I didn't want a repeat of the events with Charles impending from the previous time. The field was clear only for driver number 16. But he couldn't get in another fast lap, and we had little time left until the end of Q1.

- There's something wrong with my wheels guys - Charles called us.

- Come to box... - I answered him. - They are also calling you for mandatory measurement...

My heart was pounding as I watched the tire change - an extra set of new soft tires, it didn't go as planned and the measurement further delayed our pit stop. Then I looked at the timer. 3 minutes to go.

- Both drivers to leave the box! - I turned my microphone on. - We need to improve the times.

The drivers came out of the pits. They took their place on the track and did a slow warm-up lap as planned, then one after the other went into fast laps. But something was going on with Charles' car - it was hard to drive and didn't seem to have enough power. I didn't know who to blame the set-up or the sub-optimal tire temperature, but Leclerc set P11, which didn't suit us at all when there were still drivers who hadn't completed their final laps. Sainz made a last minute P4 and so Charles moved down one position. My heart sank, my stomach turned, and I went all over as Charles began to slide down the rankings and the checkered flag was already flying. In the end, Leclerc dropped to P19 and was knocked out in Q1.

- We're off the quali, aren't we? - Charles asked.

- Yes, we're out - I replied, a tear falling from my eye.

- Unbelievable... - I heard the disappointment in his voice.

I bit my lip and tried to compose myself. I turned to see Leclerc coming back into the pits. My eyes met Vasseur's, who was furious. But was I at fault here?

It was time for Q2 to begin. We were left with only one driver, who I had to fully focus on in order to get him out of the hole. Carlos left the pit lane one of the first, on the used set of soft tires and after doing two preparation laps, entered a fast one - achieved P3.

- OK, P3, go to the box, to change tires - I said seriously.

I myself felt that I could not speak encouragingly and uplifted. I wasn't in that mood. Yes, I was jug-handled, yes at this point I wanted Charles to be on the track too and I didn't care if Carlos would notice or not, if any of the rest of the team would reflect on it if I would be a jerk. I rejoiced in Charles's successes and suffered with him in his difficult moments...

- There are 4 minutes to go - I turned on my microphone. - We're going out on the track.

Carlos went out on the track again, and I started to feel bad. My head was dizzy and hurt badly, cold sweat broke out on my forehead, and my stomach was still in a ball. I buried my face in my hands, I had never felt so bad during qualifying or any race before. Anxiety, goosebumps, nervousness... This shouldn't have happened to me.

When I looked up at the screens, there were a few seconds left in Q2 and Sainz was in the elimination zone. If I didn't gather up, our second car would also fall. But the Spaniard scored a second time in the last seconds.

- Sainz P2 is 0.030 behind Verstappen - I said into the microphone. - Let's go back to the box!

- Copy.

But Carlos finished Q2 third as Norris knocked him down. His former teammate had quite a few upgrades on the car if he was doing so well now.

By the beginning of Q3, my condition had already improved. Now everything depended on choosing the right moment to attack the track, but Vasseur's stern gaze was fixed on me, and I could feel it. Only one chair - Mekies's - separated us, and my hunch, which usually didn't lie to me, told me that something was probably going to happen.

- Okay Carlos, now I want you very focused - I began, turning on my microphone. - We are out first, and you have every chance to impress your home audience and your loved ones. We're counting on you... the whole team.

- Wish me luck! - he replied and left the pit, and I turned around, following him all the way to the exit of the pit lane.

- Good luck, Chili! - I whispered and clutched the amulet around my neck.

Sainz's drive was going well, he did two quick laps, one of which earned him P3. I ordered a pit stop for new tires and a few quick checks on the car.

3 minutes before the end of Q3 we put Carlos on the track again.

- Sainz, listen to me carefully - I said over the radio. - I want you to calm down, warm up the tires and attack, okay?

- Copy, Lissie - he replied.

I sent him again with a look to the end of the pit lane and waited for him to come onto the track, then I turned to the screens and began to watch his movement intently. Shortly before Q3 was over Sainz registered P2 and stayed on until the checkered flag and beyond.

- P2 Sainz. Good job boy! - I shouted into my microphone. - Congratulations! You made it! Oh, Mio Dio...Come on, go back to the pit.

- Thank you, Lissie! - Sainz replied. - I'm sorry about Charles.

I fell silent and lowered my head, then turned to Mekies and sighed.

- I can't believe Leclerc is 19... - I said, taking off my headphones. – Where we did it wrong... I'm still in shock.

- The important thing is that at least one of our cars is on the front row - he shrugged.

- I really hope the others don't end up in a Ferrari sandwich... - I shook my head. - There will be no sleep tonight, I will have to come up with a strategy, how to get Leclerc out of the bottom.

- Good luck, little one, I know you'll make it! - Mekies tapped me on the shoulder.

I got off the pit wall and headed towards the garages. I wanted to ask Fusaro what happened, and we were just about to talk when I heard Vasseur's voice behind me.

- Bernardi! Come here now!

My eyes widened at the fear that came over me at that moment. Fusaro looked at me worriedly and pursed his lips.

I turned to Vasseur and approached him with timid little steps.

- What's up sir...

- Did you see what you did? - he shouted, calling the attention of the people around us.

- What did I do? - I asked.

- I told you to stay away from him! - he hissed.

- What do you want from me? - I immediately raised my voice. - Should I not communicate with him at all?

- I saw you today in Charles' garage and before that at his brother's qualifying! - continued the team principal. - I ordered you not to mess with him. You could only distract him, and you will ruin his future!

- Am I distracting him?! - I gasped. - Vasseur, why don't you fuck off? Half the people here are employed by the "work with morons" program! I will not follow your stupid orders. The life is mine and I decide how to live it!

- Oh really? This P19 is because of you!

- And because of who is Sainz's P2? - I asked, and Vasseur froze for a second. I felt it was the moment and moved on. - You contradict yourself, Vasseur. The team is collapsing, but it's not my fault! I may sound like Horner, but IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM, CHANGE YOUR FUCKING CAR!

Many people gathered, including the two drivers who jumped out of their garages. My heart started racing, my whole body shook, and I felt again the goosebumps.

- And because you don't follow my orders, do you want me to fire you right now? - Vasseur asked.

- Oh, yes, when you have no other arguments, you start using this - I crossed my arms.

- But now I can really do it! - he answered me.

I got angry, my blood boiled, and I clenched my fists tightly. I wanted to punch that man in the face. Then anger fully blinded me, and I did something unexpected for me.

I quickly walked over to Sainz and grabbed his hand, then pulled him close and without thinking for any second kissed him. Yes, that's right - I pressed my lips passionately into those of the Spaniard, who did not expect this to happen to him at all. But he quickly came to his senses and returned the kiss, and at that moment I heard the clicking of cameras, the sighs of the people around, as well as low whistles of surprise.

When I broke away from Sainz, I opened my eyes and exhaled heavily, realizing what a mess I had made. But I was still furious, and I turned to Vasseur and shouted:

- Are you calm now, Vasseur?! I will not ruin the future of your precious driver! I won't let you interfere in my private life either - my eyes watered and I wiped my lips from the kiss. - And now choose - fire me or I have to leave on my own!

Vasseur fell silent and looked at me in shock. My eyes locked with those of Charles who was standing behind him. The Monegasque narrowed his eyebrows and took on a stone-cold expression. I knew perfectly well how he felt... Just as I did that night in Monaco. Now I felt even worse than before. I ran my fingers through my hair, then pushed Sainz out of my way and ran to the paddock.

#

My phone was ringing, I was getting messages, but I didn't want to see them. I walked alone through the streets of Barcelona and didn't hear or see what was going on around me at all. I stopped in front of the Sagrada Familia and sat on a bench in front. I wanted to go in, but couldn't because they had already closed. Then started crying. I hurt Charles, I hurt myself, but mostly I stabbed myself in a cul-de-sac driving a tractor.

- Chess... Chess, tell me what to do! - I said looking at my bracelet. - Help me... I... I need to be by Charles's side in this difficult time, but... I think I've lost all chances and... Chess help me... Tell me what to do! Give me a sign! Please!

I felt the familiar warm breeze on my back and suddenly...

- Girl! - I heard a woman's voice behind me and turned around. Kika stood in front of me, Pierre behind her.

- Chess... Is this the only thing you could make up?! - I rolled my eyes.

- There you are, dangerous woman! - shouted Pierre and approached me together with his girlfriend. - We've been looking for you everywhere!

- Oh, really! - I snorted and wiped my tears.

- Yes, I checked all the hospitalities first, to make sure you don't fill your diary with kissed drivers - Gasly grinned, and Kika punched him in the stomach.

- Your inappropriate sexual jokes are the least thing I need right now - I said and sat down on the bench.

- Charles was at the medical center - Gasly said gravely. – Here you are something serious.

- PARDON! - I jumped up from my seat and ran my hands through my hair. - What happened to him?! He must have felt bad after what I did! MIO DIO, it's my fault!

- No, no... Routine anti-drug test, dear... don't worry - Kika reassured me.

- I think I need a drink! - I cried and sat down again. - This is the most terrible season... I want it to end... I can't take it anymore! I ruined everything.

I burst into tears. I really couldn't take this tension anymore.

- You don't need a drink, but to explain to us what happened - Kika said and sat down next to me, and her friend took the free seat next to me.

- It happened what you saw... In Miami, Vasseur tried to forbid me to communicate with the drivers, he told me that I would ruin Charles's future, and I decided to show him that he cannot interfere in my private life...

- Wait, wait... - Pierre interrupted me. - Let's start from the beginning of the story, which is that you left the bar in Monaco with Sainz. Why?

- The beginning is still in Miami, Pierre - I stuttered. - But the sequel was with the failure in Monaco and the appearance of a girl with Leclerc which  drove me crazy, obviously this time my tiredness worked, and I drank too much, I had a fight with Leclerc and... Sainz was by my side then, he took care... Now he brought me here and... I don't know, I'm confused!

- Lissie, Charles didn't really tell us anything... - Kika said. - When we ask him what happened to you both, he avoids the subject. We all bet you'll be leaving as a couple soon. And it was a big shock for us to see him at the party in Monaco...

- Don't remind me! - I interrupted her. - I just don't know what to do anymore. I'm probably all over the tabloids...

- Look, tell us, are you falling for him or was it all because you were hurt by Charlie and wanted to rub Vasseur's nose in it? - asked Pierre.

- I don't know... - I shook my head. - I need this to think... I guess I acted hastily and...

- Lissie, if you have feelings, you don't wait, you act - he said seriously. - It's like in Formula 1, if you have a chance - you TAKE IT, otherwise someone else will overtake you... I did that with Kika. I took the chance and...

- Here's the result - she finished his sentence and they both blew an air kiss.

I thought about it and lowered my head. Maybe Charles and I waited too long. I denied, refused, pushed him away because of Vasseur and now I'm the one overtaken.

- I'm still not sure of anything... - I sighed. - But I'll make sure to clear everything up myself...

- Lissie, we're with you... And we'll support you no matter what you decide - Kika said and stroked my back. - Also, Sainz is free now, if you like him - dare girl!

- Well, admit it, it would have been cool if the intrigue was with one of Charles's opponents - Gasly chuckled. - But it is even more interesting when it is with his teammate.

Kika turned around and punched him in the chest and the boy laughed even harder.

- Okay just kidding, they're both my friends so I won't have to split the companies - he shrugged. - And if you with Charles are destined, you will still get together someday.

- What do you mean Pierre? - I asked him.

- Nothing! Come  over for a group hug!

They both hugged me tight. It was nice to have such good friends to listen and support you. However, my problem of what to do from here on was not resolved but deepened.

#

Kika and Pierre drove me to Sainz's apartment. I went upstairs and the Spaniard greeted me with a big hug.

- Lissie, where were you? – he asked me, pressing me tightly to him. - I got worried about you!

- I needed to clear my head – replied pulling out of the hug.

- Yes, of course... – he laughed nervously and rubbed his neck. - Um, do you want to talk...

- Let me take a shower and we will... – I said looking at the ground.

- Of course, guapa! - he caressed my cheek and smiled gently.

I sighed and pulled away, then went to my bedroom and hurried to take a hot shower.

#

A few hours later, maybe passing midnight, I was sitting in my bed instead of going to Sainz. I wasn't used to being away from Charles at a difficult time. Now I had to be with him, hug him, encourage him, tell him how I have the genius strategy to pull him out of the bottom. Even though I didn't have... Just blinded by my anger, I created a huge mess in my life.

It was raining outside, just like inside my soul. I was watching the rain through my windows and thinking.

There was a knock on my door and Sainz came in. He scratched his nape and put his hand on his waist:

- Shall we have dinner, Lissie?

- I'm not hungry - I replied, looking again at the rain.

- Lissie, it's not good like that... - he came closer to me and sat on the bed. - Let's at least talk about today.

I looked at him with sad eyes and forced a smile.

- Let's talk - I replied.

He moved closer to me and took my hand.

- I'll be direct, Lissie... – he sighed. - I know you're thinking about Charles... I know you might even be comparing me to him... I know you might have been hoping for something completely different but... Lissie, I really like you.

- You like me? - I laughed. - And since when?

- Actually, since the beginning when I met you... – he laughed shyly. - But you were too captivated by him... But there was always another one who only looked at you.

I lowered my head shyly and bit my lip. I remembered the words of my friends, and a small smile crept across my lips.

- I have waited until now and now I will wait for you again - he continued, settling himself closer to me. - To clarify your feelings...

- And that's why you betrayed me in Australia? – I interrupted him with an ironic smile. – Because you like me, right?

- But you forgave me, didn't you? – Sainz swallowed hard.

- But I haven't forgotten – I replied cold.

He laughed in disbelief and shook his head.

- Lissie, indeed – the Spaniard continued. - I will do my best to fight for your heart.

- Sainz, I...

- Lissie, I'm serious - he smiled and cupped my face in his huge hands. - We can still be close friends, hanging out together and I will wait for you to find yourself. I don't want to push you, so if you don't feel well, at anytime during our... thing... just tell me, Lissie...

We both fell silent. I sighed heavily and nodded.

- Just give me a little time... – I smiled. – To overthink...

- You got it, Lissie!

Hepulled me into his arms, and I rested my head on his chest, listening to hisfast excited heartbeat. Probably he really had some feelings for me... But in myhead... it was Charles again.

Notes: Hi guys! Again I am so sorry for the delayed chapter, I'm starting feeling like FIA during wet conditions race - delaying, delaying, delaying. Sorry! <3

Anyways, what we have here? Well, the plot - twist some of you predicted, some of you expected and probably didn't wanted. But as Pierre said - the intrigue gets bigger now both teammates are involved into Lissa's love life... Which is complete mess but nevermind. Well what will happen next? What about Charles, Vasseur, Sainz?  What is Chess'role in all of this? Well wait for the next chapter and you will get some answers. :P

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

Love ya! <3

N16XOXOXO