26 – 27. Apr – Landing in Baku

Working with Charles and Carlos in the simulator wasn't that easy, especially when I was still not on good terms with one of them. Many times, during the week at Maranello, Sainz tried to reach me out, to speak with me, he even brought me a coffee several times, but I gave it to my new friends – Mia and Silvia. I didn't want to have anything in common with him. For me he was still the betrayer and when I was talking to Charles or someone else from the team, and Carlos was near, I started to search for a place further away from him. I only used to communicate with him during the simulator sessions or in mandatory work-related conversation, always keeping a cold tone and poker face. He seemed to be sad about that, leaving the workplace broken, and so do I. Time would perhaps heal the offence he had given to me then, but I would always have one thing in mind as to what to share in front of him and what not. The trust. It's difficult to build it, but its destruction can happen literally in a second.

Apart the relationships at the team, the cars received many improvements, they got a new rear wing, and the turbo was changed. Our drivers were satisfied of the good results they achieved during the tests on the track, and I was happy about that. Finally, someone heard my words. I still haven't told anyone that the upcoming weekend will be the first entire weekend for me as a Main Strategist. Even to my parents. I've decided to be a good employee at least once.

The time flew away and here we are again in the race week. After three tough weeks, working hard at Maranello it was a high time to pack again up and head to the next destination – Baku, Azerbaijan. The whole team stayed till the last minutes at Ferrari hometown and on Wednesday we finished the preparation for the Grand Prix. For my time on this job, I got the impression that the Scuderia had this habit of getting things done at the last minute, regardless of whether it would have a bad influence on the performance or not. But I wasn't the boss here, so I could not change anything at all. But if I was the team leader, I was going to make their life miserable, for every mistake they make, and to encourage those who are doing really well. "An iron fist in a velvet glove". That was the motto.

The previous evening before our departure Charles and Joris came to Modena to see me. This time they called me first, so I had enough time to dress up and prepare something to welcome them. We had a quick dinner at my apartment and the main topic of our conversation was the song Charles released. I was so proud of him, and he... he was just shy saying he didn't do much. I felt so bad for Joris, who was third - wheeling during the whole dinner, and I organized a little fun for them both, just to excuse that Charles paid enormously huge attention to me. They both left for a bowling game I arranged for them, meanwhile I stayed alone at my apartment to pack my things for the trip. Charles insisted the whole company from Australia to gather again and travel together, so the next day we were leaving with his brothers, the coach and Joris. Beautiful... Fucking beautiful!

In fact, I got excited about our journey together, the previous time wasn't that bad, even though they ruined my sleeping schedule. I noticed something very strange about myself – the closer I got to Charles and his loved ones, the more anxious I felt when I had to spend time with them. I was afraid that I could do something wrong and present myself in a bad light, and that this would alienate not only them, but also Charles from me. I already lost one of my closest people in this team and I was sad about that. I didn't want to lose another one.

Somehow imperceptibly the night I was waiting so much for came. I got out of the taxi and took my luggage with me. Again, the struggle with the huge suitcases, the bag with my laptop and the purse. It was a cold spring night and I had to wear ticker clothes – a black turtleneck sweater, leather jacket and my favorite high wasted jeans. I managed to take only a few little steps to the entrance when I heard screeching brakes. I already knew who was coming.

- Oh, regarde qui est déjá lá! – a familiar voice boomed in my ears. – Lissie! Wait for us!

I rolled my eyes and turned around with a deep sigh. Arthur was running to me with a Ferrari backpack on his back, dressed in a black fluffy pull and white skinny jeans. He spread his arms and bumped into me, wrapping me in a tight hug.

- Oh, I missed you so much, Lissie! – the young Leclerc said almost cracking my ribs.

- Content de te revoir, Arthy! – I whispered and he immediately released me from his grip.

- That can't be truth! – the blondie exclaimed. – Don't tell me you can...

- Shh, don't let your brother know! – I chuckled. – I am still practicing!

At this moment Charles popped up behind his brothers back and gave him a quick stern look. Arthur stepped back raising hands in defense and laughed embarrassed. Then Charles turned to me and smiled.

- What do you both hide? – he asked hugging me.

- Oh, nothing, just an...

- Lissa speaks Fr... – Arthur started, and I gave him a death stare to stop him.

The blondie mouthed "What?!" and I waved my little finger to him – the polite middle finger.

- You speak... - Charles looked at me with expectation to continue his sentence. I had to get out of this situation.

- I speak Frisian... - I dropped the bomb and both boys looked at me stunned. Even I was shocked of my lie.

- Well, with risk to repeat myself... - Charles rubbed his nape. – You don't stop to amaze me, darling!

- Yeah, yeah, a multifunctional person – I waved casually with my hand. – Can be used for everything and at the end of the day is too overqualified and can't be used for nothing.

- We would like to use you – Arthur said catching the attention of me and Charles.

We looked at him shocked and his face immediately turned red.

- Excuse my bad Italian... - with every word he was becoming even redder. – I meant we would like to use any of your skills for...

- Thur, what did you say again to got you into explaining mode? – Andrea joined the conversation. – Excuse our kiddo, he will always be like that!

Although Artur didn't like the joke, we laughed at it. Then Joris approached us, followed by an unknown for me person. A man with bowed head, baseball cap, leather pilot style jacket and skinny black jeans. He was scrolling though his phone and didn't pay attention to us.

- Oh, Charles! – I sighed. – Why you always have to bring new people with us without any warning...

- What are you talking about? – Charles asked in confusion, but I already extended my hand to the new person.

- Hello, Mister, I am... - I started introducing myself, andat this moment Charles grabbed my hand and the person looked at me surprised.

- Lissa, please, that's Lorenzo! – the middle Leclerc whispered in my ear, leaving me open mouthed.

- It's me, Leclerc! – said the man I used to think it's unknown and lifted his cap a little bit upper.

- Oh, Lorenzo... - I blushed from embarrassment – So sorry... I couldn't recognize you with this beard... moustaches... Oh, Padre mio! I am so stupid!

- Ha, brother, isn't that your quote? – asked ironically Arthur and started laughing, but Charles shot him with a death stare.

I ended up in a super awkward situation that I was afraid of. How could I say that?!

- Anyway... - I tried to break the heavy mood. – Why are you like that, Lorenzo?

- A tradition for Baku – he explained with a bitter smile. – It has always been really special to us, especially about Charles...

The middle brother cleared his throat as if to stop Lorenzo talking. For a couple of seconds there was an awkward silence again, which I had to find how to fill up.

- Traditions?! – I exclaimed. – I love them! I have learnt everything about Azerbaijan and it's capital... Ah, what an amazing city! I could be your tour guide through the streets.

- You know the race is street one? – Charles said revealing his sweet dimples. – We know every corner of these streets.

- We have been raised on the streets – Lorenzo added. – The gang of the streets.

I felt stupid while they were laughing. It seemed Arthur saw that and tried to save me from this.

- We are "The street gang"... A street gang that's will be amazing for a picture quote. Let's take a photo now! Joris, come here, on the second!

And before I could even realize I found myself in front of Charles, who wrapped his arm around my neck, on my left was Arthur, putting his both arms around my waist and on my right – Lorenzo, who casually leaned on his middle brother's shoulder. Joris took the photo and smiled fondly at the screen of his camera. The youngest Leclerc rushed to give a look, while I was still in Charles' grip.

- That was pretty unexpected! – I laughed nervously, and he slowly moved away.

- Sometimes the unexpected things are the best ones – he winked at me, putting his hands in his back pockets.

I slid my eyes over his body. He was wearing dark-blue jeans and a white cotton polo shirt. Charles didn't have a jacket on, in contrast to his two brothers who were well dressed. It wasn't typical for him. But he was looking so good, that I couldn't take my eyes of him.

- It's so good! – I heard Arthur and snapped out of my trans. – I will post it with a deep quote.

- The street gang is hitting the road again! – offered Lorenzo.

- Good idea, man! – they clapped their hands.

- Do you agree? – Charles whispered to me.

I turned to him, locking our sights again. These beautiful bright eyes staring at me made me shiver.

- Agree with what? – I raised my eyebrows.

- The quote – he continued staring at me with a little smirk.

- It couldn't be better! – I smiled shyly and bowed my head to hide the redness that spread across my cheeks.

- Guys, we should go, the plane is not going to wait for us! – Andrea reminded.

- The father of the group is here again! – Lorenzo chuckled.

Charles made me a sign to follow him, and we all headed to the airport entrance, while in my mind were still the words of Lorenzo... "The street gang is hitting the road again". Was I part of this "gang"?

#

This time we were traveling not in a private jet, but in first class. The journey continued through the night and the whole group decided that sleep was more important than being awake to "fight the jet lag". In my opinion the bad performance on the previous race weekend was not only due to the bad relations in the team but also to the fact that we weren't well rested.

I was seated next to Charles, which wasn't a surprise to me. He was really kind with me during the whole trip. Leclerc took care of my seatbelt before the taking off, then gave me his neck pillow, in case I fell asleep and don't have a place to lean on, shared his air pods with me and we both listened to some relaxing piano music.

Seven hours later and one transfer on the airport of Istanbul we finally arrived in Azerbaijan. I was excited to take a ride through the town the next day. Baku was near the Caspian Sea, which meant that due to the weather forecast warm sunny days were ahead of us. I haven't got any positive expectations about this race weekend, just hoped that the hard training sessions with both drivers was worth it.

#

The program this weekend was really different. FIA made some changes and now everything was pure chaos. During the Media Day the team had permission to make a tour through the circuit, so the drivers could get to know it better. On Friday we had only one free practice, and in the afternoon was going to be the Qualifying for the race on Sunday. Then Saturday were going to be Sprint Shootout and Sprint race which was an insane decision. The drivers couldn't take a rest for any minute even the cars weren't able to be changed if something was happening on them. The ridiculous new regalement and the scoring were something that bothered the drivers a lot, especially Max, but FIA would always be FIA. At least there weren't changes for the Sunday's race event.

This Thursday was quite different from usual as the whole weekend was going to be. All of the team members received in the early morning hours on their work e-mails a schedule of activities by hours. The workday was about to start at 9 o'clock when everyone has to be at the paddock, because a vlog for the YouTube channel of Ferrari was going to be filmed. After that the drivers had a little bit of time for Seat-fitting, inspecting the cars and then – the Track walk. Before lunch there was going to be a brief team meeting to discuss the weekend and after that free time. It was good, at least we were going to have some free time for a walk through the town. This time Charles invited me for a private tour of the city of Baku and I was super excited about that. We have already had one like that at Saudi Arabia, and I expected this one to be as wonderful as the previous one.

I dressed myself up in the red Ferrari uniform and took a little bag with the laptop and some clothes to change in after that. There was a motivation for me to be more accomplished than before. I wanted to work and that I kept my place at this team was a real honor. No, the old rebel Lissa wasn't kidnapped, she was still there deep inside me on a standby mood.

I put all my lucky jewelries, light make up and perfume on. I was happy that my feet managed to fit in my new red trainers with the Ferrari logo on them, which I bought during the break, and still haven't used them. Maybe it wasn't the best day to put them on, considering I had a tour of the city ahead of me, but I had to match the shoes with my red T-shirt and dark skinny jeans. After I was fully prepared for the day, I left for the circuit.

I arrived at the paddock right on time. Charles and Arthur were already there, talking in front of the hospitality of the Scuderia, while Carlos checked a couple of minutes after my entrance. We ran across each other but just greeted cold. The previous day, the brothers Leclerc gave me some advice to not be so harsh with Sainz, he was part of the team after all, but I was still feeling the bitter taste of his action before the break and probably was going to feel it longer.

When I approached the brothers, Arthur immediately jumped to hug me, meanwhile his brother greeted Carlos.

- Good morning, Lissie! – the blondie exclaimed.

- Glad to see you, Arthy! – I replied releasing him from the hug. I met the furious eyes of Sainz, before him walking inside the hospitality.

- What's up, little one? – Charles also came for a hug. – Are you still in a cold war with Carlos?

- As you can see... – I rolled my eyes. – I don't know how you forgave him so quickly.

- Lissie, sometimes people deserve a second chance – the Monegasque gave me a soft smile.

- Especially when they regret what they have done – his brother added.

- Hey, since when did you become such a psychologist? – I said ironically, and Arthur stuck his tongue out in response.

- We are serious, Lissie – Charles said. – I spoke with Carlos, and we clarified everything, and decided to start from the beginning. The choice is yours, but I think it will be better for everyone to speak with him and sort the things out until it is time.

- I'll think about that – I forsed a smile. – Thank you for the advice, my brothers from another mother! Now it's time to go in, don't you think?

Leclercs seemed to be shocked by my words, but I didn't mind them. Just turned my back and went inside the hospitality.

#

I attended the Seat-fitting and supervised the process of setting the cars on my own. I had the feeling that I needed to control everything otherwise something could go wrong. I didn't want to screw this weekend up. I knew it wasn't up to me, but I was doing everything for my own peace of mind, even though the mechanics were going to hate me. But I had a few new friends among them, so I relied on them they would build my good reputation in front of the others.

After the Seat-fitting I managed to meet Mekies for a couple of minutes and asked him to give me permission to do the track walk with the drivers. I stated that this thing could help me to get to know the track better and be better at creating the strategy for this weekend. It was a surprise to me that he approved my request, without saying anything against. Probably he and Vasseur were serious about giving me the weekend and weren't planning anything behind my back. So I immediately started looking for Charles to inform him that I would join them.

When I went to the boxes, both drivers were together talking like nothing had happened three weeks ago. Charles was showing something on his phone to Carlos and they were laughing. This cute picture stuck in my mind and made me smile for a second. I wish I could see them that happy all the time.

I approached the boys and cleared my throat to catch their attention. Leclerc revealed his dimples immediately when we looked at each other, but Sainz became serious. In his black devil eyes started burning flames.

- I have just spoken to Mekies – I started with a little smile. – He gave me permission to do the track walk with you.

- But that's great! – exclaimed Leclerc and turned to his teammate. – Isn't it, cabròn?

- It couldn't be better! – the Spanish faked a smile.

An awkward silence settled between us for a moment. Charles looked at me edifying and I shrugged my shoulders in response.

- So, how will you go through the track? – he asked to break the heavy silence.

- What options do I have? – I laughed crossing my arms in front of my chest.

- A bike or a run – Carlos said sharply. – I'll take the run.

- Then I will be with the bike – I replied in the same tone. – I wouldn't like to ruin my shoes with this rough asphalt.

- You know better! – the Spanish rolled eyes. – Charles I will go now, see you later...

Leclerc clapped hands with his teammate, then we were left alone. The Monegasque raised his eyebrows questionably, but I shook my head.

- I don't have time for this right now – I said and took his hand. – Now show me where the bikes are!

He laughed in disbelief then we headed inside his garage.

#

It took us almost an hour to cross the entire track. I was joking that we are like at "Tour de France", with these uniforms and running in circle. I and Charles even had a little race, while poor Andrea was trying to reach us, like a father running after his preschoolers. It was funny but besides that I had the opportunity to see the track. Now I knew where the most dangerous sectors were, and I could try to find a solution to manage them. This time I was fully prepared for the strategies at the race weekend.

At the end of the track walk I almost hit Carlos with my bicycle because I was driving with too high speed. Thank Goodness, I managed to stop on millimeters of his leg. Before the scandal broke out, Mia came out from inside the motorhome and called me and Charles. He had some media commitments and I... I had to go to the conference room for a team meeting. Leclerc wished me good luck, then we both waved goodbyes.

I quickly gathered my things and went to the second floor of the hospitality. With my usual little bit arrogant behavior, I walked into the conference room. I was the last person from the "team by the wall" who had to arrive, so the meeting could start.

- Well, Miss Bernardi, we were waiting for you, because received an information that you were on a tour of the track – said Vasseur. – Otherwise, were about to start without you. May I ask you how it was?

- Great! – I said opening my laptop. – I think that with the changes we made – the improvement of the turbo and the new rear wing there is a hope of getting some points.

- Some points? Really humble – laughed Fred and everybody followed his example.

- We have to be realists – I shrugged shoulders. – We still don't have a winning car, but I think we managed to make it a good Qualifying one, as it used to be last year. This weekend is full of Qualifyings, so at least we made some proper improvements.

The team laughed again, but only I and Mekies remained serious. They were finding my words funny. So, does everybody underestimate me? Oh, now I'll show them who actually is Lissa Bernardi.

- Well, let's get to the important part of our meeting – Mekies said out loud, so he could catch the attention of the meeting members who started whispering something between each other.

- Yes, the strategy plan! – said Ravin and opened his laptop. – So, I offer you to make it like that – FP1 to use every tire type, so we could see...

- What? – I laughed. – Every tire type? We don't have the time to make the analyses about the car... That's ridiculous.

- But we have to examinate the tires – said Ravin.

- Look, you can do whatever stupid things you want to, but it's absurd to let you mess with our already fragile cars... - I replied, then added: – And drivers...

- Well, what do you offer then? – asked Vasseur.

I used the moment and stood up turning to the whole "team by the wall" my computer with loaded Power Point presentation of all the data I have collected and analyzed.

- Look, I tried to do research during the three weeks – I started with excitement. – We tested the car many times and I have the following results...

#

The presentation lasted around and hour and half, during which I was able to look at various graphs of tire degradation, optimal engine performance, statistics from previous years, strategy options based on the Maranello test results and the forecast for the upcoming days. And I finished with the general strategy I have built for this weekend.

- My plan is as follows: We start with Hards during the whole FP1, the days will be hot, so we have to follow the degradation of the tires during the long series of laps. Hards are usually the long-lasting ones but with these temperatures of the track they could have a faster graining. After that on the Quali for Sunday we will use the softs. We have to be fast in the short series of laps, so to reach the best place for Sunday. My idea is about one pit stop strategy, but it depends on this Friday results.

- We didn't hear anything about the Mediums – said Vasseur looking at me suspiciously.

- Oh, yes! – I changed the slide. – We will save the sets for the Sprint Shootout and the Sprint race on its own... And probably for Sunday.

- We cannot allow this! – Xavi joined the conversation. – We have to try at least once every tire type before putting them on for a Quali and race.

- The time for testing had passed, now we must state our position and to be categorical, firmly planted on the ground – I insisted. – We will never win if we are not specific and sure of what we are doing.

The room went silent. Every meeting member was looking at the ground with disapproval on their faces. Only one person stood up for me.

- I agree with her! – said Mekies and when we locked our sights, winked at me.

- Mekies that's impossible! – raised his voice Vasseur. – We can't be completely in the dark about key events of the weekend.

- In fact, we are not in the dark – I interrupted him with a smug smile. – It's clear to everyone inside and outside this room how our cars work and how the tires degrade at these degrees of asphalt. I am convinced and confident in what I do.

And Rebel Lissa is back in the game! Vasseur was looking at me like he was hit with a wet rag. Then Laurent stood up and said:

- I think we don't have what to discuss anymore... Let everybody from this team know that this weekend we will use only Lissa's strategy. If you have any questions, then turn to  her! From you, Miss Bernardi, I would like to receive a full report with your statement. I will wait for it on my desk tomorrow morning. Have a nice day!

Before anyone could say anything, Mekies opened the door of the conference room and left. I looked around proudly, then gathered my things and followed him. Oh, I wanted to see Charles' face when he understands that!

#

As per plan, I met Charles outside the hospitality after the meeting, changed into a long silk red dress with thin straps and a black leather jacket from the new Ferrari collection. We both started our walk through the town and saw amazing things like: Icherisheher, Palace of Shirvanshahs, Quiz Qalasi, several mosques, the National Museum of History, and the Carpet Museum. Every corner of this town was carrying the old ancient spirit and has it's own story. It was so romantic to walk through the paved streets and watch these old buildings, under the hot sun, inhaling the salted see air. The sun rays were burning my skin, because I have taken the jacket down, but that doesn't stop me from walking through the town. Charles was listening to me with a great interest while I was talking with hours about the different places we were visiting. And he was smiling, all the time, looking at me with dreamy eyes.

- This city is the most beautiful one I have seen since we were on a road – I said to Leclerc, while we were walking through one small, paved street. – It has a lot of history collected in it. Do you know where the name comes from?

- I only know that it was under Persian and Soviet influence for many years – he replied, shrugging shoulders.

- Exactly! – I exclaimed. – The name actually comes from Persia in the 19 centuries, called Bad-Kube or "Wind-pounded city". Now Baku has the famous Nickname "City of Winds". Another less known etymology is that Baku is called "God given city".

- I could agree with the second one... Here is like a piece of Heaven – Leclerc noticed, and we stopped on the top of the hill where we were hiking.

Under us we could see the town and the vast glistening expanse of sea. The sight was so relaxing. The air was filled with the scent of hot dust and salty seawater, causing a delight for my senses every time I took a deep breath.

- Something interesting is that the coat of arms of this city are three flames on blue field – I continued when my breathing became regular again. – The blue relates to the Caspian Sea, we see all over the place. The flames redder to the country's nickname – "The land of the fire". The Ancient Greeks named this land "Protected by the Holy Fire" which is actually the meaning of the country's name. The petroleum here is in such a large quantity that it could spring from the ground and under the hot sun rays it could fire up. That's the reason at the bottom of the emblem of the city there is a black colored area, symbolizing petroleum. That's why the highest and most modern buildings here are designed in the form of flames. They are one of the symbols of this town.

- Whoa, you surprised me with your interest in this place – the Monegasque exclaimed and looked at me.

- I usually inform myself about the places I go, so I could enjoy my stay – I explained with a smile. – But this time something deep inside me made me to read more and more about this country, its culture, the history... This town is full of mystics and history.

Charles remained silent for a moment. He looked at the ground and started digging with his toes in the dust, drawing some parts of the circuit. He seemed to be a bit nervous, and I was curious about what has  happened suddenly.

- I have been always bounded to this city – he started insecure, still looking at the ground. – I don't usually talk about that, but I feel I could tell this to you...

I made a little step closer to him, because I felt he was trying to share something with me, that not everyone must hear... But we were all alone on the top of this hill. Alone under the sun.

- Baku is one of the most important places for me, because... - Charles started with trembling voice. – It was 2017, I was driving for Formula 2... My father died four days before the race here after a long lasting illness... I had to gather the strength to race during this weekend, even though it was so hard to do it... But I won... It was my third victory for this season. I took the pole on Quali, then lead the whole race... I won it for him!

I saw a little tear falling down his cheek and my heart sank. I instinctively took his hand and Leclerc looked at me. How much pain there was in those innocent eyes.

- I just want to make him proud, watching me up there – he continued sobbing. – And I am afraid I will disappoint him with my performance...

- Charles, please, don't talk like that! – I whispered. – Hey, you already made him proud signing for Formula one and Ferrari. You made your dream come true, Charles... He is watching you from the sky and is definitely saying proudly to the angels around him "Hey, see, that's my son! He is the most skilled guy on the earth and drives for Ferrari in F1."

We giggled and suddenly he intertwined our fingers. But I didn't mind it. I squeezed his sweaty palms and smiled.

- He made so much for me to be here now... - Charles sighed. – I just want to make him happy, even though he is not here with us. He wasn't the happiest when I finished second so... I just want him to smile up there. To make the team happy also... You too...

His words made my heart skipped a beat. He was putting me on his list. I freed myself from his hands then opened my arms, pulling him in a gentle hug.

- Don't worry, I promise you to make Hervé proud! – I whispered, rubbing his back. – We will make it in the name of your family history... Together...

Leclerc didn't know yet that the team principals had entrusted me with the whole weekend, but now when I knew how important this for him was... I had to put a huge effort to help him take the podium again.

When Charles regained his composure again, we released each other from the hug, and decided to continue our walk through the town. This day became one of the most important in my life so far, because I managed to get to know Charles even better than before and I felt attached to him even more. Something changed in me, and he wasn't just a teammate and a friend anymore. He became something more, but still couldn't define it.

Leclerc smiled softly and offered to continue our walk. We walked to the last place for the day – The Ateshgah of Baku. This was a castle-like religious temple in Surakhany town. The pentagonal complex, which has a courtyard surrounded by cells for monks and a tetrapillar-altar in the middle, was built during the 17th and 18th centuries and was used as a Hindu, Sikh, and Zoroastrian place of worship. Everything was made of stone, there were different rooms with figures of the then natives, showing their way of life. The place was so mystical, quiet, and beautiful. I could feel that invisible strong energy in the air in a sacred place. The sun was going down behind the fortress walls and the little fire temple in the middle of the fort. The sight was just magnificent. I took out my phone to take a picture of it and at this moment the flames in the fourth corner of the temple lit up. I shivered and took a shot of the sight.

The beautiful moment was ruined by the ringing of Charles' phone. He was so embarrassed and apologized, then went aside to take the call. I let out a deep sigh then my attention was caught by the fireplace inside the temple. I gave a look at Charles who was still far from me on the phone and decided to go inside.

I felt hypnotized by the burning flames in the middle of the trapezoidal hearth. My heart started beating faster as I approached the fire. I felt a gentle breeze of warm wind caress the skin of my arms, and for a moment I thought I saw two eyes in the flames. Green-blue... As these of Chess Player. But that couldn't be true! It was only my imagination, right?

Then I walked around the fire pit as if I was in trance. I think I got lost in the fire, until I suddenly stumbled over something. Then I managed to look away from the fire and fixed my eyes on one of the stone slabs at the base of the hearth. There was an inscription carved into it, which caught my attention.

I knelt and dusted the stone plate. On it were written in calligraphic handwriting "To my one and only P.B". I swallowed hard and shivered. Was it happening again? Has he been here? Suddenly, on the ground next to me, I found a metal thing looking like a drill. That's probably what I stumbled into, but I could bet there wasn't anything like it on the ground when I walked in. I took the drill in my trembling hands and began to struggle to peel the tile off. Something inside me told me that there was another piece of the princess necklace hidden behind it.

When finally, the stone plate fell down a deep hole opened in front of me. I quickly put my hand inside, without worrying about getting hurt.

My fingers touched something cold and bumpy. I grabbed the subject and pulled it out. When opened my fist I found a little ruby stone with flame shape. I gasped. How was this even possible? So, it wasn't my imagination and Chess Player was here... Again, I felt the warm breeze over my shoulders.

I heard Charles voice in the distance calling me and hastened to hide the ruby in my purse and put the stone plate on its place. Then threw aside the drill and stood up right before Charles popped up behind one of the columns.

- Excuse me, little one, Andrea called to ensure I was drinking enough water and don't stay under the sun too much – he smiled approaching me. – What are you doing here?

- I was curious what is the sight from here – I said quickly, trying to hide the truth. – Papa Andrea ruins the party again?

- No, he just cares for me to be in condition for tomorrow – Leclerc put his arm over my shoulder. – And because it's almost evening, what about going to a fancy restaurant for a light dinner?

- I prefer to go back to the hotel – I smiled shyly. – I mean... We both have to be fresh for tomorrow.

The Monegasque looked at me suspiciously then stepped aside and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

- Lissie, why do I think you hide something from me? – he raised his eyebrows.

My eyes got wider. How am I supposed to escape from this situation? Think fast, Lissa! Think fast!

- Good job, Leclerc! – I exclaimed, clapping my hands. – You caught me!

He looked at me confused, then I continued with a huge grin on my face:

- You remember that day Vasseur and Mekies called me in the conference room? Well... It was because they wanted to... Give me the permission to work on the strategies the whole weekend.

At first Charles remained silent with a stone-cold face. I thought that telling him the truth wasn't the best way to cover what I have been doing here, but suddenly a wide smile spread across his face, showing his sweet dimples. His eyes started shining and he pulled me into a tight hug.

- I can't believe it Lissie! – he exclaimed. – Why did you hide this from me for such a long time?! That's great news! Now I have more hope that this weekend won't be such a disaster as the previous ones! Thank you, little one!

I didn't say anything, just rested my head on his chest and sighed. I don't know how much longer I was going to be able to hide this from him. But that couldn't continue like that. I had to be honest with him... I didn't want to lie to him, because sooner or later he was going to find out on his own. And trouble times will come. 

Notes: Hello lovely people! Here I am with the new chapter stepping into the Monaco Race week!

So, it seemes like Lissie becomes part of the "gang", but still can't forgive Carlos. Don't worry, there is time for everything ;) <3 And who is back again? Chess player of course! But what will happen next?

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

Love ya all and thank you for the support! <3

N16 XOXOXO