07.May – Miami Grand Prix

The next morning the sun made its way through the drawn sheer curtains and touched my face with its gentle caress. I slowly opened my eyes and felt something heavy in my stomach area. When I looked down, I saw Charles' arm tightly wrapped around my waist, blocking any possibility of me moving.

I turned my head slightly to the boy next to me and smiled. He looked calm, like an angel. His lips were curled into a faint smile, and his long eyelashes fluttered like Thuja needles in a light summer breeze. The painkillers must have worked, as Leclerc was now deeply asleep. His hair was disheveled and small wavy strands stuck to his sweaty forehead. Oh, how handsome that man was – like a Greek God. His lips were so attractive, and now, when Vasseur imposed this ultimatum on me – not to get extremely closer to the drivers, otherwise he would fire me, I wanted to do the opposite even more. Obviously, the reverse psychology was at work for me... Or I just started to fall for the Monegasque and couldn't hold back anymore. Still, I decided I had to suppress my urges and get out of bed before Charles woke up or worse, Lorenzo or Andrea came in and saw us.

I tried to move, but the Monegasque's muscles tightened and prevented me from standing up. He even settled himself more comfortable and closer to me.  I had to come up with an escape plan. I grabbed a strand of my hair, lifted myself up slightly and tickled the boy's nose with the ends. The moment Charles moved and removed his arm from my waist, I rolled over and jumped into the armchair next to the bed.

Charles stretched slightly and opened his eyes. His pure teal irises met mine and a smile ran across his face revealing his sweet dimples. The sight made me smile.

- Good morning, darling! – he greeted me in a sleepy hoarse voice, making me shiver. – Were you here all night?

- Of course, I was worried about you – I replied and got up from the chair.

- And you slept on the uncomfortable armchair? – Leclerc raised his eyebrows. – I can't believe it.

- You were spinning a lot from the pain, so... You needed space and I provided it – I tried to lie to him... Once again.

He smiled as if he knew something but kept quiet. The Monegasque tried to stand up and groaned, rubbing his neck. I immediately ran to his side of the bed to help him, grabbing his hands. When he stood up, his palms were instantly on my waist. Charles was just so mesmerizing. His face paled, eyes slightly watered from the pain in his neck, and there were dark circles under them from insomnia. Poor guy, he was so tired, he needed a rest.

I placed my hands on his bare chest and saw the goosebumps on his skin. I felt his grip tighten around my waist and gasped softly. My breathing became heavier, my heartbeat – faster, and Charles slightly moistened his plump pink lips. How bad I wanted to kiss him right now. But Vasseur's voice sounded in my ears. I had to stop... I had to stop before we both did something stupid.

At that moment there was a knock at the door, and I heard Andrea's voice. Charles and I instantly stepped away from each other and I thanked God that Andrea showed up. I would never have been able to keep Charles in the friend zone if we had been alone a little longer.

- Charlie, it's great that you're up! – exclaimed the coach. – It's time for the doctor's examination.

- Yes, now I'll get dressed and we're going – Leclerc replied and looked at me naughty. – Do you want to wait for me?

- I'm going back to my room... – I said quietly. – To take a shower and change.

- And then we'll go together with Lorenzo to the paddock, okay? – Charles took my hand and smiled.

- Ah, I'm sorry, I have to leave earlier – I swallowed hard. – I must check how the car is after yesterday and make sure that everything is alright for the start today...

- Lissie, please! – I heard Andrea and turned to see her smiling gently.

- I would really like to, but... I really can't... – I shook my head. – I'm sorry...

Charles bowed his head sadly and nodded. I also wished we could spend more time together, but... I didn't have that opportunity. I wasn't lying to him. I really had to make sure everything was OK with the car.

Then we both said goodbye and I left his apartment quickly. When I got back to my room, I threw myself onto the couch with a heavy sigh. I began to dream again about the morning when I woke up next to him. How I wish we woke up like this every day! I would be the happiest person on the earth.

#

Four hours before the start of the race, Charles appeared in the paddock wearing oversized white and blue trousers, a light blue satin jacket and a white T-shirt, by the designer Nahmias. I was standing with Fusaro discussing the changes to Charles' car when the Monegasque came into the garage with his smug little smile and sunglasses hiding the dark circles under his eyes. I completely forgot about my conversation with the mechanic and stared at Leclerc. My heart raced and waves of excitement washed over my body as we locked eyes, and he removed his glasses to wink at me. Fusaro laughed and poked me on the ribs, and as a result I immediately turned red with embarrassment.

- I'll go to check the rear wing – he whispered to me as Charles headed towards us.

- But you're not...

- See you later, bella! – Alessandro waved to me.

I rubbed my thighs nervously as Leclerc approached me and crossed my arms in front of my chest, then looked at him from head to toe.

- Well, how do you find my outfit? – he asked me with a little smirk, and I looked at him in shock. – I see you quickly assessed my appearance... Share your honest opinion, darling!

- An honest opinion? - I raised my eyebrows in surprise. – Well, the truth is, that you look good, but in a skin-tight racing suit, you're simply stunning.

The Monegasque whistled in surprise and laughed.

- In that case, I better go change faster – he said, chuckling.

- You'll distract a lot of people, and we won't be able to work – I replied teasingly.

- Including you, darling? - Leclerc asked with a small defiant smile on his face.

I fell silent and bit my lower lip. If Vasseur see or hear us right now, he would go crazy.

- Do I have to remind you about your promise, darling? – Charles asked me suddenly. - You still owe me dinner.

- There's a time for everything in this life, Charlie – I smiled and tapped him on the shoulder. – Time to go to work. See you later Starboy!

- See you later, little one! – he leaned forward and kissed my cheek, then headed inside the garage.

I rubbed the place where I could now feel his lips and shook my head in disbelief. Why was he making it harder and harder? Why?

#

As the time for the race came closer, I was getting more and more nervous and worried about whether my strategy would be able to pull Charles out of P7. I wasn't worried about Carlos at all because he was starting from the front row, there was a chance he could stay there, but with Leclerc's injury, the problems in the car and all this pressure on the team, I didn't know what was going to happen at all. Vasseur also bothered me. I had the feeling that he was constantly keeping an eye on me and was just looking for a reason to fire me – if it's not the strategy, it will be about my relation to the drivers, if not that, he will certainly come up with something else. I didn't even know what to think of first. It used to be easy in the beginning - just the strategies and the cars were in my head. And now...

I was standing in front of the garages, staring at the photos of the drivers above the pits. My breathing was rapid, my heart was beating fast, and my palms were sweating from the tension I was feeling deep in my soul. Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder and jumped. I turned and met Andrea's eyes.

- Papa? – I exclaimed and when I realized what I said I immediately corrected myself. - Andrea? Andrea, what are you doing here? Why aren't you with Charles?

- I let him concentrate – said the Tuscan. – He has such a ritual before the race... You know how it is... But he asked me to check on you.

- Check me out? – I raised my eyebrows. – Am I a car to be checked?

- Charles claims he saw you worried – Andrea explained and smiled. – I see it now too. Your panic shows more than it should, and that worries them too.

- What do you mean? - I asked, frowning

- You are their biggest support – replied the coach. – The strategist is one of the pillars holding the team together. Brings the team together and is relied upon by everyone. The moment you panic, it worries drivers. You have to be sure of what you are doing, look confident in yourself...

- Like in a chess game – I said thoughtfully.

- Exactly! – Andrea exclaimed. - You know, the chess player thinks over all the moves, acts quickly, but his face doesn't show that he is straining, even if he is one move past checkmate. Like a mask.

I shivered hearing about the chess player and the mask. And I pursed my lips.

- But how to achieve this... emotionless face? – I asked. – I play chess, but the emotions...

- You have to start lying to your body from the outside in – the man put his hand on my shoulder. – Put on the smile and tell yourself that everything is fine. Nervousness and panic are not good advisors, and we often pay a high price for the mistakes they cause.

- Lisa Bernardi is never wrong! – I said confidently.

- That is our girl! – Andrea laughed. – Now go and show everyone over there that you can handle this.

- Thanks for the therapy, Andrea... - I laughed and we both hugged. – How much do I owe for this?

- Just a big smile – he replied, breaking the hug. – Everything is free for friends.

I chuckled and said goodbye to the coach. Now I understand why Charles loved him so much. This guy was like Yoda, only that he was forming properly ordered sentences.

#

The drivers came out for the anthem, and I had already taken my place behind the pit wall and looked around anxiously. Despite Andrea's therapy, I still felt under pressure. On the screens I saw the two drivers come out onto the track waving to the fans. Then I closed my eyes and squeezed the coral gold horn. I began to pray for their well-being and finally kissed my amulet. A shiver ran through my body, remembering how Charles had done the same thing in Baku. Mekies then approached me and took his seat as well.

- Lissie why are you sitting there in the corner? - he asked.

- But there it is... - I began uncertainly.

- Lissie, from Baku onwards you have the right to sit next to me and... you always will - he smiled. - Come on, come here, we've had enough of shouting at each other from the corners.

I got off and literally hobbled to the place next to Mekies. I settled next to him, and we both put on our headphones at the same time. The pilots got into their cars, and I started the radio communication.

- Welcome aboard SF-23, guys. The weather is stable, but it is getting cloudy, there is a little wind from east. 28 degrees is the air temperature, and 33 degrees is the temperature of the track. Our strategy is as follows - we start with Mediums between 13-20 lap, so looking at how the degradation is going, it will most likely be around 17 lap that we will switch to Hards and that will be it until the end of the race. If there is a Safety car, we will definitely call you to change the tires. Any questions?

- Will it rain? – Carlos asked.

- Only 10% - I replied. - Anything else?

- How long until the start? - Leclerc called.

- Exactly 10 seconds - I replied. - And now you have 57 laps to kick their rear wings.

- Copy! – both drivers said.

And lights out and away we go!

Shivers ran down my spine when Charles in the first lap managed to overtake Magnussen and took P6. Carlos kept his position. I watched the tracker and it seemed to me that Sainz was now completely safe, so I shifted my focus to Leclerc. His pace was good, he was fending off Magnussen, and Mad Max was coming at breakneck speed from behind, clearing car after car.

- Charles, be aware, Max is coming - I warned him over the radio. – Watch out to keep Magnussen behind, but Max is insane enough to cause a collision in order to reach the top spot.

- Then what to do? – asked the Monegasque.

- Try to create a bigger gap between you and Magnussen so you can have the opportunity to fight against Max when he comes over – I replied.

- Copy.

I sighed heavily. Verstappen was my friend, but facts are facts, and we cannot close our eyes to them. This was a race after all, and I had to ignore the friendship for at least two hours.

Despite my instructions, Leclerc couldn't separate a lot from KMag and in lap 4, there was a little battle between Charles, Magnussen and Max. In the sprint at Turn 1 both overtook our driver, and Leclerc remained 8th.

- Leclerc, please... Don't surrender to a client team – I said into the microphone.

- There's something wrong with the car – Charles replied. – It's bottoming a lot.

- We'll check – I said, unable to hide my desperation.

I turned to Mekies, clearly, we were doomed again. This shouldn't have happened during the race either... And with Charles' injury. I told the engineers to deal with the problem on the car and shifted my focus to Sainz, who was actually doing it great. In the next lap he went half a second faster than Alonso.

- Good news Carlos - I turned on the radio. - You are faster than Alonso and you can start to pressure him.

- Copy, Lissie!

And he started speeding up like he had never done before. What a great change into Sainz. I didn't know what was happening to him but if he kept these results, the whole team was going to have a bigger chance to fight in the Constructor's championship.

6 laps later, Charles improved his pace and probably the problem with the car was resolved from a distance, because he was on 7 tenths behind Magnussen.

- Charles, push it harder on Magnussen, you have a real chance to overtake him at the opening of the DRS – I turned my microphone on – And protect from Esteban, who is on your heels.

- Copy, sir!

And the battle began. Charles won his position, but I should have been quick to rejoice, as he immediately afterwards lost it.

- We will have to try to overtake him during the tire change - I turned to Mekies. - I can't believe he's having such a hard time with Kevin.

- According to the analyses, I can see that we do not have enough power - answered Laurent.

- The gearbox is old, most likely the settings are totally messed up... I don't know... Why don't we throw this fucking car on the trash...

With a heavy sigh we returned our gazes to the screens. On lap 14 Max was already in the mirrors of Carlos and we didn't even have time to react. He just overtook him. This boy had no equal. He was just passing car after car without any problem. And our cars... were just moving like tractors. A wave of despair was rising in my soul, but nevertheless I decided not to give up.

- Charles press Magnussen - I called on Leclerc. – Keep up the pace. As I can see his tires are worn out a lot and he'll probably pit soon.

And on the very next lap, Magnussen pitted, and Charles moved up to 7th position again. So that was the strategy. We maintain a close gap, the rivals enter the pits and we don't have to make overtakes that put even more strain on the tires. Great.

- Leclerc, your next task is to pressure Gasly, as he will soon be pitted too – I said on the radio.

- Copy.

And I was right – on the next lap, the Alpine entered the pits.

- Great! I exclaimed. - You're already on P6, Charlie.

- Copy!

I turned my focus to Carlos. I will apply the same strategy there as well. I hope it works out.

- Carlos Alonso has very worn front tires - I said on the radio. - Use this in the turns so you can overtake him. If you still can't overtake him, then wait for him to pit and keep a small gap so you can climb into the front position when he does.

- Copy, Lissie!

I sighed heavily and leaned back slightly. Oh, the race finally got off to a good start. I could say that I already had hope that we would get into the big points area.

But I had no time to calm down. My beloved colleague Xavier contacted me.

- We have a big graining in the tires, we can't hold them anymore – he said. – They should enter the box...

- No fucking way Xavi! – I shouted. – No, no, no! A hundred times NO! No chance. The gaps are very small, if we try to make a crossing strategy, we will lose positions... This is not a profitable idea.

- We should Bernardi – he insisted. – They will start to lose a grip. It's risky.

- Xavier you are not known for making smart strategic moves – I said sharply. – I think you are very unlucky when it comes to thinking in general!

Mekies put a hand on my shoulder, asking me to be quiet. I cursed them both in my mind, then turned the radio on.

- First Charles, to enter the pit! And after him Carlos. Box now!

At the end of lap 17, Charles came at the boxes for a tire change. At least we're on Hards that are expected to last longer. Nothing that our cars were complete trash on Hards.

Carlos was also called to the pits at 18, but he had built up a lot of speed and had to stop aggressively, putting the brakes on. As a result, he speeded entering the pit lane.

- Oh no... This will be followed by a penalty – I muttered, shaking my head.

I didn't say anything to Sainz. Still, he was unflappable enough to scare him before we knew if there was going to be a Steward review or not.

He returned to the track again on Hard tires and in two consecutive laps managed to overtake Russell and Hulkenberg. Shortly after that we received the information about the 5 second penalty.

- Sainz, sorry for the bad news, but... You have a 5 second penalty for speeding in the pit lane – I said on the radio. – Now you have to attack very actively and stay close to the drivers in front of you.

- Eh, Shit! Again... Lissa!

It was painful to hear his frustration, but I wasn't the one to be blamed about his penalty. Now I had to focus on the other driver who was below the points zone. It was lap 24 and Leclerc was 14th. But still I haven't got any plans to pull him out of this marsh he had sunk.

I looked at the tracker and sighed heavily.

- Sainz, after the pit, Alonso comes out behind you – I said on the radio shifting my focus again to driver 55. – Try not to let him overtake you.

- It's very easy for you to say that, but with these...

- Sainz, when will you fucking learn not to contradict my every word?! - I hit the table with my fist and everyone around me jumped.

- Okay... Copy... Lissa!

I pursed my lips angrily. Sometimes Sainz just drove me crazy. I shifted my focus to Charles and noticed that he was finally going at a pretty good pace and could take over soon.

- Charles, you are six tenths away from Zhou, it is time to attack him.

- Copy, sir!

And Charles began to approach the Alfa, showed himself in the mirrors of his rival and...

- Good boy, P13! – I exclaimed. – You have time to climb to the top positions and pass the other opponents, just be careful!

I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair. I didn't have a moment's rest, Carlos started to lose pace and here Alonso was closing in on him. There was no point in giving him instructions to defend - Fernando had been in a fury this year and relentlessly attacked Sainz, overtaking him on lap 27.

- Anyone else wanting to overtake me? – joined Sainz in an angry voice.

- As I can see, Ocon is also a contender... - I replied. - He is two laps away from you, try to keep him as much as possible. If you want to!

- Lissie, please! – Sainz said louder.

I remained silent and looked at Mekies. He shook his head and pointed to the screens. Exactly on lap 29, as I had calculated, Ocon overtook Sainz.

- Carlos, I can give you a piece of advice, if you want to listen to me – I said immediately after Alpine's maneuver. - Stay close to him. His tires don't have a good grip, unlike yours. You can overtake him again.

Carlos didn't say anything but in the very next lap, he overtook Ocon. And I was happy with that... But not for long. Three laps later, the Alpine overtook the Ferrari again.

- Shit, Sainz! Is that all you can do?! - I shouted on the radio.

- Lissa, is it my fault that...

- Don't explain yourself to me, just drive, you're currently 8 tenths away from Okon! - I cut him quickly. - Just concentrate and push as hard as possible!

- Copy, Lissie!

Soon after, I saw that Hulkenberg pitted, and Leclerc moved up to P12. We were approaching the points zone. Then I turned my focus back to the more active driver on the track and that was Sainz. I noticed that he would soon have an opportunity to regain his position from Esteban, so I turned on my microphone.

- Sainz, another advise – use Ocon's DRS flow to overtake him.

- Copy!

And after listening to me, the result was there – Carlos overtook Ocon.

- Lissie – I heard Sainz on the radio. – Thank you, bae!

I cracked a smile but didn't reply, because I was now looking at Charles who once again was stuck behind Magnussen and the battle from the start of the race would continue. Aw, this race makes me sick!

- Charlie, I think you can overtake in turn 17 - I turned on the radio.

- Copy!

Charles did really overtake Magnussen, but the Haas regained the position quickly. I sighed heavily. A different strategy will be needed. Maybe Carlos's...

- Charles, a piece of advice - try in turn number one, use the DRS flow and attack Magnussen - I said. – He won't be able to defend himself.

- Copy!

And after overtaking, Charles was already in the points zone - P9. But Russell, who appeared as if out of nowhere, passed Carlos and our driver took P5.

Over the next few laps, I warned Charles to keep a close distance to the driver in front so he could move up the rankings during their pit stops. And so Ocon pitted on lap 40, Leclerc took P8, and after three laps Stroll also pitted and our driver reached P7.

- Charles, you're a P7 now, I know it's going to be hard for you, but right now the battle is mercilessly cruel, and friendship must be left behind - I said seriously. – You have to press Gasly and pass him.

- Copy, sir!

The Monegasque listened to me and after three laps he was able to pass Gasly taking P6. At that moment, however, Hamilton approached and passed Gasly too.

- Charles, Hamilton is behind you... I repeat! Hamilton is behind you!

- Copy!

But Charles could not defend his position and on lap 55 Hamilton overtook him.

- Keep up the pace Charles, you're a P7 now – I said, trying to sound encouraging, but I already knew we were going to stay at that level.

I saw the checkered flag on the screens. The race finished and the results were P5 for Sainz, equating to +10 points in the championship and P7 for Charles, which was +6 points to his asset.

- Good job, guys! - I turned on the radio. - We did what we could and really... You fought! I'm proud of you though!

I heard Xavi's voice after that and immediately took off my headphones. Even Vasseur could become sympathetic to me rather than Charles' race engineer. I turned to Mekies, and we both sighed deeply.

- We should rebalance the fucking floor... - I said sadly. – It was good for Baku, but here...

- Don't worry, we have enough time before Imola – Mekies cracked a smile.

- I could hear a loud noise from the gearbox of Charles' car, especially in the high speed... - I continued. – It is not appropriate.

- You are right – he nodded. – Even with DRS it was hard for him to gain speed.

- It will be a hard week at Maranello – I sighed standing up from my chair.

- Don't worry! – Mekies tapped me on the back. – You did a good job this weekend. Just there are some things that are out of your control.

- Thank you, Master! – I forced a smile. – I will go to see the boys.

- They probably need you! – Laurent smiled and waved to me for goodbye.

I greeted the rest of the "team by the wall", then most people headed to the podium to watch the ceremony, and I headed to the media center. I wanted to talk to the drivers before they gave their interviews.

- Sorry guys, I tried everything, but Mekies was right... - I said, hugging them one by one as they finally arrived accompanied by their media directors. – Sometimes there are just things that are out of my control. Everything will be better with changes, we'll take care of that. I believe...

- I did very badly - interrupted me Charles. – Yesterday the two mistakes in the same corner, today... It's not acceptable... Lissie just know that this fucking level of performance is not the one I should have and... I am very disappointed with myself.

I grabbed his hands to stop him from talking.

- Hey, don't be so harsh to yourself! - I tried to scold him. - Winners don't sound like that. Leave Pierre in the losers' club. You'll be out of there soon.

Leclerc sighed heavily and squeezed my hands tighter in his. I glanced quickly at Carlos, who had his eyes fixed on our hands. He was gritting his teeth. Strange reaction, but probably still influenced by the race.

- Come on, go to the interviews, I'll wait for you in the hospitality – I said and carefully let Charles go. – And try not to look so discouraged, not that we all feel that way inside.

- See you later, little one! - said Leclerc, hugging me again.

I used the moment we were so close to each other and whispered in his ear:

- I am waiting impatiently for our dinner... Lord Perceval!

Leclerc tightened his grip and my heart started beating faster. I had to make him happier and probably I succeeded. My eyes crossed with this of Carlos. He continued to look at us in silence, pursing his lips, and when we separated from each other he cracked a little smile, muttering:

- See you soon, Lissie!

His behavior seemed strange to me, but going back into my memories, Sainz has always been quite strange to me. That's why I didn't pay much attention to him. Charles' face was already shining again, and he winked at me for goodbye. I sighed heavily then headed to the hospitality. It was a high time to keep my promise and go on dinner with Charles. Anyway, this weekend was a torturous one, especially with the addition of Vasseur and his orders. So I needed a little fun... And who obeys the orders of their boss?

Notes: Hello my lovely people! I hope your week went well and now it is time to start the new race week with a brand new chapter! Thank you all for the votes, comments, for the support! <3 

So what we have? A rebellious Lissie, who is torn between giving in to her feelings and saving both herself and Charles. We have a strange behaving Carlos and Master Mekies, who is staying by Lissie's side so far. But what comes next? 

Sorry guys, won't tell you - you will see at the next part! <3 If you liked that one give a star/comment, hear the external link and see ya soon! 

LOVE YA ALL AND THANK YOU <3 

N16 XOXOXO

P.S. Again to remind you - something big is coming around next week, so stay tuned! LOVE YA ALL <3