58

                                    

                                          
“Mate trust me, this is going to work,” Charles tried to convince Pierre. 
                          
Free practice is over and everyone is going back to their hotel. Charles who has decided to help Pierre has come up with the plan to invite Daniella for dinner. 
                          
“This is not going to work,” Pierre looked at Daniella who has changed back to her casual clothes and ready to head back. 
                          
“I know her okay, she never turns down free food,” Charles smugly said. He is completely sure his plan is going to work. 
                          
Charles waved at Daniella once she spotted the duo and walked towards her, dragging Pierre with him. 
                          
“Hey guys,” Daniella smiled. “What are you two up to?”
                          
“Nothing,” Pierre replied. “Just talking…”
                          
“We were wondering if you would like to join us for dinner tonight?” Charles asked.
                          
“Oh..” Daniella turned to look at Collins who is busy taking photos with Myra and Nate. “I am really soon guys, but my sister is here and I already have plans with her.”
                          
“That’s fine,” Pierre smiled politely, feeling little disappointed. “You can join us next time.”
                          
Daniella smiled and nodded. “Okay then, I will see you two tomorrow.”
                          
Before Charles or Pierre can say anything Lando joined them. Pierre immediately stiffened. 
                          
“Ready to go?” he asked Daniella. 
                          
“Yeah,” she nodded before saying goodbye to Charles and Pierre. 
                          
“Oi Collins, lets go,” Lando yelled at the younger Michaels who in return just ignored him. “If you don’t hurry we will leave you behind.”
                          
Collins immediately ran towards the couple. 
                          
“See ya mate,” Lando said to Charles but ignored Pierre. 
                          
The three of them walked away as Charles and Pierre watched. 
                          
“So what now?” Pierre asked his friend. 
                          
“You and I go for dinner,” he replied, feeling defeated that his plan didn’t go as he had hoped. “Anyway I only made reservation for two.”
                          
“They why did you invite Daniella?” Pierre looked confused. 
                          
“You stupid…” Charles rolled his eyes. “I was never going to show up. It would have been just you and her on a romantic dinner.”
                          
***
                          

Daniella once again qualified P1, with Lewis right behind her in P2 and Max in P3. Everyone was excited as the three championship contenders are going to lead the race. 
                          
“I can already picture you as the champion,” Lando joked as he congratulated his girlfriend. 
                          
“Don’t say it..don’t even mention the C word,” Daniella said as she took off her helmet. “You will jinx it.”
                          
Lando laughed. 
                          
“Jinx what?” Lewis joined in. 
                          
“She think if I mention her chances of winning the championship I will jinx it,” Lando explained. “Opps sorry…I did it again.”
                          
Daniella rolled her eyes as Lewis let out a laughed. 
                          
Well I won’t mind if you do jinx it,” Lewis joked. 
                          
After the post qualifying interviews were done Daniella headed back to her driver’s room where her sister is waiting for her. But on the way she was stopped by Charles. 
                          
“What do you want Charles?” Daniella smiled. 
                          
“I need to ask you something,” he awkwardly said. 
                          
“Yes.. You and Pierre would make a cute couple,” Daniella smirked. 
                          
“Wha…what?” Charles stuttered. 
                          
“I mean you two looked so good together last night,” Daniella teased the Ferrari driver. “The dinner really seemed romantic...and even shared dessert.”
                          
“How…how do you know about that?”
                          
“Someone at the restaurant took photos and posted it,” she explained as Charles went pale. 
                          
His brilliant plan definitely didn’t go as he hoped and instead took a different turn. 
                          
Daniella tried to hold in her laughter. 
                          
“Umm..” he cleared his throat. “Okay…let’s not talk about that ever again…I wanted to ask you something else.”
                          
“What is it?”
                          
“Are you and Lando dating?”
                          
“Why do you want to know?” Daniella asked. 
                          
“Umm..no reason,” Charles got nervous. “Its just everyone has been wondering.”
                          
“And by everyone you mean…”
                          
Charles remained silent, trying to to avoid looking Daniella in the eyes. 
                          
“Well…you can tell everyone that my dating life is none of their business,” Daniella said calmly. 
                          
“Yeah..I know but Pierre really…” Charles stopped mid sentence as he realized his mistake. 
                          
“I have to go Charles,” Daniella smiled and Charles didn’t also protested as he had made enough mess for the week. 

                          
***********
                          
A/N: What do you think about Charles' failed plan? Do you think he will come with better ideas or give up? 
                          
Do you think Daniella will win the championship, or Lewis or Max will?