Apex | Charles Leclerc

Chapter 71

I don't know how I managed to update every day when I was writing Lock Up like damn there were even days where I'd have a double update.

We've got a new episode for The Summer I Turned Pretty in a few hours and I'm curious. Which team are you on? Jenny Han is one of my favorite writers and hopefully, I'll get to write something as beautiful as her books in the future 🤍

Enjoy!

*****

June 9, 2028 - USA

"I know Andrea has you on a strict diet, but one slice wouldn't kill you." I smiled at Charles as I returned to our table holding a tray that was filled with two cups of coffee and two slices of Boston cream pie. I laughed when his eyes landed on the dessert and he picked up his fork, ready to devour it.

We arrived early in the States since Gabby invited us over the grand prix, saying that her family was more than happy to accommodate us for the weekend. Charles and I flew in with Max who'd be staying here until he had to fly to Canada while Charles and I would be making a short stop to New York.

"Oh my god?" Charles groaned after taking the first bite and I smiled at him, careful not to spill my coffee. "This tastes like heaven." I wanted him to get the full experience so after this, we were passing by Quincy Market to get some lobster rolls. We still had a few hours to kill before we had to go back to Gabby's childhood home for dinner.

"Easy there." I said when he took one bite after the other. "You've seriously never had this?"

Charles shook his head as he leaned his elbow on the table, smiling at me. "When we come here for the races, it's usually just Texas and New York and we're only there for a few days. Besides, Andrea would never let me have this."

"Which is why we are still keeping this a secret, yes?" I said and he agreed, knowing that his trainer would be furious.

Charles held my hand the entire time we walked around. A few people had recognized him but were thankfully subtle enough to not draw attention on us. Since it was a Friday, the subway was packed with both people going home and the ones who were about to end the week by going out with friends. Charles prepared for this, putting on a cap over his head and hanging his face low during the entire ride.

Because it was rush hour, we were both left to stand just by the doors. All of the hang rings were being used and I've lived here long enough to know that the metal poles were far from clean. Charles was leaning against the side of the wall, both hands on my hips to keep me steady.

I almost lost my balance when the breaks were used, causing me to tighten my grip on the sleeves of his sweater. "What?" I asked him upon seeing the smile on his face.

"That was adorable." He grinned and I rolled my eyes at him, feeling a blush creep into my cheeks.

"Your definition of adorable is questionable."

We arrived at Gabby's house five stations later with Paul opening the door for us. "How was the market?" He asked as we stepped inside. The placed smelled like pot roast and it was heavenly.

"It was great. I don't know if I still have room for whatever Eve is cooking." Charles laughed as Paul waved a hand. Paul was a six foot tall man whose wardrobe composed of only gray sweaters and black t-shirts no matter the weather outside. He used to be a filmmaker before he left the movie industry to teach film at Boston University. He was the reason Gabby got into photography, growing up with Paul and Eve filming her childhood memories.