Hidden. To Follow one's own path with the heart

8.

Just heard a faint murmur, it became quieter and I stood on a large balcony, where there were several tables, but they were all empty. Masts, which were left in the ground, held up larger cloths, which probably provided shade during the day. Now, however, lanterns and lanterns were shining there, reflecting a pleasant atmosphere. From afar you could see the moon reflecting on the sea and I was speechless.

Shit, that really just turned into a date. If I ever wanted to imagine a dream date, this would be it.

"Please sit down." When I was torn out of my thoughts and a little confused, I followed the man's request. As I was about to sit down, Charles came to pull my chair back.

What a gentleman, I could hardly breathe.

"My name is Piorelli, I own the best restaurant in all of Brazil and today I am its host" His accent made me smile and I nodded in thanks, nervously playing with my ring. "Thank you Piore, we'll get back to you shortly." Charles looked at me anxiously as Piorelli hurried back to the rear. "Is everything ok? Are you worried about Lando?"

Confused, I looked at him, "No, I'm not worried about Lando, everything is fine. it's just-" I swallowed, how could I tell him that this seemed like a date to me without telling him that it seemed like a date to me?

"I guess something from McDonalds would have been enough for me" I laughed slightly, trying to hide my discomfort.

"If you want, we can go too, I had planned it differently, but Piore does what Prior wants" he laughed slightly. "But don't worry, I can explain it to Lando when he asks why you've been away for so long, after all, you can go out for dinner with a friend."

Okay, officially no date, that was good, I think. But why would he explain it to Lando? Confused, I looked at him. Did he know he was my brother? My heart rate went up to 180.

"Yes... I guess that's right" my hands under the table, once again at my ring playing, I looked around. Shortly afterwards Piorelli came with the garden and I ordered a water, Charles did the same.

We looked at the cards and as I thought it was Italian. "Are you here often or why do you know the owner?" I asked out of curiosity, and also finally eliminate the silence. "In fact, he's an acquaintance of my mother's. And that's why I usually eat here when I'm here." I remembered the conversation this morning.

"Stupid question, but can you just eat a pizza like that?" Charles laughed "I'm getting an exclusive meal made for me here, oh man that sounds high" We both laughed.

"It's just a food that suits my diet" nodding I continued to look at my card "So you're just looking at the menu out of politeness?" he shrugged his shoulders with his typical grin, "Well, I need to know if there's anything new."

We ordered the food and the drinks came, I took a sip right away, because for whatever reason I was really thirsty.

"So Ellie..." Charles began, his eyes meeting mine. "How do you get this internship or this job?"

That was one of those questions I dreaded. I took another sip to buy my time.

"Well, probably the way it always goes in Formula 1; with contacts" He nodded interestedly, "So Lando brought you in?" I nodded cautiously, apparently the whole thing was more than obvious "yes, exactly..."

"How long have you been together?"

Please what?

"Together?"

I asked him, and I was 100% sure that they could see my confusion. Now he looked at me confused as well, "Well, I thought you were a couple, the way you take care of each other, especially Lando..." Trying to stop my laughter, I put my hand in front of my mouth "No, Lando and I are not together"