Don't Blame Me | Charles Leclerc

Chapter 14

"I asked Charles if you had any food allergies or dislikes and he didn't give me any so I hope you'll find everything okay" Pascale said to Diana before they took their first bites of food.

Diana didn't worry about that. The soup smelled like sea food which she loved, making her mouth water as soon as Pascale brought it to the table. She also felt a sweet warmth in her chest at how thoughtful that was. Charles didn't lie about his mom, she wanted everyone to feel cared for.

They talked a lot while eating, getting to know each other and also the family was just catching up, casually updating one another on the things that happened since the last time they were together. The conversation didn't feel forced at all, Diana happily engaged in it, making sure not to talk about herself for too long and include everyone. The Leclerc family really made her feel like she belonged there.

After a second dish and a dessert Diana was completely full. Lorenzo offered her another glass of wine which she accepted and all of them moved to the living room. Pascale pulled out an old photo book and started to show Diana pictures of her kids when they were toddlers. 

"No, not the beach one!" Charles shouted from across the room when his mom began to tell the story about Charles being pinched by a crab when he was 5. And of course, there were pictures. One with Charles holding a crab in his little hand, and another one of him desperately trying to get it off his finger.

"I swear I helped him, but I had to take the picture" Pascale laughed. 

In most of the photos Charles was wearing a racing suit, standing on the steps of the podium with a trophy in his hands. Since he was little, he was spending most of his time on a karting track.

In the meantime, Charles sat by the piano and first sounds started flowing through the room.

There were a lot of photos with Jules, Anthoine and Hervé. Pascale had a story for most of them and by the time they went through the first photo book, it was already late at night.

"I have to be at work in the morning so as much as I'd like Diana to hear more embarrassing stories about me, we unfortunately have to go" He said softly before Pascale had the chance to pull out more photos.

"I know. I had a great time with you, we should do it more often" Her smile was bright and genuine, making Diana believe her words weren't just fake politeness.

"I'd love to. I can't wait when I'd come visit with Charles again" Diana smiled back, completely happy with how the night went.

"If you're ever in Monaco alone for work, you're more than welcome to come on your own. My doors are always open for you" Pascale squeezed both of Diana's hands.

"Thank you, Pascale. I'd make sure to give you a call next time I'm here"

The couple also said their goodbyes to the brothers. Both Lorenzo and Arthur seemed like they liked Diana. They exchanged phone numbers with her just in case she's ever bored in Monaco, promising to help her out with anything she needs.

"See, I told you they're going to absolutely love you" Charles smiled while starting the engine of his 488 Pista.

"Honestly it was a lot easier than I thought it would be, your family is amazing" Diana sighed and leaned her head in Charles' direction. "No wonder why you turned out to be who you are when you have a mom like this"

"Yeah, she's been great when I was a kid. Of course it was dad who took me karting all the time, they had quite a few fights over this when I started to miss more school than my mom could accept. She always supported me but she was also my anchor to the real kid's world: school, homework, going out to play with other kids, spending time with family" Charles had his eyes focused on the road, but he was smiling at the memories. Diana watched him closely. "My dad saw my potential and love for racing and if it wasn't for mom, I'd spent all day everyday on track. She always reminded me to stay kind and humble, focus on myself instead of my rivals, be grateful for the opportunity I had and always take my time to talk to fans. I guess without her I would have my head up my ass. So yeah, that's why I'm like this"