I'm Glad You Called - Charles Leclerc

9.A Step Forward

Jessica' POV

As I stood outside the bustling bar in London, my heart raced with a mix of excitement and nerves. It wasn't until I stepped inside that I realized Lando Norris's birthday party was in full swing. The sight of so many Formula 1 personalities left me star-struck, feeling a bit out of place amidst the glittering crowd. Yet, amidst the glitz and glamour, my mind kept drifting back to the reason I was here.

Scanning the crowded room, my eyes landed on Charles, his signature smile lighting up his face. Despite the lively atmosphere, there was a sense of calm around him, a contrast to the whirlwind of emotions I was feeling. I couldn't help but chuckle at his easygoing demeanor, finding solace in his familiar presence amidst the chaos.

"Hey, Charles," I greeted him with a warm smile, feeling a sense of relief wash over me as I approached.

"Jessica," he replied, his tone teasing yet gentle. "Enjoying the party?"

I nodded, trying to mask my nerves with a casual demeanor. "It's certainly lively. How about you? Are you having a good time?"

Charles chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, you know me, always enjoying a good party."

As we bantered back and forth, I couldn't help but admire the easy connection we shared. Despite the complexities of our past, there was a sense of comfort in being able to talk to Charles, to laugh and joke without the weight of expectations hanging over us.

But then, in a moment of vulnerability, Charles slipped up, addressing me by the nickname that held so much significance - Jazz. My heart skipped a beat as a wave of emotion washed over me. It was a small gesture, yet it spoke volumes about the depth of our connection.

"Charles..." I trailed off, my voice barely a whisper as I struggled to compose myself.

"I'm sorry, Jessica," he apologized, his expression filled with remorse. "I didn't mean to-"

"No, it's okay," I interrupted him, a bittersweet smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "I...I appreciate it."

In that moment, it felt like we were both laying our hearts bare, acknowledging the significance of our shared history. Despite the uncertainties that lay ahead, there was a sense of reassurance in knowing that Charles remembered, that he cherished our time together as much as I did.

As the night wore on, Charles and I found ourselves lost in conversation, navigating the delicate balance between the past and the present. We spoke of our hopes and fears, of the challenges we faced both on and off the racetrack. And amidst the laughter and the tears, we made a silent pact to take things slow this time, to savor each moment without rushing into the unknown.

As we said our goodbyes at the end of the night, there was a newfound sense of clarity between us, a shared understanding that we were embarking on a journey together, one step at a time.

And as I watched Charles disappear into the night, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope stirring within me. Maybe, just maybe, this time would be different.