Just Him ❤

34. Leaving on a jet plane.

                                ~*~

Antti lifted their cases into the back of Audi A6 estate. Chloe had quietly got in to the back seat. She seemed to be avoiding Seb already today. This was going to be long week if things stayed as they were. Once everyone was ready, they left for the airport. It was a 40 minute drive away. She remained quiet for the entire time, she was dreading the fact that Stephen would more than likely be in the first class lounge when they got there. She would have to deal with that as well as Seb who would be watching her every move around Stephen. She was being backed in to a corner, she was going to have tell Seb everything if there was any hope of her getting him back. It certainly couldn't make things any worse.

                                ~*~

They were all checked in. Chloe began to feel sick as they entered the first class lounge to wait for boarding to start. Her stomach lurched as she saw him. Stephen was sat at a table talking to Mattia, the team boss. She really wished she was flying in economy with the rest of Seb's and Charles' crews and not first class with senior team members and the drivers. She felt Seb's hand on her back, guiding her to a table where Vanessa sat with Charles. She was grateful not to be having to talk to Stephen. Seb said a quick hello to everyone before leaving her there. He was heading to Mattia and Stephen, Antti walked with him. Would he say anything or ask Stephen what was going on? She hoped not.
"Bloody hell Chloe, you look awful." Exclaimed Vanessa. "I heard you fainted the other day in front of Stephen Cole. Martina said he called asking for the medics."

"Nice of Martina to gossip about me." She replied.

"Are you sure you're ok to fly? You do look pale." Vanessa leant her head to one side.

"I'm fine."

"So, what's the news with you and Sebastian?" She asked.

"What news?" Chloe really wasn't in the mood for this.

"You're seeing him aren't you?" She raised her brows. "I knew there was something going on at the luncheon. I knew you two were holding hands under the table." She looked pleased with herself. "So, tell us what's going on!"

"Are you talking about me already?" Seb appeared as if by magic.

"We're just asking Chloe about your relationship, aren't we Charles." She grinned at her driver who so far had said nothing.

"We like to keep things to ourselves, don't we Chloe." He slipped his arm round her shoulders. She knew what he'd said had a double meaning and was a dig at her. "Come on, let's get you a coffee." He took hold of her hand and led her away from any more of Vanessa's questions. His touch on her hand made her skin tingle, she'd missed it so much.

"Thank you." She spoke quietly as they reached the bar. She heard Seb order her a coffee.

"No one knows we're not together. I don't want lots of awkward questions." He replied. "And you need to keep it together." He smiled and thanked the waiter for the coffee, sliding it along to her.

"We're not together?" She asked, they were only words she'd heard. The words she didn't want to ever him hear him say.

"Morning Chloe." Stephen appeared at her side. Seb could see her visibly tense up. Her eyes met his, he could see she was frightened to be near him. Strangely, he noticed her hand covering the top of her coffee cup. "How are you feeling after Saturday?" She turned to look at him. She couldn't believe he had the gall to come and talk to her as though nothing had happened, as though her fainting was just some random thing. Seb put an arm protectively around her, pulling her closer to him.

"She's feeling better, thank you." He kept his reply short. He was more than sure now that Stephen had somehow hurt Chloe. He could feel her shaking. Her's was not the reaction of someone who just disliked Stephen. This was fear.

"I'm glad to hear it." Stephen replied, he walked away. Chloe breathed out, she was unaware she'd been holding her breath. She looked at Seb.

"I know he's hurt you." He murmured.

"Seb, I.........." She looked at her coffee then back at him. "Did Michael tell you?"

"I can see you're scared of him." He rubbed her back gently. "I'm right, yes?" She nodded slowly. "I haven't needed Michael to tell me anything, your body language speaks volumes." He was nearly whispering, not wanting anyone to know Michael had been to Maranello. Michael had said that even the medics were sworn to secrecy. "Let's take a seat with Antti, I'm sure they'll start boarding soon." He took hold of her hand again and they joined Antti in a more private area.

                               ~*~

Take off complete, the plane soon reached altitude and the seatbelt sign went off. Chloe yawned. She had planned to use the Wi-Fi to go through any emails that had arrived but her eyes felt so heavy. She glanced at Seb, he'd got his headphones in his ears and his eyes shut already. She relaxed back in to the seat, closing her eyes and trying to ignore the awful presence of Stephen. She felt Seb take hold of her hand, she allowed herself a little smile. A small burst of happiness came from within at his small but welcome gesture as his fingers linked with her's. She hoped Sabine had emailed over the confidentiality agreement, if she was going to tell Seb everything he would need to sign it. Rightly or wrongly she wanted to protect Stephen and protect the reputation of the sport she loved.