The encounter of a lifetime - Charles Lerclerc

Chapter 8

This awakening alongside Charles is one of the best of my life. We wake up at the same time, and stare intensely for several minutes. He runs his hand through my hair, smiling.

Emma: Why are you smiling like that?
Charles: Because you're really beautiful, and I'm happy to have a woman like you by my side.

He gives me a kiss on the forehead and leaves to get dressed. After all, he still has several people who have slept at his house, so he has to go and check if everything is fine. I prepare myself quietly in his bathroom, thinking about last night. He was amazing, and I've never felt better. He was so sweet and caring. I feel good when I'm with him. I feel safe and protected.

I join Charles and the others in the living room where they are tidying up a bit. I see Chloe who seems to have a big hangover. I think she got a little loud last night with the beverages. I go over to her and ask her how she is. I decide to go get her a glass of water because she really doesn't look well. I think we'll go back to the hotel and do nothing all day. Maybe if she's better tonight we'll go out to eat, but that's not sure. We might just order room service and watch Netflix.

After an hour the remaining guests as well as Chloe and I leave the apartment. I let the others go first so I can be almost alone with Charles and  talk with him a bit before I leave. I thank him again for last night's party and tell him that I can't wait to see him again. Before I leave he kisses me, holding me by the waist. I feel my whole body vibrate when his lips touch mine. It has such an effect on me.

We return to the hotel quietly with Chloe and decide to stay at the hotel. After all, it's good to take time for yourself from time to time. On the program, Netflix, room service and mask. A real girls' day-night out.

***

It's around 5 pm, Chloe is taking a nap and so I decide to go for a walk outside the hotel to land on the beach. I grab a good book, a hat and sunglasses and head out. The cold sea air on my cheeks feels good. I feel free and I feel like for the first time in my life I am complete. Before Charles I had never come across good boys who treated me like he does. I know that between us there is nothing official and that it may just be a holiday romance, but I don't want to think about that. I want to enjoy every moment with him as if it were the last. And to keep this memory of fullness that I feel.

I immerse myself in my book, when suddenly my phone rings.

Emma: Hello?
*Female voice*: Yes hello, Madame Emma Carlier is that you?
Emma: Uh yes.
*Female voice: I am Anna, the secretary of the university exchange service from the University of Geneva and I am calling you regarding your request for an exchange for the next academic year.
Emma: Oh yes of course, excuse me I had not seen that it was a call coming from the university. Tell me everything.
Anna: Well, your application has been accepted, and two universities are up for grabs. This is the University of Montreal that you had selected for its options in the field of social networks and others, or the International University of Monaco for its options in the field of luxury.
Emma: That's great news. Do I have to give you my decision now?
Anna: You have three days to give me your decision.
Emma: Fine then I'll think about it and I'll call you back to give you my decision.
Anna: Perfect. Have a good day bye.
Emma: Thank you good end of the day to you too.

It had totally slipped my mind that I had made this request to uni. Normally I would have thought about it every day, but I was like in another world. I have to go upstairs and break the news to Chloe right away.

Obviously, as soon as the woman pronounced the name of the city of Monaco, my heart stopped. If I listened to my heart I would rush headlong to the University of Monaco to have a chance to see Charles more. But my brain tells me not to take this situation on a whim, especially for a boy who travels most of the year for his Formula 1 races. But if I go to Monaco I would have a lot of contact with important and wealthy people. It makes it easier to work in luxury later on and I really want to work there. I need Chloe's opinion.

I go up to the bedroom and find her sitting in bed on her phone. I start explaining to her the phone I just got and she jumps me in the arms.

Chloe: Emma that is incredible!  I know you've been waiting for this answer impatiently. But which one will you choose?

I explain to her everything I thought. I explain my doubts, and my fear of being influenced by Charles in my choice. I also take this opportunity to tell her everything that happened last night between him and me so that she really understands what is at stake. She tells me that I have to follow my heart and make sure I don't have any regrets later. And she is right. After all, I had chosen Monaco even before meeting Charles. And if nothing happens between us at least I will have no regrets. I would have given myself every chance. I decide to call my parents anyway to tell them about the call and get their opinion, which is the same as Chloe's. I then decide to call Anna tomorrow to tell her that my choice is made, and that as soon as the next school year start I will be  in Monaco.

*****