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Although Charles was annoyed that he didn’t win the race, he made the point of congratulating Carlos in front of the cameras and the press. He was happy for his boyfriend but he wanted to win again. Max had retired from the race early on and Charles didn’t know if the team were going to get another opportunity to fight for wins again. The season was long but there was every chance that Max could win the rest of the races to follow. Charles didn’t have a crystal ball so he didn’t know. At the end of the day, it was a great result for the team but Charles was still disappointed.
Carlos jumped out of the car to greet the team. He was showered with praise and there was a lot of backslapping going on. The Spaniard then went over to his dad who congratulated him as he had tears in his eyes. Charles witnessed the moment that Carlos Sainz Sr called Lando over and he shook his hand before he pulled in for a hug. He wasn’t called over by Carlos’ dad, the older Spaniard didn’t congratulate him and Charles gritted his teeth. There would always be a special bond between Lando and Carlos but clearly Carlos Sr didn’t think much of Charles even though he was dating his son.
The Monegasque also noticed the hug between Lando and Carlos, he felt a spike of jealousy. Whilst he had jumped out of the car and been the first one to congratulate Carlos, the Spaniard hadn’t come near him since he had stepped out of the car. Charles didn’t know what to think anymore.
Charles was happy to at least have some interaction with Carlos in the cool down room but Lando was there as well as the Monegasque wished that he was on his own with his boyfriend. He would have to wait.
When it came to go out onto the podium, Lando had to give Carlos a hand onto the top step. Charles noticed the moment that Carlos held onto Lando’s arm and his smile dropped. He just wanted the podium celebrations to be over.
Lando and Carlos made it back to the cool down room first after they had left the podium together. When Charles came back, Jon was taking a photo of Lando and Carlos together as they held their trophies and pointed to Carlos’ bandage from when he had surgery. Charles glared at the two drivers before he made a move to get to the press conference before the Brit and the Spaniard.
It wasn’t a surprise to Charles when the two drivers left together after the press conference was over. Somehow, he managed to catch up with the Spaniard before either of them could step foot in the media pen. Thankfully, Lando was further up ahead with his press officer to notice.
“What are you doing?” Asked Charles.
Carlos frowned at his boyfriend.
“What do you mean?”
“Lando isn’t your boyfriend and yet I feel like I’m on the sidelines.”
“I’m sorry you feel that way.”
“Your dad congratulated him in Parc Ferme, he didn’t even call me over. Lando might as well be your boyfriend, you’re both joined at the hip.”
“There’s nothing going on so just leave it, Charles.”
Carlos walked away before Charles could say anything else.
When it was time for the team celebrations, Charles plastered a smile on his face but he wasn’t happy. Carlos slapped his back as Charles moved into position to stand in front of the timing board. The Monegasque paid no attention to his boyfriend.
When the champagne went flying around everywhere, Charles managed to make a break for it. He could see Carlos laughing with various members of the team. He wanted to be included in the fun but he felt like he was intruding. It wasn’t as if Carlos was even looking for him.
Charles didn’t know what to do. Things had changed so much recently between himself and Carlos. He was no longer looking forward to what the rest of the season had to bring. In fact, he was dreading it.