ISABELLA'S POV
Two days later, the entire team boarded the flight to Melbourne together.
As we settled into our seats, I recalled my initial apprehension about how my boss would react to my decision not to chat with him for a few days. To my surprise and relief, he had swiftly agreed, only requesting an update after the first race.
His gesture made me feel deeply respected and cared for.
With each passing moment, my admiration for Mr. L grew, surpassing even my admiration for Levi. Perhaps one day, our paths might cross. I hoped so, at least. It would be wonderful to meet my master in person, hopefully in this life.
Upon landing in Melbourne, any lingering anxieties melted away amidst the bustling new surroundings. This season marked my debut race with the team, a moment of exhilaration tempered only by the need for everyone to check into the hotel and settle in.
Fortunately, the day held no formal duties, allowing us all some much-needed downtime to rest.
Unlike my colleagues from the public relations department, I was assigned a room on the eighth floor, alongside the pit crew and vehicle engineers. The elevator groaned to a halt on the eighth floor, disgorging a stream of men laden with bags. I couldn't complain. It was my choice to be as far away from Levi as possible.
I had promised to maintain my boundaries, and I intended to keep that promise to the end. My job was more important to me than any desire right now.
As I stepped out of the elevator, a man approached and offered to help with my luggage. "Let me help you, beautiful," he said with a warm smile.
Looking up, I recognized him as Franco, the engineer for Eric, another driver on our team. Franco was Mexican, with deep eyebrows, intense eyes, and a tall, imposing build. His cheerful personality was infectious, though our paths rarely crossed due to our different roles within the team.
It seemed he had noticed me during a recent company meeting.
"Thank you, Franco," I replied gratefully, handing him my bag.
As Franco effortlessly hoisted the luggage, he asked, "So, what's your room number?"
"4022," I answered, falling into step beside him along the vast modern corridor. "And yours?"
"4023," he chuckled, and we both glanced at each other, bursting into laughter.
"Oh my," I managed between giggles. "What the hell!"
"Isn't this fate?" Franco quipped, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "Our rooms are right next to each other."
The unexpected chat with Franco eased any lingering nerves about the upcoming race. It felt comforting to have a friendly face nearby in this unfamiliar setting.
"So close," I remarked as we reached our doors, noticing his room directly opposite mine. I took my luggage handle back from Franco, leaning against my hotel room door.
"I guess we'll be seeing each other often," he grinned, nodding towards his own door as if to emphasize his point.
"Yeah," I smiled in agreement. "We sure will."
"Let me let you settle in and have a rest," Franco suggested, though we continued to stand there smiling at each other.
"How about I buy you coffee later?" I offered suddenly.
"Oh, I would love that," Franco replied eagerly. "I know a famous coffee shop nearby that the team frequented in past seasons. I'll take you there."
"Alright."
"It's a date then," Franco teased with a grin.
"Not a date, just a hangout," I clarified, feeling a slight flutter in my stomach.
"Whatever you call it. As long as I get to have coffee with a beautiful woman like you, I'm all good," he chuckled, his charm evident.
"Oh, please. Don't flatter me," I said playfully, flipping my hair back.
He chuckled again. "Alright, later then."
With that, Franco waved and headed towards his room. I entered mine, feeling elated. Despite not being on the same floor as Mark and the others, I quickly struck up a new friendship. How great! The trip wouldn't be as bad as I had feared, it seemed.
I checked out the room and was delighted by its beauty. Sitting on the bed, I realized it was a water bed—such luxury! Still in my work clothes, I rolled around on the soft surface a few times before gathering my toiletries and clothes from the suitcase and heading to the huge state-of-the-art bathroom.
The fatigue from the long flight dissipated in my excitement. After freshening up, I changed into a simple blue shorts and pink crop top outfit, letting my hair down and slinging a small bag across my chest.
Just as I was about to leave and remind Franco about coffee, there was a knock on the door. Peeking through the peephole, I saw it was Franco.
I smiled and opened the door. "You're right on time," I greeted.
"Can't keep a pretty woman waiting," he replied with a grin as I shut the door behind me.
"So, are you ready for our dat... hangout?" Franco asked with a playful twinkle in his eye.
I snickered, knowing what he meant to say. "Sure, I'm ready."
We strolled out of the hotel and along the bustling street towards the coffee shop. It wasn't large, but a crowd had gathered, patiently waiting in line. Franco and I joined the queue, continuing our conversation as we edged forward.
The server called out various names near the pick-up counter. Eventually, it was my turn to order.
"Finally," I remarked to Franco, giving him a playful wink. "I won the bet—they called my name before yours."
"It's pretty girl privileges," he teased.
"Men never like to admit it when they lose," I teased back, rolling my eyes.
"I'll gladly lose to you," Franco replied with a dramatic wink and a hand over his heart.
"Oh, please," I laughed.
I stepped forward to place our order. I opted for a Flat White, an Australian specialty coffee for myself, and a Hot Chocolate for Franco, which he had earlier told me was his favorite.
"Cash or card?" the waiter asked as I prepared to pay.
"Card," I replied confidently, sliding my card into the machine. My card beeped when I put it in.
What the hell!
I was still puzzled when I heard the counter staff call out, "Mr. Levi," his tone filled with admiration for my boss.
My head turned involuntarily as I looked over. Levi rose from his seat not far away and approached us slowly.
What is going on?