62: Time will tell

Sienna's point of view

'Wow! This castle is like something out of a storybook!', Maeve says, photographing every inch of the castle.

'You should see Sagrada Familia', I laugh. 'Except it isn't finished yet'.

Lando laughs. 'My father would sell his scooters here, we'd rent a place and sell them. It was really fun'.

My gaze moves around the majestic buildings lining the street. The iconic Buckingham Palace is surrounded by cameras being clicked and tourists searching for the best view as the Changing of the Guard ceremony begins. The dressed guards march precisely, their polished boots glinting in the sunlight.

'Do you reckon those guards ever crack a smile?', Max asks.

'Doubtful, they're probably trained to keep a straight face no matter what', I say.

'Look at those hats! They must weigh a ton', Luci comments.

'I'd hate to be on guard duty in this heat, they deserve our respect', Charles says. 'Although I'm sure they say the same thing if they drive in an F1 car', he laughs.

I hear Max say something to Maeve. 'If you are such a fan of the royal family, why not marry a prince?', he laughs.

'Oh, hush, Max. I just appreciate a good spectacle', she replies.

We are now walking towards Big Ben, Lando's personal favorite.

'Isn't this amazing!!!', he laughs. 'Take a picture of me!!'.

I grab my phone and snap some pictures.

'Wow, this is amazing! I went here every year for Flo's birthday!'.

We walked around the tower for what felt like hours, Norris kept telling us historical facts.

Maeve was fascinated by them, while Max and Charles were making jokes about them. Some of them were really funny.

Across the street is Westminster Abbey, which again, Maeve and Lando were interested in.

'Look at the stunning architecture! it has such a rich history!', Maeve says.

'Okay, I have to give her this one, it's actually really pretty', I laugh.

Luciana lays her head on my shoulder. 'Yeah, it really is'.

Maeve and Lando take turns photographing the building.

'Sainz, you want a pretzel?', Max asks.

Max Verstappen whom I once did not like, is now asking me if I want a pretzel. He's a nice person, that's for sure.

Especially since he wants to buy Maeve a necklace worth 83k.

'Yeah, sure, thanks!'.

We enter the Jewel House, to catch a glimpse of the Crown Jewels.

Beautiful crowns are everywhere.

'Wow! Look at those crowns', I whisper to Lando. 'Imagine us wearing those, we'll be king and queen of Barcelona'.

'You already are my queen, crown or no crown, Sienna'.

I blush, this man.

'I wonder how much those jewels are worth. Enough to buy a small country, I reckon', Max says.

'Let's hope they're well-protected, wouldn't want them disappearing on our watch', Maeve giggles.

'Well If I stole them I'd definitely buy The Netherlands, just so I can bully Max with it', Charles laughs.

'Fuck off, mate. Do you know how much taxes you pay?'.

'No wonder you live in Monaco', Charles says.

Luciana's point of view

'I'm freaking starving', Sienna says as we walk through the Convent Garden.

Its bustling market stalls and lively street add a lot of good vibes to the vibrant atmosphere. Maeve and Max even joined a spontaneous dance-off with a group of talented dancers, much to our amusement of course. We walk to a traditional English pub across the street. The evening is descending but our day is not yet finished. Tonight our last stop is the London Eye, a sky-high view of London.

Over plates of fish and chips and pints of ale, we laugh and reminisce about our favorite parts of our day.

'I'm really really really happy that we saw Buckingham Palace', Maeve giggles. 'It was amazing, wasn't it Lan?'.

I look at Sienna who is just as confused as I am, Maeve calling Lando 'Lan'. We laugh.

'I can't believe how much we bought', I grab one of the 20 shopping bags placed down near our table. 'I can't wait to hang this in my closet'.

'I know right, but my wallet is definitely feeling the strain', Maeve sighs.

Sienna and I once again look at each other. 'Isn't your salary like 80 million a year?', Sienna asks.

I laugh as Maeve almost chokes on her fish and chips.

'Fair enough', Maeve grins.

'Wait, your salary is 80 million? Fucking RedBull, Mclaren should pay me more', Lando says. 'I make fucking 30 million a year if I'm lucky. With an 80 million bonus tho'.

'80 million bonus? Well now, I gotta talk to Ferrari because we have a max bonus of 30 million', Charles laughs.

'Ferrari doesn't even pay me double digits so you should stop complaining', I laugh.

'I better keep my mouth shut', Sienna says.

'You should find a job, Sienna', I chuckle.

'Yeah, I should tho...', she says. 'Not this year tho'.

Maeve and I burst out in laughter, this bitch.

'You boys were good sports about carrying our bags, by the way. Thank you guys', Sienna says.

'It's all part of the adventure', Charles responds.

We made our way to the London Eye, our stomachs full of delicious food and alcohol. Each one of us is eager to soar above the city skyline.

I cling to Charles's arm as we ascend, my heart racing with fear. My fear of heights is not paying off.

'I can't believe we're actually doing this Charles, I'm freaking scared'.

'Just hold on tight, Luci. I've got you, princess'.

We take a look at the skyline, London is filled with color and music, it is beautiful.

'Wow, look at the city, it's like a patchwork quilt', Sienna says.

'I never realized how big London was until now. It's breathtaking', Maeve smiles.

'Wow, it really is', Max replies.

Charles throws his arm around my middle and holds me closer.

'Still scared?', He asks. I shake my head.

He moves his head closer to mine and places his lips on mine.

The scent of his perfume makes its way up my nose and every thought in my mind disappears. Just me and Charles. Me and Charles against the world.

Maeve's point of view

We make our way back to the hotel near the circuit, tired but happy.

Charles and Luci have been staying side by side the whole time, Sienna and Lando are busy flirting, so much for not telling other people.

'So... they are together?', Max asks, pointing to Sienna and Norris.

'I think I am allowed to say yes, but Carlos doesn't know yet'.

He nods. 'I get that, best friend's sister and all'.

My gaze connects with his. Then he turns away.

A stolen glance is all I get, but my heart flutters with an unfamiliar yet familiar warmth.

Could there be something more...

Something beyond friendship?

Something I swiped off the table months ago.

I guess only time will tell.