Off The Grid

Chapter thirteen. Helmet. 13

The French Grand Prix.

The first training.

I'm slipping through the people around, wanting to see Daniel.
When our eyes meet from a distance, a wide smile appears on his face.
I chuckle as I walk the last meters to him 'Amelia!'
Wrapped up in a tight hug, I giggle into his shoulder.
'Hi Danny.'

He lets me go and takes my hand, pulling me somewhere.
'Look at my helmet for this weeks race!'
His excitement makes me smile.

We come to a stop, and he hides the helmet behind himself before showing me.

'What do you think?'
I laugh at how bright and sparkly it is.
'It's so bright!'
He turns it to show me all sides.
'Yeah? You like it?'

I smile brightly
'It's so you.'

He laughs a little 'I know!'
When he takes my hand again to pull me somewhere else, his trainer stops him.
He needs to warm up, so I head off.

'Harris.'
The accent makes me smile, knowing who it is before turning.
'Sainz.'

I turn around and he jogs up with his arms wide.
'Oh god.' I say before bracing for impact.
He slams into me, hugging me tightly.
'Good to see you.' I chuckle.

'Am i going to get checked?'
I shake my head as he lets me go but keeps his arm around my shoulder.
'Not today, I have to set up a system for everyone's medical reports first.'
He droops his bottom lip 'sad.'
I laugh and push his arm off of my shoulder.

'How are you doing then?'
He zips open his jacket 'hot.'
I chuckle 'everyone knows that already, shush.'
My words make him laugh and gently push me away.
'Not a good compliment Amelia.'
I shrug 'best you're gonna get.'

'There's a surprise this afternoon.'
I raise my eyebrow and look up at him.
'Huh?' He meets my eyes. 'For you. I've heard.'
I smile 'Carlos, it's not a surprise if you tell me.'
'Oh-' I laugh at his reaction before looking ahead to the McLaren garage.

My eyes land on Lando.

'So are you working here?'
I shake my head, focusing back on the conversation.
'No I'm heading back to the hotel in a bit. It has to go over my laptop.'
Carlos nods before taking a sip of his bottle.

We arrive at the McLaren garage, so I stop.
'I'll be heading out. I have an appointment here at four. Maybe I'll see you then.'
'Probably, good luck.' He pats my back 'thanks, you too.'