Something Gained

Chapter Two

Practice time was sort of my downtime, I checked in on emails and the media reports but otherwise I got to sit in the garage and watch the sessions. I loved it. I've grown up watching formula one since I was a little, it was always on, every practise, every qualifying session and every race, so to be here now in such a wonderful job getting to travel the world, I am the luckiest girl in the world!

I waited outside the boys rooms while they got changed into their racing gear flicking through my phone when I was engulfed in a hug, the person was stronger and taller than I am because I couldn't escape the hug. I looked up and saw Lando in a fit of giggles, mind you, it didn't take much to make him laugh.
"I like hugs, you gotta get used to it" his Australian accent rumbled through me, I finally escaped and looked up
"I don't like hugs, you gotta get used to it" I said straightening out my top and putting my phone in my pocket, he chuckled and shook his head. I look at him and I couldn't help but notice the muscles, the arms, the shoulders. His white top showed him off perfectly, his race suit draped around his waist. Wait stop. Alex what are you doing, don't be that person. I cleared my throat "anyway, let's get you in the cars" I said walking towards the McLaren garage.

The whole attitude between the boys changed once we stepped into the garage, it was like it was game time they had the ultimate focus. I walked into Lando's side and said hello to some of the mechanics and pit team, Daniel was behind me, they both had a quick briefing with Zak before they got ready. Zak Brown was a brilliant man, he was like that funny uncle to everybody. He got me the job here.
"Who's garage do you stay in?" Daniel asked from behind me
"Well.. Lando's that's what I did last year" I said shrugging my shoulders and handing Daniel his helmet and headphones.
"Oh, well maybe sometimes you could come into my side?" He asked, looking me dead in the eyes. Why did it matter where I was, I didn't count. I shrugged
"I can, it doesn't bother me. Why are you gonna reserve a special seat with my name on?" I chuckled as we walked towards Zak on the pit wall
"Hey I can arrange that if it means I get you there" he said. How odd? They met up with Zak, I said hello and left them to talk about the track.

"Alex Walker, back again I see" I looked up into the garage and saw one of the mechanics and a good friend of mine Liam. He works on Lando's car. He come over and gave me a hug, I sighed and he laughed, "no hugs"
"No hugs" I said laughing, I sat down with him and talked. I kept catching Daniel looking at me from across the pit Lane. I waved and carried on talking with Liam.
"Guys can I gather you around please" Zak was gathering up the entire team. I turned my chair and a Lando and Dan come and stood with me, Lando put his hands on my shoulders and leaned on me, I chuckled and rolled my eyes. "This is it, the start of the new season. Every single one of you standing here make this team what it is, all the way from the drivers to the mechanics, to the data guys and our media teams. We all play our part and this season is going to be a good one, so let's get practice underway, and let's kick off this season" We all cheered and clapped and I jumped up as Zak beckoned me over.
"Hey you okay" I asked as we walked to the pit wall
"Yeah just wanted to check in how things are, obviously we have Daniel, so you're looking after two drivers, and Daniel is already very popular as a driver and a person" he said
"He definitely is, but we're good. We did some bits and pieces this morning, they're a handful but they're good. They're going to keep the job cheerful and interesting" I replied smiling, I looked back and saw both boys pulling up their race suits and putting on their helmets. "But let's see how this goes"
"It's going to be good, sit yourself up here" Zak said pointing to the screens at the pit wall. "You can watch all the action rather than just Lando's" he smiled. I nodded and turned back to look at the drivers, they both got into their cars, I gave them a thumbs up and sat myself down in front of the screen as I heard their engines roar and they left the garages one after the other. I put my headphones on and watched the screens, multiple onboard cameras for each driver. plenty of data and screens for other drivers to see what we were up against, I loved this. This was like a dream to me that I'm actually here doing this job. I was grateful every single day.