On and Off the Track

F O U R.

The drive to the restaurant was quick. Bahrain was lit up with all sorts of colours, the view was breath taking. Night life was just about to begin, as the streets got busier and music got louder. We were going to an Italian restaurant, recommended by the hotel. It was one of the best in the city. As we drove Lando had his hand resting on my thigh, both of us quietly singing along to the song I had put on.

When we arrived at the restaurant, the valet took Lando's car. I stepped out, cameras were flashing in our eyes. I took hold of Lando's hand as he lead the way into the restaurant. Inside, a waiter seated us at a little table, tucked away in the corner, out of the public eye. The table was candle lit, with Italian music playing softly in the background. It was truly romantic. Italian food is my favourite, I could eat pasta till it was coming out my ears.

The waiter shortly brought over our menus, and took our drinks order. The evening was sweet. Lando and I talked about everything and nothing at the same times. It felt like I had so much to say, as I've barely seen him. I talked about my latest jobs and some which were upcoming. As well as how I need to go back to England and see my family. I haven't seen them since Christmas and the guilt was beginning to set in.

Me and lando both choose a pasta dish, which was amazing. After we finished, Lando paid and we left the restaurant shortly afterwards. The city was amazing at night. The tower skyscrapers lit up the sky with neon lights. We walked along the street till we came across an ice cream shop. I obviously had a scoop of chocolate, the best flavour. While lando had vanilla. He had the taste buds of a child that boy. The walk back to the hotel was peaceful, it was dark so we weren't recognised, and it was nice to feel normal, even if it was for just an hour. We walked with my arms hugging his right arm, as I rested my head on his shoulder. The cold evening air reminded me of the late autumn evening back at home. Winter was my favourite time of the year. The coziness and comfort it brought me.
As we walked to the elevator in the hotel, I could sense Lando getting closer , and as soon as we entered the the elevator he pulled me close to him, in a bear hug. His kisses on my neck made me giggle, as he held me even closer. We both practically sprinted to the room, where we raced to get undress and get into bed, amongst a mass amount of laughing and Lando nearly tripping over while taking off his trousers.

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My head was resting on Lando's chest, as I awoke. His steady breathing and the calmness of his heart beating made the morning ever so more relaxed, before the excitement of race day kicked in. Race day was my favourite day, and Bahrain was a night race. This made it even better, the excitement of the crowds seemed to triple if it was a night race. The fireworks at the end, were unbeatable, lighting up the night sky. I also thought the cars looked better at night, I couldn't wait.

I looked at my phone, it was nearly 12pm. Me and lando had slept in. The race didn't start til 6pm but I knew lando had meetings and conferences before. I kissed him, this usually woke him up. His eyes opened and a smile formed on his face, "morning B" I smiled, his morning voice was my favourite.
"It nearly 12, what time do you need to be at the track"
"Oh shit, you have to be kidding me. I need to leave soon then, I have a meeting at 1" he grumbled, as he looked at me as if he was saying "do I really have to go?" I kissed him on the cheek in response and got out of bed, wrapping the bed sheet around me as I walked to the bathroom. "You need to go, I'll meet you there at 2, we can have a late lunch or something"
As I began brushing my teeth, I could hear him rustling around and getting ready. This was good meant I didn't have to pull him out of bed and push him out the room to get him to leave. Definitely an improvement from last season.

I got changed into a matching blue gym set. I grabbed my AirPods and a water bottle. I hugged Lan on my way out, kissing his cheek doing so. "See you at two Lan, love you" I said as I left the room.
"Love you too, see you soon" he said quickly still trying to find his pass for the track. Every race at some point, he would lose it.

The gym was nice in the hotel. I did a quick 40 minute workout before coming back to the room and taking a shower. I had an hour til I needed to be at the track. I texted Max and we made a plan on what time we were leaving and where we were meeting.