Overkill [Formula one]

12

Grace had been invited to join Mercedes for the weekend by Toto and she knew, beforehand, that he would be incredibly busy. But she had at least expected him to give her a tour around the Mercedes garage. Instead she was just watching Jack all the time and hanging out with Lewis and Angela, Lewis' PT. The two women had gotten along quitte well and Grace didn't mind spending her time with her, but she was a little dissapointed that Toto never seemed to even notice her.

"Don't worry." Angela said as she noticed Grace looking across the pitlane during FP3. "He always is very concentrated during weekends. Never really spends time with the guests he invites." Grace wondered if she had imagined things and that this invite to come to the paddock was indeed only a thank you for looking after Jack and additionally a nice excuse for her to watch over Jack again. Grace just nodded and watched as both Mercedes car drove back into the garage. "Gracie!" Jack pulled on one of her sleeves to get her attention. "Can we go ask Lewis to sit in his car?" He asked as he saw Lewis approach the three of them. Grace looked at Angela who shrugged and motioned to Lewis. Grace then looked back at Jack an crouched down to talk to him.

"I don't know Jackie. The team has to set up the car for Qualifying and you know how important that is. Maybe after qualifying or after the race tomorrow." She explained to the little boy. Grace looked up at Angela and noticed that she was now joined by Lewis. Angela handed Lewis his water bottle and a towel. Lewis had noticed Grace long before he got there, her being there being one of the reasons to walk straight over to the two women. He smiled as he saw that she noticed him. "Hello Miss Ocon." Grace chuckled and nodded. "Hi Lewis." He smiled as she looked back at Jack and he couldn't help but admire how she handled the kid. She was gentle as she softly explained something to him, the boy looked sad at first but then slowly nodded and hugged the woman. Lewis took a sip of his drink and averted his eyes from the woman and his boss' son. He looked up at Angela, receiving a pointed look from her. Lewis shrugged in response to her look. Before Angela could say something Lewis noticed Esteban approach the Mercedes garage. "I believe you have a visitor." Lewis said to Grace and nodded towards the entrance of the garage. Lewis greeted Esteban with a nod, watching as Esteban did the saw with a smile on his face.

"Estie!" The woman smiled as she stood up straight, lifting Jack in her arms, not wanting him to get lost amongst the very busy garage. Grace looked back at Angela and Lewis. "I'll be right back." She said mostly to Angela and then looked at Lewis. "Good job in FP3." With that she walked away from the duo towards Esteban. "I hate to see you in any garage but mine." Esteban said as he furrowed his brows and looked at the Cap with Lewis' number on it. "But, I get that Alpine is not the place for you right now." Grace hummed and slowly nodded. "But since you are here, how about you grab some dinner with me and some of the others tonight." Grace smiled brightly and enthousiastically nodded. "I would love to see George and Mick again. Haven't seen them in ages." Esteban laughed and nodded. "Lance will also join and maybe I'll invite Daniel." Grace smiled contently, but was then reminded by the kid on her hip as he softly pulled on loose string of her hair. Esteban watched as the smile on his sisters face disappeared and turned into a small frown. He watched the young boy sat in her arms and slowly nodded. "You can either bring him or try and leave him with his dad..." Esteban said. "You're not a babysitter Grace, you're here on invite for the Grand Prix." Grace slowly nodded. "I'll see what I'll do. Probably just bring him, I haven't spoken to Toto since we arrived last night." She muttered. Esteban nodded. "He's a nice kid, the others won't mind as long as you don't cancel, I'm happy." He pulled Grace in for another hug and then said his goodbyes as he had to get ready for Qualifying.

Grace, along with Angela and Jack, watched qualifying from Lewis' side of the garage. Jack clapped along as Q3 rolled around, everyone cheering for the Mercedes drivers. Lewis made a quick stop between Q2 and Q3. He kept his helmet on while discussing his performance with his head engineer. He walked over to the three of them afterwards and received his water bottle from Angela again. He didn't say much, keeping his concentration for the last round of qualifying. However he did high-five Jack as he had handed back his bottle to Angela. Jack had smiled big-time after this and Grace smiled at the little gesture, sillently thanking Lewis who just nodded. His helmet bobbing as he did so. He had his visor up, so Grace could see he was smiling due to the little glint in his eyes and the creases in the corner of them.

Lewis noticed how Grace was watching him and winked at her before getting into his car. He watched the blush spread across her cheeks before he pulled out for Q3. Grace rubbed her cheeks and shook her head as she watched Lewis pull out of the garage. Hopinh nobody noticed their interaction. Angela, however, had noticed but didn't say anything but just smiled as the two off them watched Q3.

Lewis wasn't very lucky during Q3, only ending up in 5th. Toto threw his headphones across the garage and cursed. He stalked past Angela and Grace on his way to the debrief room, without saying anything. He didn't even spare his son a glance as he passed them, leaving the little boy confused looking after his dad. Angela sighed and looked at Grace. "It's been a stressfull start of the season for him." She muttered towards the woman. Grace sighed and kneeled down next to Jack who had a small pout etched on his face. "Daddy?" He asked looking up at the woman. Grace ruffled his hair and lifted him up on his hip. "Daddy needs to work. Let's go visit Esteban." Jack looked a little confused. "Estie?" Grace nodded, she waved her goodbye to Angela and made her way to the Alpine garage.