I can't .

~12~

POV y/n:

Frustrated, I storm away from the pit wall. Second practice is over, all the cars are back in, and I just want to be anywhere but here. The interviews were bad enough, but the conversation with my father afterward was worse—back to his usual self, all business, no warmth. Especially after he noticed Carlos watching me again.

I wanted to sink into the ground when he walked right up to Carlos and asked what exactly he found so interesting about me. Like I wasn't even there.

After that, he unloaded on me about every mistake Lewis made during second practice. According to him, there was more potential in that car than what Lewis got out of it—and somehow, that was my fault too. My brain's been in overdrive ever since.

As I head toward the circuit exit, I spot Charles and Lando standing near the barrier.

"Hey, y/n!" Lando calls out.

I try to keep walking, not in the mood for small talk, so I just raise a hand and wave. But then Charles speaks up, voice softer.

"You okay?"

I stop and take a breath before walking over to them, trying to compose myself.

"Hey. I'm not really in a rush... I've just had enough for one day."

"Why? George had a solid session, didn't he?" Lando asks.

"George did, yeah. Lewis didn't—and you know how Toto is. Somehow that's my fault too."

We talk for a bit, mostly about how tense things have been between me and Toto lately.

"But he's your dad, right?" Charles asks.

"He is. But that doesn't mean he has to act like this. I'm not expecting special treatment or anything—but ever since he saw Carlos at our garage before winter break, he's been on high alert, watching my every move."

"You'd think that would've stopped now that you and George are, you know..." Lando gestures vaguely.

"You'd think," I mutter. My eyes flick to Charles for just a second. I wonder if he's spoken to Carlos since first practice.

"Carlos did seem... a little smug today," Charles says with a small smile.

"Yeah, well, I can't blame him. If my dad really went up to him to ask what he finds so interesting about me, I'd be smug too. Or horrified. I was mostly just embarrassed."

I'm just about to excuse myself when I hear footsteps behind me. I turn and see George jogging toward us.

POV Toto:

I watch y/n storm away from the pit wall, clearly angry. But she also needs to understand that this level of work just isn't acceptable. She's been off all afternoon—distracted, late for interviews, giving careless answers to questions about George. Her head hasn't been in it, and it's starting to show.

As I glance around the room, I catch Carlos looking at her again. It's not the first time today. That's why, after the interviews, I walked straight up to him to ask what exactly he wanted from her. He brushed it off, claiming he was happy for her and George—but I'm not convinced.

"Toto, have you seen y/n?" George's voice breaks my thoughts.

"She left in a mood," I reply. "I've no idea where she's gone, but if I were you, I'd keep an eye on her."

There's a warning in my tone, and he seems to catch it. I've seen this kind of thing before—Carlos might say he's over it, but his eyes tell a different story. George nods and walks off without even changing out of his race suit. Moments later, I see him heading off the grid, clearly searching for her.

Once George disappears down the hall, I turn my attention to Lewis. He's walking my way, helmet in hand, looking less than pleased.

"Lewis, what happened out there?" I ask, catching up to him.

"I don't know," he mutters, shaking his head. "It just wasn't there. No grip at the start, couldn't find the rhythm. And y/n... she just wasn't really present today. Like she wasn't hearing me."

I nod, listening carefully. It's rare for Lewis to talk about her like this—they've always worked so seamlessly together. But it's obvious that today, something's different.

And it's not just second practice bothering him. That much is clear from the tension in his voice, the way he won't meet my eyes. I have a feeling I already know what he's dealing with—but he's not ready to say it out loud.

POV George:  

I spot y/n standing with Charles and Lando just as she looks ready to leave. Without thinking, I jog toward her.

"Hey, baby. What happened with your dad?" I ask gently.

"Can we not talk about that right now?" she snaps, then glances at me. "Why aren't you changed yet?"

Her tone's a bit sharp, but I don't take it personally.

"Because I went looking for you," I explain. "Will you wait here for a bit? I'll go change real quick, then maybe we can grab something to eat?"

She sighs, then nods. "Yeah, sure. I'll wait here."

I give her a quick, slightly awkward hug—she doesn't really lean into it—and then rush back to my dressing room.

Just as I finish getting changed and grab my phone, Lewis walks in without knocking.

"George, I'm not okay with this," he says bluntly.

"With what?"

"You and y/n."

"Lewis, come on. It's only for a few weeks," I say, trying to stay calm. "You've seen how she still looks at Carlos. And the way he watches her? It's not subtle."

Lewis frowns. "How long are 'a few weeks,' exactly? Because I'm not signing up to be part of this act for much longer."

"I don't know—maybe another month? It's really up to her," I admit. "But can we talk about this later? She's waiting for me."

I don't wait for a reply. I brush past him and head out, picking up the pace.

"That took forever," y/n jokes the moment she sees me. There's a glimmer of a smile, and I feel a little relief.

"Sorry. Lewis cornered me," I explain. "He's not happy about our fake relationship. Says he doesn't want to keep playing along."

"Typical Lewis," she mutters with a laugh, then shrugs. "I'll talk to him tomorrow. I think it's more my fault than yours anyway. He's probably just annoyed I messed up his second practice."

She's brushing it off, but I know it's weighing on her. Still, I let her have the moment.

I slide my arm around her shoulders and we start walking toward my car, the evening air cool and still.