STRONG

Chapter One 💚

BREAKING NEWS- LANCE STROLL OUT OF F1 TESTING DUE TO BIKE ACCIDENT

Staring down at my phone screen, mouth agape, I scroll down the article after reading the headline. Lance had a big bike accident and has been ruled out of testing due to many possible breaks in his arms/wrists. As I finish reading the article, my phone rings.

"Hello?" I answer.
"Hi Gabriella, it's Mike Krack"
"Hi Mike, how are you?"
"I've been better" he laughs "I take it you've heard the news about Lance?"
"Yeah I've just read an article on Sky, how bad is it?" I ask, pulling my bottom lip between my teeth.
"It's pretty bad, Lance is in hospital in Spain awaiting further tests and X-rays but the doctors have said that he won't be able to drive in testing, which is the reason I'm calling actually"
"Oh gosh, please send him my best wishes and let him know if there's anything I can do to just text me, what can I do for you?" I ask.

"Will do, we'll as our reserve driver we will need you to fill in for Lance for testing, next week, and possibly the season"

OH MY GOSH "t-the season?" I stutter.
"Yeah it's not definite yet, it'll all depend on how Lance is physically and mentally but we want to have a plan in place just in case, so are you available?"

I don't think twice before I answer "Yes absolutely"

"Great, we will need you to come to headquarters to go over a few things, is tomorrow good?" He asks a sense of urgency in his voice.

"Yes tomorrow's great, do I need to bring anything with me?"
"Do you already have a PR manger?"
"Yes, Charley was my PR manger/ press officer in F2 and F3"
"Okay good, bring her with you tomorrow as they'll be contracts to go through and schedules, one other thing do you have a PT?"
"I do, Emma, she also worked with me previously"
"Okay, you don't need to bring her but it would be good to let her know what's happening so you can start training"
"Okay will do, is there anything else I should do or know now?"
"I think that's everything until tomorrow"
"Okay. I'll see you tomorrow"
"Thank you Gabriella. See you tomorrow"
I sit staring at my phone screen for a minute, this isn't real, this isn't happening. Reaching down i pinch my thigh, only when a twinge of pain sets in does the whole situation set in. I'm going to be driving a Formula One car in a week and possibly the rest of the year.
Returning my attention to my phone I go to messages and send one to Charley.

To Charley 🫶🏻-
Hey, can you come over ASAP, really important. X
From Charley 🫶🏻-
Hey, absolutely be there in 20 minutes. X

Exactly 20 minutes after I had received Charley's message, there's a buzz from my intercom. I press the button to open the door downstairs without even looking at the little camera, knowing it'll be Charley. A few minutes later there's a rapid knock at the door.

"Hey" I smile as I open the door for Charley
"Hey" she smile back pulling my into a hug "so what's up?" She asks as we pull away, tucking a piece of her blonde hair behind her ear.
"You better sit down for this" I lead her to the sofa in the living room,  she kicks off her trainers, sitting cross legged across from me, an expectant look on her face.

"I'm going to be driving for Aston Martin in testing next week, and possibly the season" I lay it all out there.
She doesn't react at first but then her green eyes widen "oh my gosh! How? Why? What?!" She rushes out all at once.

I smile sadly at her "Lance Stroll had a big bike accident and has been ruled out of testing and possibly the season, Mike Krack called me and asked me to fill in, seeing as I am their reserve driver, I need to go to headquarters tomorrow and you need to come with me"

"Shit, this was meant to be your quite year" she lets out a small chuckle
"I know but when opportunity knocks I can't ignore it" I flash her a little smile.
"Okay, well I'll stay here for the night as it'll be easier for tomorrow and seeing as you already dragged me here" Charley nudges me with her elbow.
"Fineeee" I drag out the vowel "did you even bring any clothes with you?"
"Of course, I left my bag in the car" She smiles at me.
"Girls night?" I give Charley a look.
"Girls night!"