I can't .

~33~

POV y/n:

After a relaxing weekend away, I have to admit—it feels good to be back at the track. The roar of the engines still sends a thrill through me every single time. There's something about race day energy that no peaceful getaway can match.

I'm on my way to meet George and go over a few things for his training when I spot Lewis coming down the paddock lane.

"Hey Y/N," he greets with that signature grin. "Looking radiant as always."

"Thanks, Lulu."

He raises an eyebrow, amused. "Lulu? Since when do you call me that?"

I smirk. "George always calls you that, and I thought it was funny."

Lewis chuckles, and we fall into step together, catching up like old times. I tell him about the weekend away with Carlos and the others—how peaceful it was, how fun.

"When will you have time for me again?" he asks, half-joking but with a hint of something real underneath.

I pause for a second. Since Carlos and I got together, I haven't really had much one-on-one time with Lewis—and he's always been there for me.

"I'm sorry, Lewis. I didn't mean to push you aside."

"It's alright, Y/N. I get it—it's new and exciting. And now that Toto's starting to come around, I can imagine you two want to enjoy it while it lasts."

"No," I say firmly. "That shouldn't be an excuse. I'm still free tonight, if you are?"

He lights up. "Perfect. I'll take you out to dinner—we'll catch up properly."

We part ways, and I head toward George, reviewing his notes with him before the session begins. He's focused and upbeat, which makes my job that much easier.

Later, I slide into my seat at the pit wall beside my father. He gives me a quiet nod. I return the gesture with a small smile.

"Good luck," he says, barely above the sound of the engines.

"Thanks, Dad."

Training goes really well. George is in good form today, and from the way my dad watches the screen, I can tell he's proud—even if he'd never say it outright. That's okay. I've learned to read the signs.

"George, you're sitting at P2—keep it up!" I call over the radio as the session nears its end.

When George pulls back into the box, I'm there waiting. He hops out of the car and pulls me into a quick hug, grinning from ear to ear.

"Thanks, Y/N! We've got a real shot this weekend at another podium."

"Don't celebrate too soon, George," I tease with a smirk. "Eyes on the prize."

The rest of the day passes slowly between sessions. I would've loved to sneak in a call or even a message from Carlos, but he'd told me earlier that today was going to be packed for him. I'll see you late tonight, he had said.

I hold onto that thought as I dive back into the bustle of race prep.

POV Carlos: 

Training didn't go the way I'd hoped. There's still a lot to work on with the team, and ideally, I'd be spending time with Y/N right now—but today's just too packed. I haven't even had a moment to check my phone properly. With a lukewarm cup of coffee in hand, I head back into the garage.

"Ricky," I call out. "What went wrong?"

He shrugs casually. "The car was fine. Charles didn't report a thing—everything went smoothly for him."