Racing For Love

Chapter Eighty Nine.

They were equal on points.

Lorenzo kept his pole in Brazil, and secured the point for fastest lap, whilst Jono managed to defend from the pack to maintain a P2 and podium finish, but even at his best, he wasn't able to compete for P1 - Lorenzo's performance was incredible and he was finally channelling all of his recent frustrations into his racing. This meant that for the end of the season, they faced the scenario they had both dreaded - going into the final race of Abu Dhabi, fighting for the driver's championship. It was only between them, Pablo Hernandez was third, but couldn't beat either of them, even with a P1 finish.

After our chat in Brazil, Jono was trying to be more pragmatic with his approach, but I could still see the tension and stress in him. I had flown with him, straight from Brazil to Abu Dhabi, and insisted on him having a day off. He reluctantly agreed and I planned a trip to the theme parks at Yas Island.

The day was a complete disaster. The place was full of fans - it stupidly hadn't occurred to me when I made the arrangements - and we were swamped as soon as we walked in. We managed to hide in a staff area for a short while but I could already see the tight set of Jono's jaw and knew it was a mistake. He was as distant as he had been in Brazil, perhaps even more so, only this time, I couldn't seem to pull him out of it.

The trip ended soon after we tried, and failed, once again to get around the park. Jono had a false smile plastered on his face as fans asked for photos and autographs among the comments about how close he was to winning the championship, but that fake smile was beginning to slip.

"The car is waiting for us, sorry guys," I said to no one in particular and scooped Jono's hand into mine as we made our way into the back of the car. The cool of the air-conditioned vehicle surrounded us, and I started to relax, but I could tell Jono had not.

"Are you ok?"

"Why would you think that was a good idea, Annie?" I could tell Jono wasn't just annoyed at the fans, but he was annoyed at me.

"I'm really sorry, I just didn't think. I wanted you to relax, to try and take your mind off things"

"Well, that was about the least relaxing situation I've been in, and thanks to the fans reminding me every two seconds, I've not had my mind taken anywhere."

"I know, I'm so sorry, truly." I reached for Jono's hand, willing him to let me in. "What do you want to do now?"

"Honestly? Sleep for a bit and then run through some race data."

"Do you want me to go?"

"Of course not, Ace." I saw him soften slightly. "I'm not great company, am I?"

"I get it."

"You shouldn't have to."

He reached out and held my hand tightly in his. I felt like I knew what he was trying to say with the grip around my fingers - I think he needed my presence, but not for me to try and solve anything, or distract him. It was stupid to try and plan anything when there was so much at stake, so I decided I would be entirely led by his needs for the rest of the day.

Back at our suite, Jono gestured for me to join him on the bed. I strangely felt nervous, but as I sat next to him on the soft mattress, he pulled me close to him, wrapping his arm around my torso and deeply inhaling as his face was pushed close to my neck.

"This is what I needed to relax. Now, close your eyes too, Ace - you need a break as well."

I did as I was instructed, finding that this was what I needed to relax, and soon I heard his rhythmic breathing before allowing myself to nap as well.