𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒: 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐊 | 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐬

[ 018 ]

'People appreciate and never forget that helping hand especially when times are tough.'
- Catherine Pulsifer

In fact, the first meeting, after her confession, had gone well with the Formula 1 drivers she knew. No one had asked questions, no one had treated her differently. She had noticed from time to time how they gave her pitying and thoughtful looks, which were certainly due to her confession. But nothing else was different. She was incurably glad about that.

Leaving the airport had been no big deal either, and had gone over casually. No paparazzi, no fans. Just the drivers and her. It was only at the hotel, where she had already thought she was safe, a big commotion had broken out. Loads of fans and paparazzis. They were all screaming and wanted a picture with their idol. Charles, Lando and George were the three she had arrived with. In addition, Carmen was there and after a long time Charlotte again.

The three had immediately gone to the screaming people and had handed out signatures and taken pictures. She, on the other hand, stayed in the background and followed behind the gang. Thank God, their suitcases had already been taken from them and were brought to the hotel by a staff member. Nevertheless, she had been quite overwhelmed with the situation. Charles and Charlotte had already walked ahead. Carmen and George were walking with Lando in front of her.

Taking a deep breath, she looked at the people to her right and left. She heard men and women calling her name and asking her questions. Especially about her latest confession. About the latest drama about herself. Her steps became smaller and slower. Her right hand went to her necklace and she fearfully played with it. Breathing faster, she glanced nervously from left to right, trying to calm herself.

Just follow your brother, she preached to herself, don't react.

As much as she wanted to appear strong, it was all getting to her. It hadn't been long since her confession. It was all fresh and even though she knew that such questions could come, she wasn't ready to hear and answer them yet. Maybe someday, but not this weekend.

Just as her heart threatened to beat even faster, a warm hand touched her lower back. Her gaze darted to her left and she saw that Lando had caught up to her.

"Come with me." he said softly, but still loud enough for her to hear against the loud shouts.

His hand now pressed a little harder against her back and led her pass the whole crowd. In the process, Lando was more than close to her. But it wasn't even uncomfortable for her. On the contrary. His body radiated warmth and security. Which made her body calm down again.

Her gaze still fixed downward, she continued to let him and his large, warm hand guide her. They quickly arrived in the foyer of the hotel and when the door closed behind them, it was suddenly pleasantly quiet. She breathed a sigh of relief. She had made it and nothing had happened. Lando took his hand from her back, leaving a cold spot.

"Better?" he asked, looking at her with slight concern.

"Yes, thank you." she wrestled a smile from herself, folding her arms in front of her and stroking her elbows with her hands.

At this question, of course, Charles became alert again. He turned to Lando and Luise, leaving Charlotte alone for a moment.

"All good?" he asked, touching her shoulder lightly.

"Yes, everything's fine, Charles."

Lando looked at her penetratingly. He knew that not everything was okay three minutes ago. Otherwise he would not have come to her and helped her. But he paused and was as silent as Luise.