fast lane - c.leclerc

chapter two

LAUREN

LAUREN WOKE UP IN SHEETS TO SOFT to be real. She propped herself up so she was sat up straight. The sun was peeking through her window. The clock told her it was eight in the morning, meaning she had plenty of time to get ready as the third free practice wasn't until 12.30. 

There was something about enjoying a coffee with wet hair on a balcony in the spring air. It was exactly what she needed to properly start her day. Unfortunately, her peace didn't last very long. The room opposite her balcony had the doors wide open. The woman currently inhabiting the room was having a great time. Lauren couldn't help but feel impressed by her vocal range. Whoever was accompanying the lady, was doing a terrific job.

Lauren burst into a fit of laughter. She lit a cigarette, expecting the noises to die down swiftly. Her eyes widened as she made up what name the woman was moaning. Lauren inhaled deeply. 'You have got to be kidding me,'

Charles Leclerc was doing his pre-race ritual and the entirety of Monaco could enjoy it. Lauren exhaled the smoke and moved over to the edge of the balcony. 'Good morning, Leclerc. Would you mind toning it down a notch, or at least stuffing her mouth with something? Some people are trying to enjoy some fresh air,' she yelled, bursting into a fit of laughter.

The noises came to a stop. Lauren heard an offended 'Who the hell is she?' before Charles appeared on his balcony. A mere sheet covering him from the waist down he stood there, shooting her an angry look. Lauren took him in. God really wasted perfect architecture on such a poor excuse of a human being.

'Jealous much?' Lauren's cheeks turned pink. She quickly regained her composure, bringing her cigarette to her lips.

'Please, I know a faker when I hear one. Tell your girl to get a safety net just in case, you know, if acting doesn't work out,' 

'You are seriously fucked in the head, Evans. I'll have you know you ruined my morning,'

'Great, now I only have to ruin your race and it's mission accomplished for me,' she put out her cigarette and got up to go back inside. 

'This conversation hasn't finished,' he yelled at her. 

Lauren chuckled, winking at him before saying 'Neither has your girl,'

She enjoyed hearing him groaning in frustration before closing the door behind her. 

An hour later, Lauren was zipping up her race suit. Looking at her reflection, she was in utter awe. She was bopping her head to the sound of Modern Talking blasting through her headphones to get in the zone. She was sitting in the corner of the garage, gathering herself when she caught a few cameras on her. Lauren shot them a quick smile before going back into her own world.

Free practice passed by in a blur. She couldn't remember a single thing. She was shaken to discover she'd gotten P7. It was now time for qualifying and she was incredibly nervous.

'Lauren, it's time,' said Christian.

Five minutes later, she found herself pulling the visor of her helmet down. 'Alright, kid. Are you ready?' asked her engineer, Hugh Bird while squeezing her shoulder.

'I hope so,' she exhaled loudly. Hugh gave her a big smile before joining the rest of the crew at the pit wall.

'Radio check?' Lauren heard Christian's voice, which was oddly soothing to her.