Cropped out - an Oscar Piastri x OC fic

Chapter 16- Locked

Eliana:
It's another warm day for Melbourne, Australia, and so another day of running from the sun. Don't get me wrong, I love the sun. Like I'm convinced I was supposed to be born in Australia, it's my calling, but I was born in stupid old England instead. So you could say that I complain about the weather no matter what it is. Although Australian heat is more tolerable than back home, which I am grateful for.

The back of my neck is wet with perspiration, it being humid in the garage with my camera around my neck, and small ringlets form around my head which is up in a bun. I rarely have my hair up, but I was feeling adventurous today so shoved it in a messy bun. So much thought, I know.

Im playing with the settings on my camera when I hear someone clear their throat. I look up, a smile on my face, expecting to see lando but it falters a little when my eyes meet Oscar's.

"Hey. Do you need anything?" I ask, eyes moving to the people next to him.

He smiles apologetically at me, "These are-"

"His mum, Nicole. Lovely to meet you, Eliana." She sticks her hand out at me and I take it, looking confused at Oscar who doesn't meet my eyes.

It then clicks. Yes! Lando said that Oscar's parents wanted to meet me, I just didn't expect Oscar to be the one to introduce us.

"Hi, sorry, Lando told me about you, I was just in my own world for a second." I smile gently at her.

"No problem! You probably think this is very strange, but Oscar and Lando were talking about you and I just had to meet you." She seems so enthusiastic about me, it's a bit odd if I'm being honest.

"Nicole, leave the girl alone." A man behind her says, and he meets my eyes, a bright smile on his face, "Chris. I'm Oscar's dad."

"Nice to meet you, Chris." I return his smile.

"So how long have you worked with Lando?" Nicole asks.

"Not long. Umm, a little over 2 months now, I think."

"And you like it? I mean he's a lot, I know."

I chuckle as I respond, "yeah, he is. But he's a good friend." I see Oscar's jaw clench in my periphery, but choose to ignore it. "And he makes me leave my comfort zone, I guess."

"That's good. See Nicole, not all men are bad." Chris nudges his wife's arm.

"Oh shush. Oscar is a pure example of that." She looks at him and light pink tints his cheeks.

After a moment, he clears his throat, "Right, well I'm sure Eliana has lots of work to be doing and would prefer us to go." Then ushers his parents away who offer 'lovely to meet you' and 'I hope to see you again' as they retreat to Oscars side of the garage.

Just as I turn around to go find Lando, a hand hand touches my arm, making me pause. I look down at it, still touching me, and it's like a thousand fireworks have just erupted under my skin from that slight touch.

"Thank you." He almost whispers.

I look up at him, eyes connecting again, and we stare at each other for a while. Then when he notices that he's still touching me, he drops his hand, leaving an ice cold burn in its place.