Racing for her heart

27

Lana's point of view

"Maman, can we visit the toy store?" I look towards Elliott, forcing a smile, because I was still upset at Charles, "What did you say, sweetheart? I didn't catch that."

He gazes up at me, with a charming grin, "Can we please go to the toy store?" I nod my head, smiling at him, "Sure honey, do you want to head there now?" His grin widens, "YES!! Let's go, right now!"

As we pull away from the gas station where we were parked, Elliott pipes up, "Can we listen to some music?" I glance at him in the rearview mirror, "Elliott, remember to use your manners. Try asking again."

"Mommy, may we please listen to some music," he says, emphasizing the word 'please.' I turn up the music, "Is this alright?" I ask. He nods, "Yes, Maman, thank you."

We drive down the road, Elliott humming along to the music playing softly in the background. Every now and then, he leans forward to point out something interesting he sees out the window.

Finally, we arrive at the toy store, and Elliott practically jumps out of the car, ready to explore the aisles packed with toys. Holding his hand, we make our way inside, greeted by colorful displays and the sound of children's laughter echoing through the store.

Elliott's eyes light up as he spots the Lego section. "Mommy, look!" he exclaims, tugging on my sleeve. "I want to build that!" he points excitedly at a display of sleek Lego F1 cars. 'Great' is all that I can think, so much for trying to get stupid Charles off my mind. \

Charles had texted me a few of times, and he even called me. I wanted to text him back, I wanted to call him, but I knew if I did, it wouldn't feel right. Elliott looks through the Lego sets, trying to pick one. He looks up at me, "can I get one?" I put a mask over what's going on inside my head, then smile at him, "Sure, lets go pick one out."

We then, make our way to the Lego aisle, where Elliott carefully examines each box, comparing features and designs. Finally, he settles on the Mercedes F1 car set, cradling it in his arms with a winner grin.

"Can we get this one, Mommy?" he asks, looking up at me with hopeful eyes. I smile, because Lewis' face comes to my mind. "Of course, sweetheart," I reply, ruffling his hair affectionately. "Let's go pay for it."

With his prized Lego set in hand, Elliott practically skips to the checkout counter, eager to take his new treasure home. I pay for his new toy, and the cashier hands me the receipt, "Have a nice day!" I give the young girl a smile, "You too, Love."

As we leave the toy store, Elliott's face is radiant with joy, as he skips all the way to the car. I buckle him into the car seat, my phone goes off. "Mommy, someone's calling you." I look up at him, tightening the seatbelt, "I know, baby, but right now, the most important thing is making sure you're all safe in your car seat."

I shut the car door, then open mine. My phone automatically connects to car play, so I ask my Siri to call back my missed phone call. As the phone rings, I don't even bother looking at the screen of the car, as I focus on backing out of the parking space.

"Hey, Lana," A familiar voice speaks through the phone, but I couldn't put my finger on it. "Hey, uhm, sorry I missed your call, I was buckling up Elliott." I take a glance at the screen, then see Lewis' name, big and bold on the screen.

"Oh, no, your all good, I was just wondering what your plans were for tonight," Lewis asks me. I remember back to me and Lina's conversation from earlier, "Well, I'm hanging out with a friend, Lina. I think E is just going to stay with my friend, Tilly," I pause, "But, what's up?"

"I just wanted to see if you wanted to go to dinner tonight, but if you're busy that's fine, maybe we can go out another time," He pauses, "If you need someone to watch Elliott, I can. He seems like a great kid, and it wouldn't bother me. I know that I don't really know him, but I've seen your insta, and I would be more than happy to have a 'bro night' with him."

I laugh at the words, 'bro night,' then ask him, "You would really do that for me?" He chuckles into the phone, "Of course, anything."

I nod my head, as if he could see me, "Okay, give me one second," I pause, "Hey E," I look at him through the review mirror, seeing him trace the box of the Lego car. He looks up at me, setting the box in his lap, "Yes, Maman?"

"You know the guy who drives the car of the toy you just got," I ask him, unsure of how that sentence may sound to the little boy. "Lewis," he says with a confused look on his face. I smile, "Yeah, What do you say about meeting him?" He gasps, "Can I?! Pretty Please!!"

Lewis, who was still on the phone, chuckles at his excitement, "See, we would have a blast." I smile at his comment, "E, baby, he's on the phone. Why don't you say hi, and thank him for the invite?" E gasps again, this time sounding a little upset, "Mommy!! HE, LEWIS HAMILTON, ONE OF THE BEST FORMULA ONE DRIVERS IN HISTORY was on the phone the whole time and you didn't tell me?!!"

Lewis laughs again, and my mouth drops, "Well, I'm sorry, But someone," I pause, emphasizing the word, 'someone,' "Wasn't paying attention, and was to busy looking at their new toy." As Elliott thinks of a remark to get me back, Lewis speaks up, "He got a Hamilton Toy?"

Elliott shakes his head, "Yes and No, I got Mercedes Lego toy. I wanted a new one, I have all of the Ferrari cars, so now I need Mercedes."

"That's cool, I can help you put it together tonight, if that's okay with you, bud." E smiles, "Can we, maman?" I smile, "Well, Lewis did offer, so, if it's okay with him, then it's okay with me." Elliott's arms go up into the air, and he kicks his legs out, but he accidently kicked the seat.

"Ow, Elliott," I say, and he immediately starts apologizing, "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to." As I am about to tell him it's okay, Lewis speaks up, "Hey Lana, I've got a call coming in, but just text me details about when you need me to watch him, I'll talk to you later, love."

"I will, bye Lewis, E, baby, say bye."

"Bye Lewis!!"