From the Past - Lando Norris

Twenty-One: The Dotted Line

--Ella's POV--

I gasp as the closet door slams open from my foot hitting it as Lando looks behind us laughing. His hand drops from its place on my chest as I drop my head onto his shoulder, "You are going to get me fired if you don't let me get back to work," I tell him as he pulls my dress back down and I regain my breath.

"Then don't look at me with those eyes," he responds as I walk to my bag and grab my camera again. I turn to him and he attacks me again slamming his lips into mine. I smile against his lips as he holds onto my head as I press the button making my flash go off. He pulls away wiping the lipstick off the skin under my lips before looking in the mirror, "Oscar is waiting in his room. I should get going," He says grabbing his helmet. It's practice number one in Saudi Arabia and I've been staying mostly in the paddocks. My dress is very modest to respect the country so I was very shocked that Lando found it so intoxicating. I grab the wrap I was given from his closet and fix it around my head as he watches from behind me.

He puts his balaclava on and secures his helmet on his head as we walk out. I snap quick shots of him walking to his crew and smile when he turns around and winks at me. I perfectly get it in a shot and cherish the warm look in his eyes. Oscar comes up behind me and squeezes my shoulder on his way to his car. I take some photos of him making finger guns at me before getting into his car.

-

When I unlock the door to my room I hear my name being called down the hall. It's one of the higher-ups in the company so I place my bag down inside the room and meet them by the elevator, "We just have some things we want to talk about," they say making my stomach drop a little. Lando and Oscar are waiting on the other side of the elevator as the doors open again. I step out and he gives me a confused look as he grazes my hand. I quickly shake my head with a look telling him I have no idea what's going on. I quickly catch up and stop when she takes a key out and opens a door.

I walk in seeing a small conference room looking area and the men who hired me with paperwork in front of them, "Nice to see you again Mrs. Bounty," he says motioning for me to sit down. I scoot the chair in closer as they line up three documents in front of me, "We have noticed your close relationship with the drivers and we thought it would be safest if we had you sign these," he says making me squint to try and read the small writing from across the table.

"What are they?" I ask confused by the sudden need for more paperwork, "I can assure you that I'll have the photos edited and ready for the media team by the morning like I always do," I tell them as he shakes his head.

"We aren't worried we are just preventing something from happening in the future if something bad were to happen. These just say that interpersonal relationships aren't allowed. Lando got you this job and we know you're friends but that's all you can be," He states making me scoff.

"Does everyone else on the payroll sign these or are these special to me?" I ask feeling my cheeks light up from embarrassment as they are placed in front of me to read, "This seems highly inappropriate".

"If you wish to be romantically involved with anyone who works here whether it's a driver or a mechanic it would put your job at risk. We want things to move smoothly and the best way to do that is to keep relationships strictly professional," he continues as he puts a pen into my hand.

"What would happen to those involved in a relationship with another McLaren employee?" I ask as I bite the inside of my lip knowing I can't afford to lose this job. I just bought more camera supplies for the far shots of the cars and I drained my bank account. It's been a dream working here and having a fling with Lando might not be as worth it as I thought.

"Termination for breaking contract," he says as I sign my name on the line, "We appreciate the cooperation and love having you working at McLaren," he tells me as I slide the paperwork towards him knowing I just changed the trajectory of Lando and I's relationship. I feel a tight feeling in my chest knowing that I should have talked to him first but I need this job. He will understand.