𝐁 𝐑 𝐄 𝐀 𝐓 𝐇 𝐄 [lando norris x oc]

𝐬𝐢𝐱

Gabrielle had to admit, it was pretty cool. Even a stubborn girl like herself could agree that the whole scene was...luxurious. Rich people walking in their designer clothes from paddock to paddock, photoshoots and news crews patrolling the track and doing interviews with anyone who made eye contact. People had even asked to take pictures with her! At least, the people that recognized her. With Gabrielle's newfound fame, she had to get used to the new attention. 

"Stop staring at the martinis."

Gabrielle whined. "But I want one...."

Daphne put her phone down to raise her eyebrows at Gabi. "Do you want more paparazzi photos?"

"Just a sip, Daphs." Gabrielle smiled at the waiter who offered her a glass. "It wouldn't kill you to have some fun. Here, take one too."

Daphne grudgingly accepted the drink, taking a small sip before putting it back down to continue typing away on her phone. The two of them had found a couch area to sit at while they cooled off and figured out what to do next. Daphne had already made Gabrielle take pictures with fans and speak with a few news crews about her recent concert. She even had to pretend she understood Formula One, but thankfully Lilly's summary came in handy. Though, Gabrielle was sure she confused DNF with DRS. 

"Okay, I think I've just landed you a paddock walk through," Daphne said, breaking their silence. "I'm not quite sure, though."

"How can you not be sure?"

Daphne huffed. "I don't understand their website!"

Gabrielle shrugged and popped a tater tot into her mouth. "Well, paddock walk sounds nice. Means I won't have to do anything else, right? I can go after that?"

"Sure, Gabs. You can leave after the paddock walk." Daphne ignored Gabi's fist pump. "But you have to meet team managers and drivers, okay? You have to actually walk into the garage."

"Fine." Gabi stood, downing the rest of her martini and placing the glass back on the table. "Shall we? I would like to make my escape before anyone realizes I'm tipsy."

"I think we're already past that point." Daphne cocked an eyebrow and hooked her arm with Gabi's. "I'm thinking we go to Ferrari first. Make a quick hello then swing around to McLaren? Maybe stop by Mercedes if we have time, but they're pretty packed right now."

"As long as that's our only stop, then I'm all good," Gabrielle responded as the two made their way through security checkpoints, waving their placards and eventually getting down to the track. Daphne took some pictures of Gabi (and even asked for some pictures herself, much to Gabi's excitement) and they began their stroll down the paddock. Gabrielle was amazed at the bustle--people were rushing and weaving between eachother, shouting things in languages she didn't understand. She felt awkward walking around in her strappy sandal heels with her hair blown out, but she did feel a bit better when photographers snapped some photos of her and Daphne. 

They were escorted by a mechanic to the Ferrari garage, squeezing their way through some men in suits as they stood by the Formula One cars. 

"They're very beautiful!" Gabi exclaimed, eyeing the car in front of her with amazement. "I've never seen one up close!"

Jean (that was the name of the man who was escorting them) laughed and motioned towards the mechanics around them. "Yes, well, it's our mission to make the cars not only fast but visually stunning as well."

"Consider your mission complete!" Gabi was laying on the charm a little too hard, the martini made her flirty. "Wow, and the drivers must be around?"

Jean widened his eyes, as if remembered he was supposed to introduce her. "Ah, yes! How silly. Carlos isn't here but Charles is around, let me go find him!"

Gabrielle smiled sweetly as the frenchman bolted off. She turned towards Daphne and twitched her eye, signaling that it was almost time to leave the sweaty paddock. Daphne rolled her eyes as if to say 'calm down, you'll survive'. 

"Ah, hello!"

Gabrielle whirled around at the sound of another frenchman. This one was slightly shorter than Jean, with brown hair and handsome features. She could tell her was one of the drivers by the jumpsuit he was wearing and the backlava in his hands. 

"Hello! You must be..." Gabi couldn't remember for the life of her. "Charles!"

"Yes, yes," he laughed and ran a hand through his hair. "And you are the elusive Gabrielle Bosko! My mates girlfriend is a big fan, you're well known on the paddock."

"I didn't know I was that famous." She grinned and fought the urge to wink at him. Ignore what the alcohol is telling you, Gabs. Ignore!

 Charles laughed, a sort of giggle but in a manly way? "I'm guessing you are not the biggest F1 fan?"

Gabrielle's grin faltered. "Is it that obvious?"

"No, no. You look very comfortable here, it is almost unsettling." Charles was cute, Gabi could admit that. A little too cute for her taste, but his smile was contagious enough for her to find a reason to stick around the paddock a little longer. 

"Well, I'm just happy to be here." She shrugged, glancing around the paddock room as she began to realize they were starting to get ready for something. "Alright, I should leave you to it! Good luck in your race, you'll have my cheers."

"Yes, it was lovely meeting you!" Charles smiled and began to walk the other way before stopping and turning back to face Gabi. "I hope to see you again in the future, you must be a blast to party with! Would love for you to join me and some pals on the town."

Gabi cocked an eyebrow. "I thought Formula One drivers don't party?"

"Only when we have races." Charles winked. "I'll be in touch. Pleasure to meet you!"

Gabrielle waved and practically dragged Daphne out of the Ferrari paddock. "Did I just get asked out? Is that what that was?"

"He has a girlfriend..."Daphne tightened her lips. "But it seems like he definitely wants you to party with him and his friends."

Gabrielle let out a sigh of relief. "Ok he has a girlfriend, that's good. Not exactly my type, anyway. He's too..."

"Cute?" Daphne grinned. 

"Ugh, yes he's not, like, hot. I mean like he's definitely hot, but in a cute way, not in a hot way," Gabrielle said. "You get what I'm saying, right?"

"Sure."

Gabrielle sighed. "McLaren now, right? Then I can go back to the hotel?"

"Yes, let me just figure out where we're going..."

a/n 👀👀👀👀 

everyone knows who's at mclaren right???? YAYAYAY

also charles is not flirting w her...he j knows of her and is gonna be doing some devious things that we will get to in a jiffy