LIGHTS OUT - A Lando Norris fanfic

Chapter Twelve

Author's Note: "A short and sweet little chapter, enjoy!" is what I was going to say but it always ends up being regular sized, I can't stick to a short and sweet scene lol. Also random but I got my first tattoo today !

The Jeddah Grand Prix paddock buzzed with energy as drivers and team members prepared for the upcoming race. The air was thick with the smell of gasoline and excitement, the echo of engines reverberating through the enclosed space. Florence stood near the back, making notes on her tablet, her mind focused on capturing the perfect behind-the-scenes content as her team stood capturing videos and photos.

Drivers milled about, chatting and laughing, waiting for the call to line up for the driver's parade. The sun shone brightly overhead, casting sharp shadows on the concrete floor, and the air was warm with a slight breeze drifting in from the Red Sea.

Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen, both dressed in their race suits and chatting amicably, approached Florence. She looked up from her tablet, a smile spreading across her face.

"Hey, Flo," Charles greeted, his tone friendly. "Busy as always?"

"Hey, Charles. Just the usual pre-race hustle," Florence replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

Max grinned. "Don't let us distract you too much."

Florence laughed softly. "I think I can spare a few minutes for you guys."

Charles's eyes lit up with curiosity. "So, Flo, you mentioned once that you're into painting. I've been meaning to ask more about that."

Florence's smile widened, her passion for the subject evident. "Yea I dabble, and I love studying art history too, my friend Piper studied it in uni so I'm always nicking her books. There's something about understanding the context and stories behind the artworks that makes them come alive."

Max nodded thoughtfully. "That's fascinating. Any favourite artists?"

"Too many to count," Florence admitted with a laugh. "But if I had to pick, probably Caravaggio and his dramatic use of light and shadow."

Charles's eyes sparkled with interest. "Caravaggio's work is incredible. I've always been fascinated by his ability to capture such intense emotion."

Florence nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! And his life was just as dramatic as his paintings. It's like history and art combined into one vivid story."

Charles leaned in slightly, his tone more earnest. "You should really come to Monaco sometime. The art scene there is amazing. You'd love it, and Max, Kelly and Lando live there too so it'd be nice to spend some time when we're not all working."

Florence's eyes flickered with surprise and delight. "I'd love that. I've always wanted to explore Monaco beyond the race circuit."

Charles smiled, reaching for his phone. "Let's exchange numbers and finalise a plan. I can show you some great galleries."

Florence handed him her phone, and as they exchanged contact information, she felt a warmth to her side. She glanced over to see Lando, deep in conversation with Daniel and Pierre, but his gaze constantly drifting towards her.

He caught her eye, a flicker of something unreadable passing across his face before he turned back to his conversation. Florence's heart skipped a beat, but she forced herself to focus on Charles.

"Alright, we're set," Charles said, handing her phone back. "I'll make sure to show you the best spots."

"Looking forward to it," Florence replied, her smile genuine.

Max chuckled. "You two and your art. I'll stick to my cars, thanks, but I'm sure Kelly would enjoy the galleries too."

Florence laughed. "To each their own, Max."