Love's A Game // LN4 ; GR63

First Impression Reservations

George: I'm sure you know of Lando?
Violet: Huh? Oh- yeah. Lando. The McLaren driver.
George: Yeah. Lando meet Evans
Lando: H-hey

He put his hand out as his eyes traveled from the hat to her eyes and back to the hat. Violet lifted her hand to take his. There was an awkward pause before she grabbed it and gave a small shake.

Violet: Nice to meet you
Lando: Nice to meet you too
Violet: George had told me a lot about you
Lando: Has he?
George: All good things mate. I was just showing Evans around. Catch you later?
Lando: Maybe, see you around

Lando walked off without a further word and Violet's gaze followed as far as it could before George interrupted her thoughts.

George: He's not normally that awkward. Sorry about that.
Violet: That's okay. It's new people, he's also probably in the racing mindset for the weekend
George: Yeah, anyway, I know someone who really wants to meet you. Let's go.

They carried on walking and Violet couldn't help but feel as if she was being watched. She stuck by George's side until they came up to the Williams motorhome.

George: He should be here soon. Ah there he is. Alex!
Alex: Hey George and... Evans?! Oh my word it's so nice to meet you.
Violet: Hey Alex, nice to meet you too.
Alex: This is Lily, my girlfriend.
Lily: Evans, a pleasure to meet you. The guys have spoken a lot about this mysterious gamer girl.
Violet: They have? Haha, I'm no mystery.
George: Well not anymore you aren't. We couldn't believe someone so beautiful gamed so well.
Violet felt herself heat up at his compliment.
Violet: Thank you...
Alex: Enough about that, what have you thought about the Paddock so far? Everything you expected?
Violet: Everything and more! It feels like a dream. I've always wanted this opportunity and- oh wait, that sounded like I've used this... I didn't mean it like that. Sorry
George: Haha, you're too cute. We understood what you meant.
Alex: I mean I also wouldn't blame you if you snatched the opportunity to hang out with George Russel

Alex winked at George and they all laughed. Violet felt comfortable for the first time since arriving and believed her and Alex would be good friends.

*****

Later that day after FP2...

Violet: That was a great pace today!
George: Thank you. I'm just going to go have a debrief with the team then I'll be back. We're going out for dinner by the way. With a couple of the guys. It's just casual so don't worry about it, I'll be back then we can go.
Violet: Oh- uh- perfect. See you in a bit.

Violet sat on the couch in George's driver room and waited for him. While she waited she decided to call Josh.

Josh: I've been waiting for your call! Tell me everything!
Violet: Well George is honestly so sweet and I met Lewis, Lando, Alex and Lily earlier. Soon we're going out for dinner apparently... oh and I got this hat from George, he was very kind to get it for me.
Josh: How's the hat going to look next to your McLaren poster?
Violet: Change is always good. Anyway, this dinner-
Josh: We'll get to that now. Don't tell me George doesn't know your true bias?
Violet: You're instigating Josh. And no he doesn't.
Josh: Oh this is good! You gotta tell him.
Violet: I don't. It's not important, I'm really liking Mercedes now.
Josh: Uh huh. Okay. Now this dinner? What are you wearing?
Violet: I don't know! I have to look the part.
Josh: Don't panic. I'm sure you packed a dress?
Violet: You were with me! I didn't! Only the clothes for the paddock. And...
She lowered her voice
I can't afford a new outfit.
Josh: Then go as you are. You look absolutely beautiful. No need to pretend.
Violet: Are you sure?
Josh: Yes!
Violet: Okay, thank you. How's work been?
Josh: Sally is falling apart. There was some mix up of orders today and she lost it. Be glad you're not here right now, she's sending people home just about every minute.
Violet: Do you think I'll still have my job?
Josh: Oh definitely! You're an asset, she wouldn't drop you.
Violet: Okay. Oh- I think I hear someone coming, it's probably George. I'll call you again another time again. Bye Josh!
Josh: Bye Vi, enjoy the dinner!

She put her phone away and stood up as George walked in.

George: Everything okay?
Violet: Oh yeah, just standing up for a bit. Debrief over already?
George: Yip, not much we needed to discuss. Are you ready for dinner?
Violet: I am, who's joining us?
George: Lando, Alex, Lily, Lewis and probably Max. Maybe Carlos too. Charles had plans and Pierre was held back by meetings.
Violet: Sounds perfect. Shall we?
George: Right this way...

He directed her to the door and out the paddock. They made their way to his car and once they reached the restaurant Violet immediately felt out of place. She'd never been to such an upper class restaurant before.

Violet: Uh, George...
George: Yeah
Violet: Are you sure I look okay?
George: Of course! You look beautiful
Violet: Okay, thank you...
George: Come on Evans, the night awaits us

He took her hand and walked into the restaurant.