Mind the Gap

Chapter 4

landonorris: fueled for this weekend 🔥🇪🇸

Lando's POV

Seeing Ana with some guy named Lucas yesterday makes my blood boil. I try to sleep it off, but I can't shake it. Is Lucas the reason she's hesitating with me? The thought keeps me up all night. This is bad.

The next morning, after a grueling workout to clear my mind, I decide I can't take the uncertainty any longer. I grab my phone and type out a message to Ana.

Lando: Morning. Who's Lucas? Are you seeing him?

I stare at my phone, waiting. After a few agonizing minutes, it finally buzzes with a reply.

Ana: No, he's a friend and an important partner in our work. Nothing more.

I exhale, relief washing over me.

Lando: That's good to hear. Hope to see you later.

Ana: Why? What's wrong?

Lando: Just wanted to clear things up. See you later.

Ana: You have nothing to worry about, fyi. Good luck on qualifying.

A smile tugs at my lips, and I release a breath I didn't realize I was holding. She's assuring me. I needed that. Now I just have to focus—qualifying is in a few hours, and I can't let my emotions get in the way.

Before heading out to the circuit, my race engineer pulls me aside. "Lando, you good? There's something off with you today."

I try to brush it off. "Just a lot on my mind, mate. But I'm all good now."

He gives me a skeptical look. "You sure? We need you to be locked in. If something's up, we can talk about it."

I take a deep breath and nod. "It's nothing I can't handle. Just some personal stuff."

"Alright," he says, patting my shoulder. "Channel that energy into your driving. Use it to your advantage."

"I will," I promise, feeling a bit more grounded after our talk.

I step into the car for qualifying, pushing all other thoughts aside. Using the lingering tension and jealousy to fuel my performance, I manage to secure P2. Not bad, especially considering I wasn't fully focused when the day started.

After the session ends, I head to the VIP Paddock Club, where all the high-profile guests and sponsors gather. I know Ana will be there, and I want to clear the air. As I enter, I spot her with Lucas, engaged in a conversation with a group of people. My chest tightens when I see Lucas's hand resting on her lower back as they chat.

I take a deep breath, trying to keep my jealousy in check. I can't lose my cool here. My PR assistant, Nat, trails behind me.

"Lando, where are you going?" she asks, clearly puzzled.

"Just saying hi to a friend," I reply, the word 'friend' bitter on my tongue.

I make my way over to them, my heart racing. "Hey, Ana," I greet, forcing a smile.

Lucas turns, extending his hand. "Oh, Lando, right?"

"Yeah, that's me," I reply, shaking his hand briefly. I glance at Ana, trying to read her expression.

"Lando, this is Lucas," she says, keeping her tone neutral. "He's a colleague and our main liaison for the campaign."

"Nice to meet you," Lucas says, still smiling. "I'm surprised you two know each other. Where'd you guys meet?"

"Met her in Italy, a few months back," I say, keeping my voice steady.

"Oh yeah, that was about six months ago, right, Ana?" Lucas turns to her with a casual grin.

He knows her that well? I can't help but wonder.

Ana nods, looking a bit uneasy. "Yeah, it's been a while."

Lucas raises an eyebrow. "Did you get to try Marcel's restaurant back then? I remember you were talking about it a lot."

"Yeah, he's doing well," Ana replies, her eyes flicking to mine, searching.

I step in, my patience wearing thin. "Can I borrow you for a minute, Ana?"

"Sure," she agrees quickly. She turns to Lucas. "I'll be back."

We step away from the group, finding a quiet spot where no one is likely to overhear us. "I'm sorry for my message this morning. It was abrupt and—"

"I'm still sensing the tension, Lando," she interrupts gently. "I told you, he's just a friend and colleague. Our relationship is purely professional."

"I know," I mutter, running a hand through my hair. "It's just hard seeing you at a Grand Prix that I invited you to—with another guy."

Her expression softens a bit. "I get where you're coming from, but you have to keep things in perspective. This is work for me."

"I understand," I say, exhaling slowly. "But you didn't tell me you were coming."

She sighs, placing a hand on my arm. "It was a mistake on my end. I'm sorry. I haven't been seeing anyone seriously in a while, so I'm just not used to this."

"Are we seeing each other?" The words tumble out before I can stop them. The hope is so clear in my voice.

"I'm still thinking about it," she admits, looking down. "It's just been so busy. I'm not sure where this fits."

Ouch. That stings. "Okay," I say softly, swallowing the disappointment.

Before I can say anything else, Nat appears at the edge of the room, gesturing for me to wrap it up. "Lando, post-qualifying interviews in five."

"I've got to go," I say reluctantly. "But can we have dinner tonight? I'll message you the restaurant address."

Ana hesitates for a moment but then nods. "Okay, dinner sounds good."

I smile, feeling a tiny sliver of hope. "Great. I'll see you later."

As I head to my media obligations, I feel lighter. There's still something between us, and maybe—just maybe—that's a start.

Back in the media pen, I put on my game face. But inside, all I'm thinking is one thing: Tonight's dinner better be a turning point.