𝙁𝙊𝙍𝘽𝙄𝘿𝘿𝙀𝙉 𝙁𝙍𝙐𝙄𝙏 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘴

𝙏𝙒𝙊

𝙁𝙊𝙍𝘽𝙄𝘿𝘿𝙀𝙉 𝙁𝙍𝙐𝙄𝙏 ᯓ★

𝙀𝙇𝙀𝙉𝘼'𝙎 𝙋𝙊𝙑

ZAK HAD INVITED me to a team dinner on Friday. Feeling good about the car after free practice sessions and excited about getting possibly rewarding results in the Grand Prix, a big chunk of the team had decided to go and celebrate.

Why he'd invited me, I wasn't sure. This seemed more like a thing meant for engineers, drivers and those who were more directly responsible for the cars performance but I hadn't wanted to say no. He's been nice enough to include me and my brother would be there anyway.

I looked at myself in the full length mirror of my hotel room, trying to decide on what to wear. I'd slipped on four different dresses that I'd luckily remembered to bring just in case I were asked to attend things like these, none of which I was entirely happy with.

But as the clock struck eight and Oscar came knocking on my door, I settled for the light blue knee length one I had on. I opened the door for him, fetching my bag as he dragged my out so we wouldn't be late.

"Always questioning yourself last minute. You look beautiful, El," he assured me.

"Thank you." I gave him a thankful smile as we entered the elevator, nudging him in the side with my elbow. "You look handsome."

He fixed his tie with playful arrogance. "I know."

We walked to the valet where Oscar retrieved his McLaren, given to him by the team to drive around in the locations of each Grand Prix. The car was gorgeous, a sleek black that reflected the moonlight.

He played some music on the way there from a shared playlist we'd made ages ago and I smiled, basking in the beautifully nostalgic feeling.

It was only a matter of time before we arrived at the location, a high-end restaurant with a view of the beach.

The restaurant was buzzing with the sounds of clinking glasses and cheerful conversation. The McLaren team had gathered for a celebratory dinner, and I found myself seated directly across from Lando, with Oscar beside him. Despite the lively atmosphere, I felt a knot of anxiety in my stomach after our earlier session.

"Cheers to a great team and an exciting season ahead!" Zak toasted, raising his glass. The table followed suit, clinking glasses and exchanging smiles.

Oscar turned to Lando, nudging him playfully. "Lando, have you met my sister properly yet?" he asked, a proud smile on his face.

Lando's eyes flickered with a mix of surprise and something darker. "Your sister?" he repeated, his voice barely masking his annoyance. He forced a polite smile. "I didn't realize." I glanced at him quickly, I thought he'd known.

"Yep, my sister," Oscar said, beaming. "She's great at what she does. She'll be a huge help to the team."

I smiled awkwardly, feeling the tension building. "Thanks, Oscar." He wasn't helping. If anything he was doing the complete opposite.

Throughout dinner, Lando maintained a facade of politeness for the team, but his eyes kept darting to me with a mix of irritation and disdain. Every time our gazes met, I felt a cold chill run down my spine.

"So, how are you finding working with the team so far?" one of the engineers had asked me. A young man who I'd seen often talking to Lando and Oscar.

"It's been a great experience," I replied, forcing a smile. "Everyone has been very welcoming."

Lando leaned back in his chair, his voice low but audible to me. "Welcoming, huh? Interesting choice of words," he muttered under his breath.

I shot him a quick glance, my patience wearing thin. "Yes, welcoming," I said firmly, trying to keep my composure.