Chapter 26: A New Week

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The next morning dawned bright and clear, signaling the start of a new race weekend. The air was electric with anticipation as teams prepared for the high-stakes competition. Lando and Cassy had arrived at the new race location the night before, eager to embrace the fresh start and focus on the excitement ahead.

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, Lando suggested they explore the paddock together before he had to dive into his pre-race preparations. Cassy agreed, excited to spend more time by his side in this world she was gradually becoming more familiar with.

They walked hand in hand through the bustling paddock, greeting team members and fans who eagerly approached Lando for autographs and selfies. Cassy couldn't help but feel a surge of pride as she watched Lando interact with everyone so warmly and graciously.

"Let's go check out the track," Lando suggested, nodding towards the grandstands and the winding circuit beyond.

Cassy nodded eagerly. "I'd love that."

As they made their way to the track, they encountered some familiar faces. Charles Leclerc, accompanied by his girlfriend Alexandra, waved them over.

"Hey, you two!" Charles greeted with a broad smile. "Ready for another exciting weekend?"

"Always," Lando replied, exchanging a friendly hug with Charles. "How are you guys?"

"We're good," Alexandra said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "Looking forward to cheering you all on."

Cassy chatted with Alexandra while Lando and Charles discussed the track conditions and strategy. It felt good to be part of this close-knit community, where everyone supported each other both on and off the track.

As they continued their walk, they bumped into George and his girlfriend, as well as Alex and his girlfriend Lily. The group decided to explore the paddock together, enjoying the camaraderie and shared passion for the sport.

After a while, Lando checked his watch and realized it was time for him to head to the team garage. "I have to go, but I'll see you all later," he said, giving Cassy a quick kiss. "Stay out of trouble," he teased.

Cassy laughed. "I'll try my best. Good luck!"

With a final wave, Lando jogged off towards the McLaren garage. Cassy watched him go, feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves for the day ahead. She turned back to the group, who were planning to grab a coffee and catch up.

They found a cozy spot in the paddock café and settled in, sipping their drinks and chatting about everything from race strategies to recent adventures.

"How's everything going with you and Lando?" Kika asked Cassy, a knowing smile on her face.

Cassy blushed slightly but smiled. "It's going really well. I'm still getting used to this lifestyle, but Lando has been amazing."

Lily nodded. "It can be overwhelming, but you've got us. We're here for you."

Their conversation was interrupted by a group of fans who recognized the drivers' partners. The fans were enthusiastic and respectful, asking for photos and autographs. Cassy felt a bit shy but enjoyed seeing how much support the drivers had.

As the morning wore on, Cassy decided to take a quick break and freshen up before heading to the grandstands. She excused herself and made her way to the nearest restroom.

Inside, she splashed some water on her face and took a deep breath. The excitement of the day was palpable, and she wanted to make sure she was ready to support Lando fully.

Meanwhile, in the McLaren garage, Lando was deep in discussion with his engineers, going over the final details of their race strategy. The intensity of the preparation was a stark contrast to the relaxed morning he'd spent with Cassy, but he thrived in this environment, ready to give his best performance.

As the time for the practice session approached, Lando donned his race suit and helmet, mentally gearing up for the task ahead. He took a moment to think about Cassy, feeling a surge of motivation. Knowing she was there to support him made all the difference.

Out on the track, the cars roared to life, and the practice session began. Cassy joined the other partners in the grandstands, their excitement palpable as they watched their loved ones take to the circuit.

The session went smoothly for Lando, who managed to set some impressive lap times. The car felt good, and he was in high spirits when he returned to the garage.

"Great job out there," his engineer said, clapping him on the back. "Looks like we're in a good place for the race."

Lando grinned. "Thanks. Let's keep this momentum going."

After debriefing with his team, Lando had some free time before the next round of practice. He decided to check on Cassy, eager to see how she was doing. He pulled out his phone and called her, but there was no answer.

Frowning slightly, he tried again, but still no response. He sent her a quick text, hoping she would see it soon.

In the meantime, Cassy had rejoined the group in the grandstands, cheering on the drivers. Her phone was tucked away in her bag, and she was fully engrossed in the action on the track.

As the practice session came to an end, the group decided to head back to the paddock for lunch. Cassy finally checked her phone and saw Lando's missed calls and messages. She quickly texted him back, letting him know where she was.

Lando felt a wave of relief when he saw her reply. He made his way to the paddock café where the group had gathered. Cassy spotted him and waved, her smile lighting up her face.

"Hey," Lando greeted, pulling her into a hug. "I missed you."

"I missed you too," Cassy replied, her arms wrapped around him. "How did practice go?"

"Really well," Lando said, his eyes shining with excitement. "The car feels great. I'm feeling good about this weekend."

They spent the afternoon together, enjoying some quality time before the demands of the race weekend intensified. They interacted with fans, signed autographs, and took photos, sharing their joy with the people who supported them.

As evening approached, they headed back to the hotel to rest and prepare for the next day. Lando and Cassy settled into their room, the exhaustion of the day catching up with them.

"Today was amazing," Cassy said, leaning against Lando. "I love being here with you."

"I love having you here," Lando replied, kissing her forehead. "You make everything better."

They spent the evening relaxing, talking about their hopes and dreams, and enjoying each other's company. The bond between them

Art to fall in love with /// Lando NorrisWhere stories live. Discover now