Risking it all (Lando Norris)

Chapter 13

Lando

I woke up to the soft glow of the morning sun filtering through the curtains of my hotel room. As I stretched and rubbed the sleep from my eyes, my first thought was of Lily. I wondered if she was feeling any better after last night. I had left her room only when I was sure she was asleep, but the worry still lingered. She had seemed so unwell, and I hoped the rest had done her good.

Grabbing my phone from the nightstand, I hesitated for a moment before texting her. 

Lando: Morning, Lily. Hope you're feeling better. Let me know if you need anything.

I hit send and got out of bed, the cold tile floor sending a shiver up my spine.

I headed to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face to wake up fully. The media day loomed ahead, a whirlwind of interviews and photos, and I needed to be sharp. As I brushed my teeth, my thoughts drifted back to Lily. She had always been resilient, but seeing her vulnerable last night had stirred something protective in me.

Dressed in my team gear, I made my way to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. The dining area was already buzzing with a few early risers—team members and some fellow drivers. I grabbed a plate and piled it with eggs, toast, and fruit, aiming for a quick but substantial meal to fuel me through the morning.

As I sat down to eat, my phone buzzed with a reply from Lily. 

Lily: Morning, Lando. Feeling a bit better, thanks. See you at the venue.

A small smile tugged at my lips, relief washing over me. At least she was on the mend.

After finishing my breakfast, I headed back to my room to gather my things. I made sure I had everything I needed for the day: phone, key card, my pass, sunglasses, and a couple of energy bars stashed in my bag. Slinging the bag over my shoulder, I took one last look around the room, then headed out the door.

The shuttle bus to the media center was waiting outside the hotel. I joined the small crowd of team members and drivers boarding the bus. Carlos and Charles were already seated, deep in conversation about some new simulation data. I found an empty seat near the back and settled in, earbuds in place, letting the music drown out the low hum of conversations around me.

The ride to the media center was short, and soon enough, we were all disembarking and heading inside. The building was a hive of activity, with journalists and camera crews setting up, ready to capture every moment. I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for the barrage of questions and flashing cameras.

As I walked through the bustling corridors, I caught sight of Lily ahead, talking with a couple of other assistants. She looked a bit pale but more composed than last night. When she noticed me, she gave a small wave and a reassuring smile. I returned the gesture, feeling a bit more at ease seeing her up and about.

The morning flew by in a blur of interviews and photo ops. I was used to the routine by now—smile, answer questions, pose for photos, and repeat. I fielded the usual questions about my preparations for the upcoming race, my expectations, and my thoughts on the new car. My answers were polished and professional, honed from years of practice.

During a brief break, I managed to catch up with Lily. "You sure you're okay?" I asked, concern evident in my voice. "I'm fine, really," she insisted, though her smile was a bit weary. "Just a little tired. Last night was rough, but I'm managing."

"Good," I said, giving her a once-over to make sure she wasn't just putting on a brave face. "Just let me know if you need anything."

"I will," she promised. "Now go, you've got another interview lined up."