Lucky number 4

What the fuck just happened

"Are you okay?"

We have been quiet this whole time. We quickly stopped at McLarens storage room to get Menno something to wear before heading over to the science center. Outside, I turn around to face him. He looks sad and embarrassed. Two emotions he would never show anyone else but me. I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him in for a hug.

"Don't beat yourself up over it." Menno nods his head before pulling away. "Let's meet up tonight and have an actual chat" I suggest, eyeing the busy paddock around us.

Menno smiles, eyes still down casted to the floor. "I'd like that".

I spent the rest of the day running around again. In the morning, I follow Mike around, the head researcher for this weekend. The rest of the day I prepare training schedules, assist the personal trainers and help where they need me most, being in science or as a physical therapist... I'm not officially allowed to work as a PT, but since they learned about my background, I have been requested twice or so and I secretly love it. I learn so much and so long I can combine it with my research work, I won't be saying no anytime soon.

"Kaya!" Ella yells from my left. A smiley head bobs in my direction, and I hug my friend, happy to see a familiar face. "What have they been loading your plate with? I didn't see you during lunch or any other breaks we have."

We have allocated breaks?

I keep that question to myself, deciding to ask my mentor later. "I just have been super busy" I tell her, "But I'm having fun so don't worry!" Ella smiles but it doesn't reach her eyes.

"So, listen, tonight there is a charity event in the city. Plenty of us will attend. Let's go too." I ponder over her invitation. I want to join her, but I already promised Menno I'd be there for him. I'm about to tell her off when Dylan joins our conversation.

"You never believe what I just overheard!" Dylan strikes me with a gorgeous smile. I momentarily forget what I was about to say. "We got VIP tickets for tonight's event!"

"What!?" Ella yells, shock washing over her features. I frown too, surprised that we interns get VIP tickets. We're supposed to be one of the lower hanging branches in the tree that is F1.

Dylan shrugs. "I don't know who they are talking about, but apparently Lando said he needed to keep an eye on someone and the whole team is awarded with VIP tickets."

That's the second time today that Lando takes up space in my head. Keep an eye on who? He surely can't be talking about me. He didn't even acknowledge me in the locker room this morning. I watch the medical team gather towards the end of the paddock. Who is he interested in? I shake my head, ridding myself of the little jealously that is taken residence. It doesn't matter. Ella meanwhile studies me intently.

"We're in" she responds, smiling at Dylan who is running over to some other people to tell the good news. "Did something happen?" she asks me when he's gone. My head shoots in here direction so fast, I'm surprised I didn't pull a muscle.

"What!? No not at all." She doesn't seem convinced. "Why would you ask that?"

Ella shrugs a shoulder. "It was Lando last night who was watching you."

I frown at her declaration. That's absurd. Lando can't have. He doesn't even know who I am. The conversation from earlier this morning drifts back to me.

"Who is she?"

"I don't know yet, but she was with this girl Lance hooked up with. Maybe they work together?"

No, that's not possible! I reluctantly promise Ella, I'll join her tonight and make my way to my little retreat from the craziness, the storage room. It's a moderate space with lots of racks, equipment and a small desk in the center. It's not much but I've come to appreciate it. It's quiet and only a few people know about it.

The door opens again, my head swivels to the curly head walking in. "Knew I'd find you here" Menno says with a grin. I sigh, dropping the free weights I was holding as an alibi.

"Did you hear the news yet?" I ask, lifting myself up on the desk. Menno sits down beside me, nodding his head.

Menno pokes me with his elbow. "I'm not surprised he has a thing for you."

"Shut up" I wail, swatting his elbow away. "He does not! I wasn't even worth a glance."

"Well, he did find you in the showers with me. If I had a thing for someone and I find that person with another guy, I'd probably react the same."

"But it's you" I sigh.

"Kay, I don't wear a sign saying, 'hi I'm gay'".

I groan, throwing my head back. He's right. Alright, let's see where tonight brings me. My turn to poke Menno in his ribs. "What about you? Want to talk about it?"

"I feel embarrassed, but I'm doing okay. This guy I met, his name's Emiel. He seemed so cute and genuine, but..." Menno shakes his head. "I guess we all wear masks around here."

"Will we see him again?"

The quiet stretches on between us. "Yeah, he is my boss."

My brain tumbles over his answer. His boss.. 

"Menno..."

"I know" he interrupts me. "It's bad, I know. But he was so convincing and funny. I really thought he liked me."

"You have to report this." Menno is shaking his head. A deep part of me understands...but, "He took advantage of his position. Surely this wasn't the first time he's done that."

"I'm not saying anything, and neither are you. This job is my dream." More quiet surrounds us. I can see that this eats at him. I don't feel like a good friend right now. Not speaking up could do more harm than good, but I can't exactly go against Menno's wishes. I take his hand in mine and give it a squeeze. "Just promise me you'll be careful. Don't let him do this again if you can help it."

Menno nods. "I'm already on it, I promise."

"Do you think there is some fight left in you for a revenge plan?" I wiggle my eyebrows, earning a smile from him.

"Plenty" he promises me.