Lucky number 4

What the Friday

I arrive early at the paddock on Friday. We are setting up all the equipment for the pre-free-practice-testing. I'm carrying boxes over to the motorhomes. They contain the standards like blood pressure monitors, heartbeat monitors, temperature sensors, muscle testing devices etc. All data will be collected by their drivers' personal trainers and send to us, where we combine and analyze all the parameters.

As I walk into the McLaren motorhome, I'm still processing the conversation I had with Lando last night. What did he mean when he said, don't thank me yet? Am I not off the hook? I nearly jump out of my skin at the touch of a hand on my back.

"Why are you so jumpy?" Lando observes with raised eyebrows, but he pulls back his hand nonetheless.

I feel my face burning and quickly shake away the memory I was having of him. Last night I decided on a new strategy. I'm the medical researcher for fuck's sake, I have to seem unfazed by all these drivers. And I am, however, this particular one is making it slightly complicated. But I've never backed down from a challenge. I school my features into neutral and focus on the tall curly Englishman. I jingle the box I'm holding in front of me.

"I'm here to drop this off".

"That doesn't answer my question" My face goes blank. He asked a question? Damn Kay, so far for going professional.

Lando smirks and takes over the box from me.

I nod and smile before turning on my heel, ready to get out of there when he takes a hold of my elbow.

"Wait. Or did you forget our little conversation from last night?" Lando's giving me a lopsided grin that is way too attractive on any man, form or being.

My gaze hardens "No, I didn't forget". Lando's stare is burning a hole through me right now.

"And you don't want to know or is the game plan to evade and ignore?"

"Definitely evade and ignore"

Lando's mouth twitches. "I have 4 conditions. You seem to seek entertainment so much. Let's say this will keep you busy and keep your job. Meet every single one of them and I'll keep all your secrets."

"Are you blackmailing me now?" I scowl.

Lando shrugs a shoulder, the image of nonchalance. "It's nothing you can't handle."

I fake a smile, "because you know me so well."

Lando's face lights up with a genuine smile, regarding me with something like admiration. "You got some bite to you. Good. Because you'll need it. I'm picking you up tonight at 8, long dress, updo hair."

Something bad settles in the pit of my stomach. I must have portrayed my feelings because recognition dawns on Lando's face. "Hey" he says, softer than I have ever heard from him. Resigned, I look up to see an emotion on Lando's face that I can't decipher. "It's not like that. It will be fun, I promise."

"Why?" I try one more time.

For only a glance Lando seems uncomfortable. There is something he isn't telling me but when he sets his jaw, I know that's everything I'll get to know. I sigh, taking a step back.

"Okay, see you tonight."

Lando tries calling after me, but I'm already backing out of the McLaren motorhome. Plan 'Evade and ignore' a total failure.