Just the two of us • Lando Norris

(13) R A C I N G

Delilah Stroll
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THE SOUND of my phone ringing wakes me up, and I groan before opening my eyes, adjusting to the light for a few seconds. I take a glance at Lando laying next to me. He's still fast asleep, so I creep out of bed and grab my phone. 

It's my father. 

I sigh, hand hovering over it and then I pick it up, bringing it to my ear. "Lawrence, to what do I owe you the pleasure this early in the morning?" I say as I glance outside between the curtains. The sun is still rising and there aren't many cars on the street. 

"Delilah, we have a problem here at Aston martin. Do you have time to talk?" He says, and I hop onto the kitchen counter, feet dangling of the edge. 

"Yes I do, Lando's still asleep, go ahead" I whisper, not wanting to wake him up. He looks so peaceful like this, smiling in his sleep just the slightest bit. 

"Your brother is in the hospital, fell down a flight of stairs. He's stuck with a concussion and we're stuck with one driver less" My father starts telling his story, and my brows furrow as I know exactly where this going. 

"Okay, find a new driver, it's as easy as that. There are enough reserve drivers at Aston Martin" I tell him. 

He's silent for a couple of seconds before a sigh leaves his lips. "We want you to drive, Delilah" 

"absolutely not, i'm not getting in a car again" 

My father laughs. "We need this. Please Delilah. You're experienced, you have the drive, everything we need right now. One last time, then i'll leave you alone forever" 

I close my eyes and press my lips together firmly, contemplating this whole situation. It'll be amazing, driving at high speed again because yes, deep down I miss it, but i'm terrified to crash. "Fine" I eventually say, a sigh leaving my lips. "Let's roll one last time, but after this race, never again." 

He sounds relieved, a breath escaping him. "Thank you so much, Delilah. You're awesome. Let's do this together. Jeddah is in two weeks, you'll fly to your hotel tomorrow. Eric will train you as much as possible to get you ready for the race, and to get the car to your liking. We'll speak soon, I love you." And with those words he hangs up the phone.

I love you.

Three simple words people should be used to hear, but still I find myself staring at my phone while crying about those three words. It's been years since my father has told me he loved me, and although it's probably because I gave in to this crazy idea, he still told me he loved me.

"Lillies? why are you crying?" The voice of Lando cuts through the silence, and my head shoots up as I wipe away the tears. "Who were you talking to?" 

I shake my head and hop off the counter while putting my phone into my pocket. "It's nothing, just my father." I try to smile, sitting down next to him on the bed. 

"What did he do this time?" 

"He told me he loved me" 

"But that's a good thing?" His brows furrow in confusion as he stares at my face, grabbing my hand. 

I nod my head. "It is, but it's been years since he's said it. I didn't expect it to leave his mouth" I tell him. 

"What did you do to make him say it?" he asks, genuine interest showing on his face. I think about what i've done. It makes me feel nauseous and excited at the same time. 

"My brothers in the hospital. I'll be racing in Jeddah for him" My eyes meet his. I expect him to get mad or anything like that but instead a big smile forms around his lips, his eyes twinkling.