Chapter 33

82 2 0
                                    

Lando

The sound of engines roaring and mechanics bustling filled the air as I sat in my driver's room, preparing mentally for the race. The familiar scent of gasoline, rubber, and adrenaline wafted through the door, a constant reminder of the intensity of the job. 

I was fully geared up, my racing suit snug against my skin, and my helmet resting on the table beside me. The nerves were creeping in, more than usual, knowing the issues we'd had with the car throughout the weekend.

I tried to focus, going over the track in my mind, visualizing each corner, each straight, the braking points, and the overtakes I'd need to make. But my thoughts kept drifting back to the earlier sessions, how the car just hadn't felt right. It was frustrating, knowing that despite all the hard work, something still wasn't clicking.

Just as I was getting lost in my thoughts, the door to my room creaked open, and I turned to see Lily stepping in. The moment our eyes met, I felt a wave of calm wash over me, as if her presence alone could ease the tension that had been building up inside me.

"Hey," she said softly, a warm smile on her face as she walked over to me. "How are you feeling?"

I managed a small smile, though I could tell it didn't quite reach my eyes. "Nervous, if I'm being honest. The car's still not where I want it to be, and it's messing with my head."

Lily came closer, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to my lips. It was brief but enough to steady me, to remind me why I do what I do. "You're going to do great, Lando. Just focus on the race, on what you can control, and leave the rest to the team. They'll sort out the car as best they can."

"I know," I sighed, leaning my head back against the wall. "It's just hard not to think about everything that could go wrong."

She sat down beside me, her hand finding mine and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "You've got this. You've faced worse, and you've always come out on top. Today won't be any different."

I looked at her, taking in the way her eyes shone with confidence, not just in me but in what I was capable of. It was moments like this that made me realize how lucky I was to have her by my side.

"Thanks, Lily," I said, my voice softer now. "I don't know what I'd do without you." She smiled, her thumb brushing over the back of my hand. "Good thing you'll never have to find out."

There was a brief silence between us, the kind that didn't need to be filled with words. Just having her here, sitting with me in these last few moments before the race, was enough. It was comforting in a way I couldn't quite put into words.

But eventually, the inevitable came. The race was about to start, and we both knew it was time to go. Lily stood up first, her hand still holding mine as she pulled me to my feet.

"Time to go show them what you're made of," she said, her voice filled with a mixture of determination and affection.

"Yeah," I nodded, trying to channel some of that same energy. "Time to race."

Before she left for the garage, Lily leaned in and kissed me one more time, a soft, lingering kiss that made my heart swell. "Good luck, Lando. I'll be watching."

"I know," I whispered back, my lips brushing against hers. "I'll see you after."

With that, she turned and left the room, and I stood there for a moment, watching her go. The room felt emptier without her, but I couldn't dwell on that now. I had a job to do.

I grabbed my helmet, taking a deep breath as I left the room and made my way to the garage. The familiar sights and sounds of the paddock greeted me, the organized chaos of a race day in full swing. My heart was pounding in my chest, the adrenaline starting to kick in as I approached my car.

Risking it all (Lando Norris)Where stories live. Discover now