Before you

24.

The board didn't take a lot to convince. They agreed with our proposition to put me in charge.

I don't think they trusted my dad to begin with, so maybe they were actually happy this story came out.

I knew I was happy about it. These girl deserved to put their story out, even if it meant that my dad got destroyed.

I didn't care.

So I took a few days to get everything in order, try to keep the employees motivated, which ultimately, wasn't that difficult.

They never liked my dad anyways. Never saw him, I was the one who they contacted when they needed something.

Savannah stayed in London, she said she wanted to be more involved in the company. Who would've thought she would actually work a day in her life.

But she did and she was actually doing a good job.

And then there was Lando.

We still texted every day. He flew to Italy after his last race in the Netherlands.

We called before and after every practice session, qualifying and the race.

Sometimes a quick good luck call, sometimes a long call that ended with us falling asleep together.

We were still just friends. I didn't tell him about what Savannah said, because I wanted to be completely sure.

Could we actually combine our lifestyles? Could we both do our jobs and make time for each other?

I knew he was gonna fly to London whenever he could and honestly, I didn't need to be in London all the time.

So maybe we could work this out after all.

I flew to Monaco the day after he returned to Monaco as well.

I knew that, because he kept updating me on his life, through texts, with pictures and so did I.

Except for this, I didn't tell him I flew to Monaco.

I wanted to tell him that I wanted to go on dates together, real dates, try this whole dating thing.

I wanted to tell him that he made my heart skip several beats, all the damn time.

I had to tell him that it definitely wasn't fake for me anymore.

But I was also nervous, it's been something over a week since that day when he told me he wanted me to fall in love with him.

I am sure he didn't move on in only a week, right?

Max Verstappen was living in the same building as Lando, so hopefully he would be home as well.

He thought we were dating, so surely he would buzz me in the building.

I pressed Max's button and fortunately not much later Kelly sounded through the intercom.

"Hi Kelly, it's Riley, sorry I forgot the key and I think Lando is in the shower"

"Oh hi Riley! No problem, I will buzz you in"

"Thanks Kelly, have a good night" I smiled. Pushed the door open and walked in their building, up to Lando's apartment.

I grabbed my phone, texted him quickly.

Lando ❤️

What are u up to?

Nothing really
Just went to the store
Gonna have a night in
You?

Just taking a walk
It's pretty beautiful around here

Yeah is it?
Wish I could take a walk with you

Well, I think you can

What do you mean?

Open the door ❤️