Love's A Game // LN4 ; GR63

Winning Tensions

Saturday came and went and Violet now found herself in the Mercedes garage watching in anticipation as George climbed into his car and with the sound of tires screeching he drove out the garage towards his grid position. It was an intense qualifying yesterday and George managed to secure P2 in hopes of winning his home race. As the lights went on and shut off he pulled away mere milliseconds faster than Max on Pole but it was enough to give him an advantage going into the first corner.
Clinging onto the race lead the first lap was close and Violet knew this would be a close race.
Soon enough the Pit Window opened and the drivers all started falling into their strategies comfortably. Lando boxed and pulled out in front of George stealing the lead with a smooth undercut. Although Violet felt her heart drop for George a strange feeling of pride for Lando pushed its way into her mind.

Brushing the feeling off Violet returned her attention to the screens just before she noticed herself on the screen.
Oh no, I didn't think this through she thought. Now everyone is going to wonder who she is- she stopped in her thoughts. The more she realized her publicity, the more she wondered if this could help her channel. I could use this... promote myself in a way an- What am I thinking! That's selfish and cold. George is nothing but sweet and amazing. I would never be able to use him like that.

The sound of cheering brought her back to reality. Looking quickly up at the screen she noticed the cheers weren't for George but were for Lando. George had come in second but Lando... Lando had won his home race. She smiled at this because deep down she'd always supported him but she had to be happy for George. After all she is here with him and dare she say she is starting to really like him.

She ran out to congratulate George on the podium and he ran up to her, holding her tightly.

Violet: I'm so proud of you! You raced amazingly
George: Thanks darling, can say you're a lucky charm
He kissed her cheek and made his way to the team. Violet felt her cheeks heat up and the butterflies in her stomach betrayed her confidence. She looked up, still flustered and met Lando's smile. She returned one and voiced a 'Congratulations' but she is pretty sure it got lost amongst the voices.
As soon as George came back to hug Violet again Lando turned in dismay.

———————
Lando POV
———————

Winning my home race felt incredible. Winning it with Evans watching felt even better but it all went away the second I saw George kiss her cheek. Her reaction gave her away, she was in hard for him and there was nothing I could do.
She congratulated me and I simply couldn't help but smile but knowing what I know I can't watch George appreciate her company...

——————

Later that night...

After the podium celebrations the guys decided a night out would be perfect and so Violet made herself presentable and joined them at the local bar. George made sure she was close to him at all times, even if it meant holding her against him, which she wasn't opposed to.
Wanting to take a bit of a walk she pulled George down to her level and spoke:

Violet: I'm going to the bathroom
George: Alright love, stay safe. We'll be right here
Violet: See you now

Moving her way through the crowd, she made it to the bathroom. Taking a deep breath she leaned against the door, still hearing the muffled beat of the music through the wood.
She walked over to the mirror and touched up her lipstick.
She smiled from excitement, nerves and simply the idea of this truly happening to her.
When someone else came in she decided it's best to leave before it becomes too long that she's away so she made her way back through all the bodies dancing until she bumped into one at the edge of the crowd.

Violet: Oh sorry!
Lando: That's okay. Evans? Where's George?
Violet: Oh hey Lando. I'm just on my way to him. You joining?
Lando: Uh- no I'll stay here.
Violet: Oh... um... could you join me? I don't really want to walk alone the rest of the way. It's very full and-
Lando: Sure. Let's go.

They walked in tense silence. A million thoughts raced through Violet's head as she had thought her and Lando were connecting this morning but clearly she'd been wrong.

George: Hey! Here you guys are! What's wrong Evans?
Violet: Nothing.
She turned to Lando in last attempts to chat.
Violet: So Lando, how did you find the race?
George made his way to join them, wrapping his arm around Violet in the process.
Lando: Good. I- I actually don't really feel like talking. I'll go stand by Carlos a bit.
Violet: Oh- uh-

Without another word he was gone.
Violet: He hates me.
George: He doesn't
Violet: He never wants to talk. I want nothing more than to be his friend, or at least make a good impression... I think I'm gonna head back to the room for the night. You coming up?
George: You go ahead dear, I've just got something to do. Stay up would you? I won't be long
Violet: I'll be awake. See you soon

She left and without hesitation George walked straight up to Lando.

George: Outside, now. We have to talk.