Risking it all (Lando Norris)

Chapter 53

Lily

The roar of the engines echoed through the Canadian circuit as I made my way to the McLaren garage. The air was thick with anticipation, the kind that always filled the paddock before a race.

But today, something felt different, something was off. My stomach had been churning ever since I woke up, and the nausea that followed had only gotten worse. This has been going on for more than a week already.

I had been throwing up all morning, starting almost immediately after Lando left the hotel to head to the track. I'd waved him off with a smile, not wanting to worry him, but the moment the door closed behind him, I had rushed to the bathroom, barely making it in time. 

I kept telling myself it was just a bug, or maybe something I ate, but deep down, a small, nagging thought had begun to take root—a thought I wasn't quite ready to face.

As I entered the garage, I plastered a smile on my face, doing my best to look composed. The team was bustling with activity, getting ready for the race, and I didn't want to be a distraction. 

I found a spot near the back where I could watch the screens and keep to myself, hoping the nausea would subside once the race started.

"Hey, Lily!" one of the engineers called out, giving me a friendly wave.

I waved back, forcing a smile. "Hey! Ready for the race?"

"Always," he grinned, turning back to his work.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. The last thing I wanted was for anyone to notice that something was wrong, especially not Lando. He needed to focus on the race, and I wasn't going to be the one to distract him.

The race began, and I found myself caught up in the excitement, the adrenaline of the track momentarily pushing aside the queasiness. 

Lando was driving brilliantly, manoeuvring his car with the skill and precision that always left me in awe. 

I cheered along with the team, my heart swelling with pride as he fought his way up the grid.

But as the race neared its end, the nausea returned with a vengeance. My stomach twisted painfully, and I knew I couldn't hold it back any longer. 

I discreetly slipped out of the garage, making my way to the nearest bathroom. The moment I was inside, I collapsed onto my knees, clutching the sides of the toilet as I emptied the contents of my stomach.

The sickness seemed relentless, each wave of nausea more intense than the last. By the time it finally subsided, I was trembling, my forehead resting against the cool porcelain of the toilet seat. 

I took a few deep breaths, trying to compose myself, but my thoughts were racing. This wasn't just a bug—something was seriously wrong.

After a few moments, I pulled myself together, rinsing my mouth out with water before splashing some on my face. I looked at my reflection in the mirror, noting how pale and tired I looked. 

I couldn't keep this up much longer, but I had to make it through the rest of the day. Lando was counting on me to be there for him, and I wasn't going to let him down.

When I returned to the garage, the race was over, and the team was buzzing with excitement. Lando had come in second—a fantastic result, especially considering the tough competition. 

I saw him making his way through the crowd, shaking hands and sharing congratulations, but his eyes were searching for someone—searching for me.

I quickly joined the group, pushing down the lingering nausea as I made my way to him. "Lando!" I called out, waving to catch his attention.