Death of a Bachelor

#31 Mi Amor

Lewis sat in a quiet corner of the hotel suite, adjusting the collar of his navy blue long sleeves polo as he glanced at his reflection in the mirror. He had already arrived in Miami for the 2024 Grand Prix, and the heat of the Florida sun seemed to match the intensity of the week ahead. Now, instead of sleeping and resting, he prepared for the venue he was going to attend before the training tomorrow. Across the room, Jester, his assistant–young, with a black curly hair and a sharp mind-stood with a red marker in hand, scanning the list of questions the media had submitted for the upcoming press conference.

"Make sure Simone's not involved in any of these questions" Lewis said, his tone firm as his eyes narrowed slightly, watching Jester's hand move swiftly, crossing out several questions with a sharp red lines.

"Got it" Jester responded, marking a few more questions with the red marker, drawing thick lines through anything remotely personal. "Anything else we should watch out for?" he asked, understanding the weight behind Lewis's words. It wasn't just about controlling the narrative, it was about protecting himself from the constant prying into his personal life-especially those questions that cut too deep, particularly the ones involve Simone.

Lewis let out a quiet sigh, rolling his shoulders back. Despite all the media training he'd gone through, and the countless interviews over the years, there was still a sense of unease that crept in before every solo press conference. His nerves weren't as overpowering as they once had been, but they were still there, lurking under the surface. Back then, it felt like his stomach would flip inside out, like every stutter would betray him in front of the world. But now, he could hold his own-answering confidently, despite the personal nature of some questions.

"How are you feeling about this?" Jester asked, capping the red marker and looking up at Lewis with a calm expression.

"Fine" Lewis replied after a brief pause. "I'm fine" His voice was steady, but there was an edge to it. The pressure of the upcoming race, combined with the inevitable questions about his personal life, weighed on him.

Jester handed him the finalized list. "Yeah, you seem very happy" his sarcastic tone made Lewis glance over at him, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips "Most of these are straightforward. A lot of focus on the Miami race, your performance this season, the usual and....some questions about you joining Ferrari next year" he added.

Lewis nodded as his eyes grazed the printed words, mentally preparing himself "Thanks man. Let's keep it that way"

As Lewis skimmed through the list of questions, his mind wandered. The thought of Simone crept in, he missed her–missed being in Paris with her. The days had been flying by in a whirlwind of training, media obligations, and preparation for the Miami Grand Prix, but there was a part of him that just wanted to fast-forward through it all and get back to her. The thought of returning to Paris was the only thing keeping him grounded.

He loved racing–loved the thrill of it all–but right now, more than anything, he wanted to be home. Back with Simone. Away from the constant flash of cameras, the invasive questions, and the never-ending pressure to perform. Just a few more days, and he could finally breathe again, in the one place that had started to feel like his true home.

"Are you ready, sir Lewis?" Jester asked

"Of course" he answered before taking a deep breath.

As soon as they stepped out of the suite, Lewis was flanked by security guards. Their presence was reassuring, a silent barrier between him and the frenzy of the outside world. He barely had time to glance back at Jester before they were ushered toward the hotel exit. Without any fanfare, Lewis slid into the sleek black car that waited by the curb, Jester slipping in beside him.