the IT girl

Race Day in Brazil

The atmosphere at the Brazilian Grand Prix was electric. From the stands, the roar of the crowd was deafening, and the tension in the air was palpable as fans cheered for their favorite drivers. The circuit was alive with color, the smell of burning rubber filling the air as the cars roared past during warm-ups.

Lily and Mia stood in the VIP section, close enough to feel the rumble of the engines as they zoomed by. It was Mia's idea to come watch the race from this vantage point, but Lily wasn't entirely sure it was a good one. Being this close to the action made everything more real—especially the fact that Lando was somewhere down there, preparing to compete in one of the most important races of the season.

"Look at him!" Mia nudged Lily as the drivers made their final preparations. Lando was getting into his car, focused, his helmet on, and the intensity in his posture unmistakable.

Lily swallowed, her stomach flipping as she watched him. She could see why everyone admired him—his determination, his skill, his cool confidence. Despite turning him down, she couldn't help but feel something for him, something she didn't quite understand yet. It was the mixture of admiration and unease that always surfaced when she thought about him.

"He looks so focused," Lily murmured, not tearing her eyes away from him. "I can't even imagine the pressure."

"That's what makes him one of the best," Mia said with a grin. "He thrives under pressure."

Lily glanced at Mia, who was practically glowing with excitement. "You seem more invested in this race than I am!"

"I just think it's cool that you're here, watching him race," Mia teased. "I know you're cheering him on in your own way, even if you won't admit it."

Lily rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the smile creeping onto her face. "Okay, maybe a little."

As the lights went out and the race officially began, Lily's heart raced along with the cars. She could feel the energy of the crowd intensify with every lap, every pass, every close call. It was exhilarating, even as a spectator.

Lando was holding his own, weaving through the track with precision and speed, but the competition was fierce. Every turn had Lily on edge, her eyes glued to the screen showing the race from multiple angles.

"You alright?" Mia asked, noticing how tense Lily had become.

"Yeah," Lily replied, not entirely convincing. "It's just... intense."

Mia gave her a knowing look. "You're worried about him, aren't you?"

Lily didn't answer right away, her focus still on Lando as he navigated a tight corner. "Maybe a little. I don't know... I just hope he's okay."

"He's a pro," Mia reassured her. "But it's sweet that you care."

Lily bit her lip, trying to shake off the feeling that had settled in her chest. Watching Lando push himself to the limit, so driven and so passionate, made her realize how much she admired that part of him. Maybe that was why she had hesitated to get close—he seemed so far out of reach, so much bigger than life. She wasn't sure if she could handle being part of his world.

The race continued, each lap a blur of speed and strategy. Lando was holding strong, moving up the ranks, but the final few laps were always the most critical.

"He's doing so well," Mia said, her eyes wide with excitement. "He might actually win this!"

Lily didn't reply, too focused on the track. Her heart pounded as Lando took another sharp turn, edging closer to the front. She found herself silently willing him to keep pushing, to finish strong.

And then, in the final moments, it happened—Lando crossed the finish line in second place. It wasn't a win, but it was a podium finish, and the crowd erupted in cheers.

Mia jumped up, clapping excitedly. "That was incredible! He did it!"

Lily exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Relief flooded through her, mixed with a sense of pride. He had done it. He hadn't given up, and even though he hadn't won, it was still a victory in its own way.

As the drivers pulled into the pit lane and the celebration began, Lily's mind raced. Maybe Mia was right—maybe she did care more than she wanted to admit. Watching him out there, risking everything for his passion, made her wonder if she had been wrong to push him away.

"Come on, let's head down to the paddock," Mia said, pulling Lily from her thoughts. "I want to congratulate Carlos and Charles, too."

Lily followed, her heart still beating fast from the excitement of the race. As they made their way through the crowd toward the paddock area, she couldn't help but wonder what she would say if she saw Lando. Would she congratulate him? Would she explain why she had turned him down?

Or would she finally take a step toward letting him in?