Two ✨

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Isabela couldn't believe how fast her first week on the new job had flown by. Between meetings and coordinating both her and Lando's schedules for the next few weeks, her days had passed in a blur. She barely had time to think about her upcoming one-on-one meeting with Lando, alone, today.

"I can't believe I'm late again, Steve is going to kill me!"

"He won't," Ema said dismissively over the phone. "I mean, you take two buses every day to get to work. It's understandable."

"Maybe you're right," Isabela sighed, omitting the fact that she hadn't actually told anyone at work she took public transportation. "But I just don't want him thinking being late is becoming a habit."

"Bells, he loves you," Ema chuckled. "By the way, did you talk to him about taking time off?"

Here it was—the one topic Isabela had been avoiding. Initially, there had been plenty of excuses: her boss was away, she was adjusting to her new role, and then the holiday break. But now, with things back to normal, she'd have to face the conversation sooner rather than later.

Isabela loved Ema, but her best friend had a habit of prying into parts of her life that weren't really her business—like her relationship with her mother. Isabela's relationship with her mom was strained, to put it mildly. She had learned to live with it, but Ema clearly hadn't.

"I haven't had a chance to bring it up yet, Ema," Isabela said with forced calm. "Steve and I have been swamped with work."

"Did you forget, or are you just ignoring it?" Ema's tone had taken on a slightly scolding edge. "She is your mom."

"And I'm her daughter, though she seems to forget that most of the time," Isabela replied, a bit more harshly than intended. "Look, I appreciate you trying to help, but I don't need you fixing my relationship with my mother."

"Bells, I'm not trying to fix anything. I just think you should give it a chance. Maybe this time will be different."

"It never is," Isabela sighed. "But I'll think about it and try to talk to my boss. Anyway, I've got to go. Talk soon?"

"Bye, girl. Talk to you soon."

💨🏎️💨

Without knocking, Mark barged into her office. "Steve and the drivers are waiting in the main meeting room. Let's go, we don't want to give a bad first impression because of your time management issues."

Rolling her eyes, Isabela got up, glancing at her reflection in a small hand mirror before leaving. She knew it wasn't wise to admit it t to Ema, but she couldn't deny she wanted to look her best today—just in case.

"Mark, Isabela, come on in," said Steve, snapping Isabela out of her thoughts. "Everyone, meet Oscar and Lando. You two will be working closely with them this season."

"Pleasure to meet you both—honestly, it's an honor," said Mark, grinning. "Nothing better than a team of talented guys to make the dream work!"

"Guys and girl, I think," Lando added with a playful smile, glancing at Isabela. "Welcome to the team, Izzy."

"Thanks, Lando. It's really great to be a part of this," she replied, catching Steve's signal to elaborate. "Starting today, Lando and I will be working together directly, while Oscar will be with Steve. We'll be your point of reference for media, content, and PR here at MTC."

"Exactly," Steve continued. "Zak and I are still ironing out details for race weekends, but these two are your go-tos for anything PR-related." He flashed a grin at the drivers. "I have some meetings today, but feel free to get to know each other in the meantime. Now's the best time to bond."

As Steve left, Mark promptly dragged Oscar off to his office. On his way out, Oscar shot Isabela a pleading look that seemed to say, Why did I get stuck with him? She couldn't help but mouth back, Sorry!

"So, looks like we'll be working together," Lando's voice caught her attention.

"Seems so." She smiled. "I know you loved working with Charlotte, but I guess you're stuck with me now."

"I, for one, welcome the change," he replied with a grin. "Charlotte was great, but you're pretty nice too—and definitely better than dealing with Mark."

"Does everyone hate him?" she laughed.

"Nah, he's not all bad. Just has a bit of an attitude."

"All jokes aside," she said, meeting his gaze, "I really hope this year goes well for both of us. Anyway, I have to run to a meeting, but you have my number. Reach out if anything comes up."

"Don't worry—I will." He winked before heading in the opposite direction, leaving her with a giddy smile on her face.

💨🏎️💨

Standing at the bus stop under the gray January sky, Isabela cursed herself for forgetting her umbrella. Why hadn't she thought this through before leaving? Now she was stuck waiting in the rain, clothes soaked, hoping the first of two buses home would show up soon.

So absorbed in her miserable thoughts, she barely noticed the sleek McLaren that pulled up beside her. It wasn't until the window rolled down that she snapped out of it.

"Need a lift?"

GIMME!GIMME! | Lando NorrisWhere stories live. Discover now