Pit Stop [LANDO NORRIS]

23

AVERY

As I stood in front of the mirror, I tried to focus on my reflection, but the truth was I didn't even want to be at the British Grand Prix anymore. What was the point? A week ago, I had been buzzing with excitement at the prospect of being at the track, of watching Lando race, but now? Now I was filled with a hollow ache, an emptiness that seemed to settle in my chest. I didn't even know what to expect when I got there. The whole idea felt silly—here I was, heartbroken over a relationship that never truly had a chance to blossom.

I threw on my McLaren shirt, the bright colors a stark reminder of everything I was trying to escape. The truth was, I was still reeling from that night in the hotel room, the warmth of Lando's presence still lingering in my mind. It felt ridiculous to be this upset over something that barely began, but here I was, consumed by emotions that I didn't know how to process.

When I finally arrived at the track, I did my best to avoid everyone, slipping through the paddock like a shadow. The buzz of the teams preparing for the race felt deafening, and I wanted nothing more than to disappear into thin air. Instead, I found solace in the back of the garage, knowing Lando wouldn't be in there today; he had a full day of media obligations ahead of him. I took a deep breath, grateful for the reprieve.

While I was hiding out, I found a chance to submit my opinions on a front wing upgrade to one of the head race engineers. I had spent hours analyzing data and working through the simulations, and to my surprise, he seemed genuinely impressed with my insights. For a brief moment, I felt a flicker of pride, but it was quickly extinguished by the heaviness that still clung to my heart.

After finishing up in the garage, I decided to head into hospitality early for lunch, hoping to avoid any awkward encounters. I slipped inside, the familiar smells of food wafting through the air, and approached the kitchen. I begged the cooks to whip me up something early, and they obliged, crafting a simple grilled cheese that felt comforting yet mundane.

I settled at a table, staring down at my plate, trying to quiet my thoughts. I was halfway through my lunch when I heard the door swing open. My heart raced instinctively, and I looked up. There he was—Lando.

For a moment, time seemed to freeze. Our eyes met, and I felt a rush of emotions swirl through me—relief, longing, sadness. But just as quickly, he looked away, breaking the moment we shared. I could see the tension in his shoulders as he turned, walking away without a word.

The sight of him retreating felt like a punch to the gut, the weight of rejection heavy in the air. My heart broke all over again, the lingering warmth of our connection turning icy. I swallowed hard, trying to fight back the tears that threatened to spill over. I didn't understand how we could go from such a high to such a low in what felt like mere moments.

As I sat there, alone with my grilled cheese and my heartache, I couldn't shake the feeling that something precious had slipped through my fingers, leaving behind a void I wasn't sure how to fill.

I should have known dad would have gotten to him too. An ultimatum would have been offered. Drive or me. Surely that wasn't going to be a heard decision for him to make, as I said, we were fresh and driving in Formula 1 had been a dream of his since he was a little kid. I hated that now this was going to be my time around the paddock, that we were going to be darting away from each other. Maybe dad was right, this was only ever going to end one way. 

"Morning!" Lily's comforting voice snaps me out of my pity party as she taps me on the shoulder, her and Oscar taking a seat at my table. 

"Hey" I smile, trying best to rid my face of any emotion, but of course, I was going to have to explain myself to her. After everything the other night, there was no real easy way out of this. 

"So.." she winks, that very look of I'm so ready to hear the goss overwhelmed on her face. "You disappeared the other night. And might I point out so did a particular race winner" 

I let out a nervous chuckle, "Your observational skills don't miss anything do they?" 

"Trust me, she doesn't miss anything" Oscar sasses, giving her a playful look which Lily exchanges. Seeing the way they adore each other makes this feel even worse. I was naive to think Lando and I could have had that too. 

"Well, spill..." she encourages, her eyes full of hope. 

My eyes dart to Oscar, not really knowing how to do this with him here, an unsure stutter falls from my lips. 

"Oscar, can you get us some lunch please" Lily asks, sending him a knowing look. 

He looks at Lily for a moment and then back at me, "Yeah, of course. Avery, do you want anything?" 

I hold up my half eaten grilled cheese, "I'm good, thanks though." 

"Take your time!" Lily calls out as he moves away from the table before shuffling her chair closer to mine. "Spill" she repeats, this time, total concern coating her words. 

I let out a strangled breath, "It's just not going to work" 

She shakes her head in shock, her eyes fluttering, "What?" 

"It's too awkward, with who he is and who my dad is. It's just not going to work. I was stupid for thinking otherwise" 

Lily eyes me for a moment, her stare squinting in disbelief for only a moment before shaking her head. "Nope" 

"What?" I nervously chuckle.

"That's not it, you're leaving something out. There is no way, after the way you two were looking at each other, and after the way Lando was gushing over you, that you two just humbly decided to put it in the too hard basket, I don't buy it" she rejects. 

My face collapses into my hands, letting out a longing groan, "Zak knows" 

"Oh" little gasps. "Now I understand" 

I peer up at her from underneath my hands, disappointment flooding her expression.