Tangled in Trophies- Lando Norris

5. Good News

Evangeline arrived at Clara's office early the week after the shoot occured, drawn by a rare sense of optimism she hadn't felt in a long time. She wasn't sure what exactly to expect, but part of her was curious to see what Clara might say about the photoshoot's impact. But more importantly what the fans had to say. As she stepped inside, Clara's office had a slightly different feel this morning-brighter, almost buzzing with anticipation. Clara looked up from her desk, a broad grin breaking across her face as Evangeline entered. This didn't happen often.

"Evangeline! Just the person I wanted to see," Clara said, waving her in. "Sit, sit-I have news!"

Evangeline slipped into the chair across from her, raising a skeptical eyebrow. "Good news, I'm assuming?" She didn't think she could bare bad news.

"Better than good." Clara practically glowed with satisfaction. "The photoshoot was a hit. We've been flooded with positive feedback from fans, the magazine, even from the brands that usually keep their distance. They loved how you connected with that young hockey player-and there's a whole conversation online about how genuine you came across."

Evangeline felt a flicker of surprise her dark eyebrows scrunching together out of genuine shock. "Really? They didn't...tear me apart for trying too hard, I wasn't too cold or too emotional?"

"No, not at all," Clara reassured her. "In fact, people saw it as one of the most authentic sides of you they'd seen in a while, some saying it reminds them of your rookie season. And, might I add, they're talking about your interaction with Norris too. Apparently, the two of you being a bit clueless about each other only added to the charm." Clara laughed "People are saying it's refreshing to see two young athletes who aren't completely wrapped up in each other's worlds."

Evangeline couldn't help but smile, a small warmth building inside. For the first time in what felt like ages, her actions were being positively received. The tension she usually carried in her shoulders when walking into Clara's office relaxed a bit, a small spark of hope rekindling. "I'm not going to lie-I didn't expect that. I thought they'd just see it as me playing nice, following the script"

"Well, that's the beauty of it," Clara said, leaning back with a satisfied look. "They're finally seeing what I've known all along-that you're more than just the 'cold-hearted champion' they like to paint you as and that Norris isn't some stuck up driver"

Evangeline looked down, processing it all. She had spent so long feeling like she was constantly under fire, every achievement twisted into ammunition against her. "Maybe this is the start of a good season. It'd be nice not to feel like I'm always on the defense."

"I don't think we are in the clear just yet...." Clara sighed admittedly. "But if you keep this up, I think we'll see a real shift. Sponsors are already calling, hoping to feature you in more balanced roles, less 'untouchable winner' and more relatable. We're finally getting somewhere." Clara smiled, clearly pleased.

The relief was almost overwhelming. Evangeline left Clara's office with a lighter step, not quite used to the feeling of a win that came without a trophy attached.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, Lando was leaning back in one of the leather seats at Heathrow Airport, waiting to board his flight back to Monaco. He had his headphones in an attempt to block out his surroundings; his mind was still circling around the events of the previous week. Just as he went to skip the song currently playing in his headphones, his phone buzzed with an incoming call from Clara. He wondered what the woman could be calling about, hopefully something positive. With a quick swipe, he picked up.

"Clara, what's up?" he asked, shifting in his seat to block out the airport noise. A slight tenseness entering his shoulders as he sat up straight.

"Hey, Lando! Just wanted to check in-did you hear about the magazine shoot from earlier this week?"

Lando sat up straighter if that was possible , suddenly curious. "No, not yet. How did it go?" He asked nervously.

"Amazing, actually. You and Evangeline really struck a chord with people. Fans loved your natural chemistry on set, especially since neither of you knew who the other was....which was a surprise I will admit. I think that honest interaction is something they've been craving. People are saying it's nice to see athletes who don't act like celebrities, you know?"

Lando let out a small laugh, somewhat surprised physically feeling the nerves exit his body. "Guess that's what happens when neither of us can be bothered to keep up with the other's sport," he joked. But deep down, he was relieved. It felt like, for once, he didn't have to put on a polished, carefully curated version of himself.

"Exactly," Clara continued. "There's already talk online about how 'refreshing' it was to see you both being so genuine. They loved seeing you interact with the younger athletes too. It's good for your image as much as it is for hers."

"Maybe I'll have to keep an eye on her career," he said with a hint of a smile. The thought of actually learning about someone outside his own sport was appealing in an unexpected way.

"Well, whatever you're doing, keep it up," Clara advised. "And have a good flight. I'll keep you posted on any further updates."

As Lando ended the call, he found himself scrolling through his social media feed, hesitating before he searched up Evangeline Vittori's account. Her profile opened, filling the screen with snapshots from her world: photos of her on the court, intense and focused; candid shots that seemed to capture the hint of exhaustion in her expression; even a few rare smiles.

He hesitated, thumb hovering over the follow button. Part of him wondered if she'd notice. Maybe it'd seem odd, too forward-but then, she'd left an impression on him, something he couldn't quite shake. He tapped "Follow" before he could second-guess himself.

Moments later, on impulse, he opened the message box and typed, "Hey, so Clara told me people actually liked that photoshoot. Didn't expect that, did you?"

He pressed send, slipping his phone back into his pocket as the boarding announcement echoed through the terminal. The message sat there, a small risk taken, and he couldn't help but wonder what she'd think when she saw it.

The flight attendants called for passengers to start boarding. As he stood in line, he thought about how, in a way, this felt like the start of something. Whatever that "something" was, he wasn't entirely sure.

Back in her apartment, Evangeline's phone vibrated quietly on her kitchen counter, an unread message lighting up the screen.