the IT girl

Finding Balance

Back at the hotel after the race, the adrenaline was still buzzing through Lando's veins. Lily had tucked Gemma into her travel crib, and the two of them settled onto the couch, a quiet moment between them that felt like a luxury. The world of F1 could be so relentless, with its back-to-back schedules, demanding travel, and the constant presence of cameras. But here, just the two of them, it was easy to forget all of that for a while.

Lando stretched his legs out, sinking into the sofa beside her. "You know," he started, glancing at Lily with a soft smile, "I used to think that race days couldn't get any better. But now, coming back to you and Gemma...it's like the best feeling ever."

Lily grinned, nudging him playfully. "We're your new lucky charm," she teased. "Besides, Gemma is already your biggest fan."

"Oh, she's definitely got the F1 spirit," Lando replied, laughing. "But I mean it, Lil. Having you here makes all of this feel different. Like, I finally have something to come back to that isn't just another race."

They sat in a comfortable silence, Lando leaning his head back, visibly relaxed for the first time in days. For Lily, seeing him like this felt incredibly rewarding. She knew how demanding F1 was  the rigorous training, the mental preparation, and the weight of expectations   and she'd worried about how they'd manage it all with a newborn. But somehow, they were finding a rhythm, balancing family life with the high-speed world of Formula 1.

"So," she ventured, "what's next on the season schedule? I want to be prepared, you know, now that I'm officially part of the F1 'support team' for you."

Lando chuckled. "Support team, huh? You're way more than that," he said, giving her hand a squeeze. "Next up is the European circuit. A few races close together, so we'll be traveling quite a bit."

She nodded thoughtfully. "I was thinking maybe I could plan some activities around the race weekends. Something relaxing for us, you know? I know these circuits have a lot of pressure attached, but we could create some little memories in between."

Lando's eyes sparkled at the thought. "I'd love that, actually. I don't just want to remember these races; I want to remember us traveling as a family, exploring together." He shifted, facing her fully. "But tell me, how are you really feeling about all this, Lily? I know it's not easy, having to be on the go constantly, and now with Gemma, it's a lot."

She looked down, pausing to gather her thoughts. "Honestly, it's been a lot to adapt to. I've always loved traveling, but with Gemma, it's different. I have to think about every little thing. Her sleep, her comfort. And then there's the attention...being in the spotlight with you means that I can't just blend in anymore."

Lando nodded, understanding. "Yeah, I get that. I know it's intense. But you've handled it so well. And I'm here for you every step of the way."

She leaned into his shoulder, grateful for the reassurance. "Thank you, Lando. I love this life with you, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's just...a learning curve, I suppose."

He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. "We're in this together, Lily. And I'm so proud of you. I know it's not easy, but you're amazing. Honestly, I couldn't do this without you."

They sat there, each feeling the weight of both the challenges and the joys of their journey. There would be more races, more travels, more days like today where they were exhausted but fulfilled. And yet, with each other's support, the whole experience became more meaningful.

After a while, Gemma stirred, letting out a tiny cry that broke the silence. They both looked over, and Lando got up, scooping her into his arms.

"She's got impeccable timing, doesn't she?" Lily laughed, watching as Lando cradled their daughter, his face lighting up with pure love.

Lando kissed the top of Gemma's head. "Definitely my daughter, all right — she knows how to keep us on our toes."

Lily watched them together, a warmth filling her heart. Despite the chaos and unpredictability of their lifestyle, moments like this reminded her why it was all worth it.

As they tucked Gemma back to sleep, Lando whispered to Lily, "We're going to make this work. No matter what. We're a team, and that's all that matters."

Lily smiled, taking his hand. "Together, always."