Tangled in Trophies- Lando Norris

16. Charities and chats

Evangeline had barely stepped onto the court when the sound of her sneakers squeaking against the surface filled her with renewed focus. There was a strange comfort in the rhythmic thud of the ball against her racket. With the Australian Open win behind her, she was already looking to the next challenge, determined to stay sharp, but training with her coach and the relentless drills were starting to feel like background noise in her mind.

Halfway through a series of precision serves, Clara appeared courtside, clipboard in hand. Her sharp heels clicked against the floor, and Evangeline instinctively rolled her eyes, knowing exactly what that sound meant.

"Hey, coach," Clara called, waving over to get their attention. "Mind if I steal Evangeline for a second?"

Her coach gave her a nod, signaling she could take a short break. Evangeline wiped her face with her towel and grabbed her water bottle, striding over to Clara. "Please tell me you aren't here to talk about another photoshoot," she muttered, taking a long sip.

Clara gave her a pointed look, raising an eyebrow. "Nope, though it is an appearance...just one that's a little more meaningful."

Evangeline sighed but softened a little. "Alright, spill. What's this all about?"

"There's a charity event happening in London next week. It's raising money for youth sports programs around the UK. They want to bring in a few prominent athletes, and I think it's a good opportunity to make an appearance after the Australian open."

Evangeline groaned softly, rubbing her temples. "huh? Don't tell me it's one of those events with endless interviews and photographers everywhere, because—"

"It's a gala," Clara cut in, softening her tone, "and there will be press, yes. But it's low-key, just a few major outlets. More importantly, the funds go directly to support local communities." Clara paused, watching Evangeline's expression carefully. "Look, I know you'd rather just train and avoid all this, but trust me—it's a good cause, and it could help change public perception, you know?"

Evangeline shrugged, not fully convinced. "People are going to see what they want to see, Clara. You know that."

"I know," Clara conceded, "but I also know this: even if you don't care about what the public thinks, you do care about sports and opportunities for young athletes."

Evangeline glanced down, chewing the inside of her cheek. Clara was right—supporting youth sports was something she genuinely believed in, after her pains struggled to fund her career and made sacrifices to support her. Maybe showing up at an event like this could help ease the tension between her and her fans, at least a little.

"Fine," she said, reluctantly, "I'll go."

Clara's face brightened. "Thank you. I'll send over the details later." She reached over and gave Evangeline's shoulder a supportive squeeze. "You won't regret it."

As Clara walked away, Evangeline sighed and took a few deep breaths, trying to settle back into her training mindset. But her focus had been broken, and she knew it. With a huff, she decided to cut the session short.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Later that evening, she was back at her flat, changing into sweats and setting up for a night in. Olivia was coming over, and Evangeline was looking forward to a rare evening of relaxation and laughter. She could already feel her shoulders loosening at the thought.

When the doorbell rang, she opened it to find Olivia holding two bottles of wine and a giant bag of snacks.

"Your savior has arrived!" Olivia grinned, pushing past Evangeline and heading straight to the kitchen. "Let's get this party started."

Evangeline laughed, shutting the door. "I didn't realize two bottles counted as a party."

"Oh, it does when you're us," Olivia quipped, expertly popping open the first bottle and pouring them both a glass. "Besides, we both know you're overdue for a proper night of letting loose."

They settled on the couch, surrounded by snacks and comfortably tucked under a blanket. As the wine flowed, so did their laughter, and the conversation turned from lighthearted gossip to the deeper corners of their lives.

"So, what's this I hear about a charity event?" Olivia asked, nudging her friend. "Clara filled me in earlier—don't give me that look, she was practically glowing about it."

Evangeline rolled her eyes, taking a big sip of wine. "Yeah, it's... it's fine. It's for a good cause, and I guess it might help people think I'm a little less heartless or whatever."

"Heartless?" Olivia's eyebrows shot up. "Eva, people don't think you're heartless! They just... they just don't know you."

Evangeline shrugged, looking down at her glass. "I don't know. Sometimes it feels like no matter what I do, people already have their minds made up. And honestly, sometimes I just don't care."

"Liar." Olivia smirked, nudging her with her elbow. "I know you, Evangeline Vittori. You care, even if you won't admit it. You want people to see you for who you are."

Evangeline let out a soft laugh, but her expression remained thoughtful. "Maybe. But it's tiring, Liv. Trying to balance everything—training, expectations, my own sanity. Some days I feel like I'm drowning in it all."

Olivia's gaze softened. She put a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder. "I know, But you don't have to handle it alone, you know? I'm here, Clara's here—even if she drives you crazy half the time."

Evangeline chuckled. "More than half, honestly."

"See?" Olivia laughed, lifting her glass. "Cheers to annoying managers and best friends who keep you grounded."

"Cheers," Evangeline echoed, clinking her glass against Olivia's. "Honestly, I don't know what I'd do without you."

They sat in silence for a moment, the warmth of the wine and their friendship wrapping around them. Then Olivia's eyes sparkled mischievously.

"So, speaking of managers... what's going on with you and Lando?"

Evangeline nearly choked on her wine. "Oh, come on. There's nothing going on."

Olivia raised an eyebrow, looking completely unconvinced. "Nothing, huh? You're telling me that the tension I saw in those photos was nothing?"

"Olivia..." Evangeline groaned, shaking her head. "I mean, yeah, we got along during the shoot. But that's it. He's... he's just so... him, you know? All this charm and confidence. I'm not even sure it's real half the time."

"And yet," Olivia teased, "you've watched two of his races already, haven't you?"

Evangeline opened her mouth to protest, but no words came out. Instead, she let out a sigh. "Fine. Maybe I have. But that doesn't mean anything."

Olivia laughed, patting her friend's knee. "Alright, alright. I'll drop it... for now."

Evangeline rolled her eyes, reaching for the snacks. "I doubt it."

As the evening stretched on, the wine softened the edges of her thoughts, and she allowed herself to laugh freely, filling the room with memories and little moments of joy. She knew Olivia was right—that she needed people around her, people who knew the real Evangeline. In that moment, with Olivia by her side, she felt just a little more like herself.