The Deception ~ LN4

6

Sunday arrived with the kind of perfect English weather that meteorologists spend their careers dreaming about. Mercedes pulled into the McLaren Technology Centre parking lot, still slightly dazed by the security procedure she'd gone through at the gate. Her temporary pass read "L. Norris - Personal Guest," which had made the security guard grin knowingly.

"First time at MTC?" he'd asked, handing back her ID. "You're in for a treat, Captain."

Now, watching the morning sun reflect off the building's curved glass facade, Mercedes understood why. The place was absolutely stunning, more art installation than factory. The artificial lake wrapped around the structure like a protective embrace, its surface mirror-smooth in the still morning air.

Lando was waiting for her at the entrance, practically bouncing with excitement. He'd warned her to dress casually, so she'd opted for jeans and a soft blue sweater. Judging by his appreciative look, she'd chosen well.

"Ready for the grand tour?" He took her hand, leading her through the automatic doors. "Though fair warning – Oscar's already here, and he's way too excited about meeting you."

"Should I be worried?"

"Nah, he just—" Lando was interrupted by a cheerful Australian accent.

"Finally! I was starting to think he made you up!"

Oscar Piastri, looking remarkably fresh for someone who'd just finished a morning training session, bounded over to them. Behind him followed a tall, elegant woman with light hair who Mercedes recognized as Lily, Oscar's girlfriend.

"The famous Captain Mercedes!" Oscar pulled her into an unexpected but friendly hug. "Please tell me you have embarrassing stories about this one." He jerked a thumb at Lando. "He's been absolutely useless since Nice. Can't get through a single sim session without sighing dramatically."

"He's not exaggerating," Lily added with a warm smile, stepping forward to greet Mercedes. "I've never seen someone so thoroughly distracted. It's actually quite sweet." She gave Mercedes a knowing look. "Though I suspect you understand the challenges of dating an F1 driver."

"I do not sigh dramatically!" Lando protested, though his red cheeks suggested otherwise.

"Mate, you literally crashed yesterday because you were texting her during the formation lap."

"It was just a practice run..." Lando mumbled.

"It was the third time this week acorrding to Oscar," Lily stage-whispered to Mercedes. "He thought Andrea was going to have an aneurysm."

The two women shared a laugh as their boyfriends protested. There was something comforting about meeting someone else who understood the unique experience of dating a Formula 1 driver.

The next hour was a whirlwind of incredible cars, state-of-the-art technology, and more carbon fiber than Mercedes had ever seen in one place. Oscar and Lando traded stories as they walked, their easy friendship evident in every playful jab and shared laugh.

During the tour, Lily fell into step beside Mercedes while the boys argued about some past racing incident. "It's like watching children sometimes, isn't it?" Lily observed fondly. "Though I have to admit, it's refreshing seeing Lando like this. He's usually so focused, so controlled. You bring out a different side of him."

Mercedes watched as Lando and Oscar playfully shoved each other over some disputed corner entry. "They seem close."

"They are," Lily nodded. "The teammate dynamic can be tricky in F1, but those two... they genuinely get along. It makes everything easier." She paused, then added with a grin, "Even if I do have to hear about Lando's love life during every dinner now. Oscar's quite invested in your relationship."