The Deception ~ LN4

8

"Remember," Lily said, sliding another pastry across her kitchen table, "they're going to try to provoke a reaction. Don't give them one."

Mercedes' phone buzzed

My Matcha Tea

They're being absolute TROLLS online but don't you dare look

Also, I've got wine and ice cream ready for when you're done with Media Training Boot Camp 💕

~~~

Mercedes nodded, taking notes on her phone. The "media survival training" session had been going for two hours, fueled by coffee, croissants, and Daniel Ricciardo's seemingly endless supply of press encounter anecdotes.

"They're already trying," Oscar muttered, scrolling through his phone. "The age gap stuff is getting nasty."

Mercedes tried not to flinch. The headlines had been particularly vicious: "Cradle Robber or Career Move?" "Too Old to Land This Pilot?" The eight-year age difference between her and Lando had become social media's latest obsession, with commenters debating everything from her motives to her morals.

SkySquadron ✈️

James Don't let them get to you, Mercedes

Though if they're going to make up stories, they could at least mention how you once saved that flight to Munich with that crazy crosswind landing

Now THAT would be worth gossiping about

Sarah Forget the tabloids We've got your back, M ❤️

~~~

"See?" Lily gestured at the messages. "Your real support system isn't going anywhere."

"Ignore that garbage," Daniel said firmly. "I dated someone twelve years older when I was twenty-four. Nobody blinked. The double standard is ridiculous."

"Besides," Lily added, "half these trolls were shipping Lando with teenage fans last year. Now suddenly they're concerned about age gaps?" She rolled her eyes. "It's just an excuse to be misogynistic."

Charlotte's voice came through the laptop, clear and professional. "We're monitoring the situation. Most of the negative commentary is coming from a small but vocal minority. The broader response has been largely supportive, especially from female fans and aviation professionals."

She pulled up several positive comments: "Finally, a role model who shows it's okay to make mistakes and come back stronger!" "Age gap discourse in 2024? They're both successful adults ffs." "Maybe instead of age gap discourse we should talk about how she literally FLIES PLANES FOR A LIVING?" The last one was from Sienna's account, naturally.

"The key," Daniel added, gesturing with his coffee cup, "is to redirect. They ask about age? Talk about shared experiences in high-pressure professions. They want drama? Give them professionalism."

The article was thoughtful, well-researched, focusing on Mercedes' advocacy work and her airline's exemplary safety record. It included quotes from her colleagues - James talking about her skills in the cockpit, Sarah praising her leadership during difficult situations. It even addressed the age controversy head-on: "In an industry where experience is celebrated, criticizing a female pilot for being younger than her partner reveals more about societal double standards than any actual concern for either party's wellbeing."

The final paragraph quoted an anonymous McLaren team member: "She reminds us that success isn't about never failing – it's about how high you climb afterward. And maybe it's time we examined why we're more comfortable with male drivers dating younger women than with them dating accomplished professionals their own age."

Later that evening, back in her flat, Mercedes found Sienna waiting with the promised wine and ice cream.

"So?" Sienna asked, already pouring generous glasses. "How was Media Training with the McLaren squad?"

"Intense," Mercedes admitted, kicking off her shoes. "But helpful. Though I could have done without Daniel's dramatic reenactments of his past press encounters."

"Daniel Ricciardo did dramatic reenactments?" Sienna clutched her chest. "And I MISSED it?"

Mercedes' phone buzzed with a video call from Lando.

"Hey," he smiled softly. "Holding up okay? I saw some of the comments..."

"She's perfect!" Sienna called from the background. "And if anyone says otherwise, I have seven thousand Instagram followers ready to fight them!"

"Make that seven thousand and one," came James' voice from Mercedes' work phone, which was apparently still on speaker. "Though I still say we should tell them about the Munich landing..."

"James!" Sarah's voice cut in. "Stop fanboying and let them have their moment!"

Lando was laughing now. "I see you've got quite the defense squad."

"You have no idea," Mercedes smiled, shooing Sienna away from trying to get in frame. "Though I'm pretty sure Sienna's planning to defect to your fan club."

"Only if he promises to sign Tommy's cap!" James called out.

"Done," Lando grinned. "Bring him to Silverstone. Actually..." his expression turned thoughtful. "Bring all of them. Your whole crew. I'll sort out the passes with Charlotte."

Mercedes felt her heart swell as she looked around at her wonderfully chaotic support system: Sienna pretending not to eavesdrop while obviously hanging on every word, James and Sarah still bickering on speakerphone, and Lando's warm smile on her screen.

"You sure about that?" she asked softly. "They're a bit... intense."

"Hey, if they're important to you, they're important to me," Lando said simply. "Besides, after dealing with Oscar and Daniel all day, I think I can handle it."

"Heard that!" Daniel's voice came from somewhere off-screen. "Also, tell Sienna I loved her tweet about pilot qualifications!"

"Oh my god," Sienna whispered reverently. "Daniel Ricciardo read my tweet."

Mercedes couldn't help but laugh. Between her airline family and her new McLaren one, she had more support than she knew what to do with. Let them talk about age gaps and motives. The people who mattered knew the truth.

"Captain" His smile turned mischievous. "Now, about those crosswind landing diagrams..."

From the kitchen, Sienna called out: "If those diagrams end up on social media, I'm totally taking credit for your meet-cute! Also, James, Sarah - are we coordinating outfits for Silverstone or what?"

_______

I do not feel like this is any good

I think I am going to try and focus a lot more on Mercedes and Landos relationship