𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐒 | 𝐋𝐍𝟒

𝐗𝐗𝐈𝐕

26th May- Monaco
Monaco Grand Prix

The energy in the paddock was electric, as it always was on race day. One hour before lights out, the McLaren garage was busy with engineers making last-minute adjustments, mechanics moving around with practiced efficiency.. But Lando wasn't focused on any of that.

He was crouched beside Denis, showing him the steering wheel of his car.

Denis, he only eight years old but the kid was already a genius when it came to racing. His small hands traced over the buttons as Lando explained their functions, he was listening intently and his eyes was flickering between the wheel and Lando's face.

«And this?» Denis pointed at one of the switches.

«That's for the DRS» Lando said, watching as Denis nodded knowingly. «It helps us go faster on the straights.»

«I know» Denis said, grinning. «I was just checking if you knew.»

Now he knew that the sass genes weren't from Johan, But from Lucie .. The kid's attitude resembled Milaine's in an odd way.. They were siblings afterall..

Lando let out a short laugh. «Oh, so that's how it is?»

Denis giggled before shifting topics. «I race too, you know. In go-karts. I'm doing really well in my championship.»

Lando raised an eyebrow. «Yeah? That's awesome. How's it going?»

«I have a race in Germany after Roland Garros» Denis said proudly. «Milly promised to come watch me.»

Lando froze for a second .. And for a split second, everything from the party came rushing back—the almost kiss, the way she looked at him, the call from Andrey.. the things Carlos had said. He clenched his jaw, pushing the thoughts away.

He couldn't let Denis see any reaction.

«Oh, that's really cool» Lando said, keeping his voice light. «She'll love it.»

Denis beamed. «She won her first match today! I just checked the results, It was in straight sets even when she is injured , Can you imagine?» His eyes shone with admiration. «She is so cool.»

Lando opened his mouth, but before he could respond, a voice interrupted.

«I hope he's not bothering you.»

Lando turned to see Ralph approaching them, hands in his pockets, watching the two of them with a slight smile.

«Not at all» Lando assured him. «We were just talking about racing.»

Ralph nodded. «He could go on about it for hours.» He gave Denis a pointed look. «But I think Lando has a race to focus on.»

Denis huffed but didn't argue. He clearly wanted to stay with the F1 driver..

Lando straightened up, after he pat the kids head «Where's Lucie?»

«I think she's catching up with Max and Jos» Ralph said.

«Alright» Lando nodded, glancing at the time. «Well i need to go, I'll see you later.»

With that, he excused himself, stepping out of the garage... He just needed a moment. A break before the race. Something to clear his mind.

So he made his way toward McLaren's hospitality, aiming to grab an energy drink or just sit for a moment. But just as he stepped inside, he saw her.

Magui.. He just remembered he invited the girl..

She was leaning casually against one of the tables, her eyes lighting up when she saw him. As he walked over, she smiled, placing a hand on his arm.

Shestudied him for a moment. «Are you nervous? You look... tense.»