Thanks to Norris

part 26- Talking

By the time the sun dipped below the Monaco skyline, I was done.

Not just physically — mentally done. Interviews, cameras, side-eyes, unexpected compliments, and even more unexpected memories.

Charles picked us up from the track in his usual calm, clean Ferrari. Josi immediately put her feet up on the dash like she lived there. I curled up in the back seat, forehead resting against the window.

We didn't talk much. The music filled the silence, and no one asked how the day went. I think we all silently agreed: today wasn't about that anymore.

When we got to Charles' place, the routine kicked in. I went to shower first, letting the warm water erase what was left of the paddock and the press.

No one talked about Lando. No one mentioned the media. It was kind of nice.

After, I walked barefoot through the apartment, grabbing one of Charles' hoodies to throw over my tank top. He and Josi were already in the living room, both freshly showered, both sitting a little too close on the couch.

I raised a brow, casually.

They weren't saying much, but the body language said enough — shared smiles, slight touches, the kind of "maybe something, maybe not" vibe. I didn't feel jealousy. I felt... curiosity.

Some people think Charles wants something from me. That he's waiting in the wings. Kind of like how people assume Lando still does.

But they're wrong.

There's nothing romantic between me and Charles. Never was. Never will be. Whatever spark people keep projecting — it doesn't exist here. And if it does, it's not mutual.

And yet... watching him talk to Josi, the smallest part of me paused.

I cleared my throat.

You: "I'm exhausted. You two can keep talking. I'm gonna head to bed."

They both looked up. Josi tilted her head.

Josi: "You sure?"

You: "Yeah. You know where to find me if Charles starts reciting poetry or something."

Charles: "You wound me."

I smiled and walked off before they could say more.

Later – In Bed

I was curled under the sheets, scrolling through my phone in the dark. Just background noise, nothing serious — until I saw the notification.

🟣 MaxFewtrell is LIVE on Twitch

I clicked.

The screen loaded. Max was mid-rant about tire degradation in F1, face animated, as always. And sitting beside him, legs pulled up and headset off, was Lando.

Of course.

They were in Lando's room, eating something straight from a takeaway container. The chat was flying faster than I could read it.

Then I saw it:

"Y/n carried the grid today 💅"
"That Mercedes tee hit different on her."
"Bro she's lowkey getting shipped with everyone 😭"
"Charles, Lando, Lewis... pick your fighter."
"Y/n to WAG energy when?"
"She looked HOT today fr."