Thanks to Norris

part 48- party

You traded your race suit for something that made you feel like yourself again — something sharper, more you. No team logos, no sponsor patches. Just a clean look. Streetwear, dark colors, rings on your fingers, chain around your neck. Intentional, but not loud.

Josi met you in the hotel hallway wearing a leather jacket over a silver slip dress and black boots. She grinned when she saw you.

"Finally," she said, pulling you into a hug.
"Time to remind people we exist outside a paddock."

The club was already buzzing when you arrived — somewhere tucked just far enough from circuit territory that you didn't feel like you were still working. Music pulsed, lights low, bass heavy.

It didn't take long before you spotted the others.

Max Fewtrell, drink in hand, in his usual overly relaxed stance by the bar. His girlfriend Pietra saw you first. She didn't hesitate — she came over, arms wide, smiling.

Pietra:
"You were amazing today."

She pulled you into a hug — real, warm, like someone who knew the history but didn't hold any of it against you.

"Max told me everything. About how you handled this week. You've got people rooting for you, you know that, right?"

You smiled, feeling some of the stiffness in your chest loosen.

And just behind her — Max.

Max F.:
"That was championship behavior, Y/n. Dead serious."

You bumped fists. No teasing this time. Just real respect.

Then your eyes flicked to the booth across the room.

Lando.

Sitting on the edge of the leather couch, drink in one hand, head low in conversation with a couple of his mates — but he looked up. For half a second, your eyes met.

He didn't smile.

But he didn't look away.

He just gave a subtle nod.

Like he saw you.

Like he knew.

And that was enough.

Later – Dance Floor, Laughs, and Complicated Glances

You and Josi made your way to the floor — dancing like you hadn't in months. No cameras. No helmets. Just two people letting the music soak into their skin. She looked radiant — bold and wild — and beside her...

Charles.

He was never the "clubbing" type, but he'd come anyway. Quiet but magnetic. He stuck close to Josi, not in a possessive way — more like someone finally letting himself exist near someone that made him feel safe.

They danced together. You caught her whispering something in his ear and his laugh in response — soft and surprised. You couldn't hear the words, but you didn't need to. The way he looked at her said everything.

You smiled to yourself. Happy for her. Proud, even.

Somewhere Between Midnight and Memory

At some point, you stepped away from the crowd, catching your breath on the balcony upstairs. The sky was heavy with stars.

You heard footsteps and glanced back.

Lando.

He stepped beside you, leaned on the railing.