i love you • formula one

13

please comment throughout!

first person

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sunday, 02/08/2020

Lando tried to play it innocent when I confronted him about the details he told Nicky about our past. For all I was concerned, we both agreed not to talk about that awkward first kiss we shared when we were thirteen, especially not with potential boyfriends. Hell, I never even brought it up with Gem and they were together for two years! I felt so guilty because it made me look like a bad person and that definitely wasn't my intentions. Nicky was different to the other guys I've dated before and I didn't want him to be discouraged by my friendship with Lando. Luckily, he seemed to drop the topic the following morning; the only he could could talk about was his excitement for the race weekend.

No matter how much I tried to convince Lando, he never warmed up to the idea of driving to Silverstone with Nicholas. His reasoning behind the decision was that he 'didn't want to risk an argument' with Nicky. I couldn't be bothered to argue, not wanting to risk him getting mad at me when he's going to be away for a few days.

I may have been watching Lando race for over half of my life, but I still felt uneasy heading into a race weekend. This is also the first weekend where I'm watching Nicky race since being involved with him in a romantic way. Double the drivers means double the worry.  Seeing that the weather was predicted to be heavy rain for the majority of Sunday when they'll be racing certainly didn't help. Wet races almost always lead to a safety car of some kind. I couldn't even bring myself to begin thinking about the possible consequences of an accident for either Nicky or Lando.

Unfortunately, Lando experienced some problems during the practice session on Friday, requiring a change regarding the engine. I didn't know enough about the workings of a Formula 1 car to know which part specifically was changed, however I did know that he received a penalty and would be starting at the back of the grid. He'd be starting on the back row with Nicky who's Williams had issues with pace. I worried about Lando being overly aggressive with the Canadian because he clearly still had some sort of grudge.

"If you crash into him, you're not allowed to come home until the next British Grand Prix is over," I warned Lando. It was Sunday morning and we were FaceTiming each other as he got ready. Whilst I sat comfortably on the sofa with a cosy blanket, he stood in front of the bathroom mirror as he brushed his teeth. His phone was balancing on the counter.

Lando rolled his eyes, spitting out his toothpaste into the sink. "I won't crash on purpose, you know that."

"Yeah, and I also thought you liked Nicky - you're unpredictable right now," I shot back with a pointed look. Resting my head in my hand, I let out a small sigh. "I'm really worried about the race, Lando."

"Hey," his voice was soft as he spoke and he put his toothbrush down on the counter, "it's going to be okay, I promise. If it's not safe, the race won't go ahead." I hummed, still not fully convinced. Lando sensed this and pulled his lips to the side. "Ly, please don't worry."

"Wow, I'm cured," I sarcastically replied.

Lando chuckled and shook his head. "I'll be home Sunday evening, just think about that. No matter what the result, we can celebrate together - just you and me."

"Oh, I plan on getting shit-faced when you get home. You're doing shots with me, Norris, and nothing you say or do will get you out of it."

Lando didn't look too excited by the idea; he wasn't a big drinker. Because it'll just be the two of us in the safety of our home, he's more likely to let loose. Drunk Lando was one of my favourite people. He's more likely to speak his mind and act on impulse, providing me with some hilarious videos on my phone of him. On more than one occasion, he's phoned up his mum, confessing to some of the mischievous things he did as a kid. Cisca knew about them (she always knew when we were up to trouble), but played along, fake scolding Lando only for him to say 'I don't give a fuck' and hanging up. The apologies the morning after were almost as funny as his attitude the night before.