bucket list || l. norris

three

* please ensure you read the note at the end of this chapter - thanks for all your support on this story!! i am so grateful for it, please keep voting and commenting! *

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My fingers were trembling as I tried to keep a tight grip on my notebook. Today was my first full day as an official press officer for McLaren. I didn't want to let them down. We were in Barcelona for testing and the sun was shining, it was such a beautiful day, but that wasn't enough to allow my nerves to subside.

"Do you need a hug? You look like you need a hug." Lando locked his phone and placed it on the table, flicking his eyes upwards so that he was able to look at me with ease. I hated how well he knew he me, but at the same time, I couldn't complain. It was nice to know that I would always have someone by my side to check on me, to keep me happy, to ensure I remained sane. Knowing that he would always be here when I travelled the world for work was reassuring.

I sighed, patiently waiting for Lando to stand up from the seat and walk towards me. He was quick to pull me into his arms, allowing me to rest my face against his shoulder. We fell silent, only our shallow breathing filled the room as Lando rocked me from side to side, cradling my head with so much care. I adored this boy.

"You've got nothing to worry about it. You did this last year with Stoffel and you smashed it," Lando's voice was soft as he spoke carefully to me, his fingers brushing through my hair. "We can do this together. You and I, right? We're a team."

"We make a good team," within seconds of being in such close proximity to my best friend, I felt better. The anxiety seemed to drift away and my chest didn't feel as tight anymore. "I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me. I was fine until we arrived here."

"You're worrying over nothing and even you know it," Lando pressed a kiss to my forehead. I felt better knowing that he was right here to support me through this journey. Although I'd been in this role for a while and I'd worked with Stoffel last year, it was still daunting because I didn't want to mess this up for Lando. "You're going to be amazing. You have everything planned to the minute and I know my schedule, too, so there's no way anything can go wrong. I'm right here for you, Milly."

"I know," I shook it off. I didn't have time to be worried or stressed when Lando's schedule was so tight. It was just the initial nerves, I didn't want to do anything wrong and embarrass myself. If I wasn't capable of doing this, I wouldn't have the job. No matter how bad Lando wanted me to work with him, I knew he would've had to sit down with Zak and have a long conversation about it. "Come on. Your interview with Sky starts in fifteen minutes. Are you ready?"

Lando nodded as he picked up his drinks bottle for one final sip of water, before taking a quick glance in the mirror to check that his team shirt was still positioned smartly over his chest. He looked perfect, very smart, and the only thing he needed to finish his look was his orange McLaren hat. I gripped onto it tightly after picking it up from the sofa in his room, Lando taking one final look at me.

"You look great, Milly," he shook his head whilst chewing down on his lip. Like him, I was dressed in the McLaren team shirt, trousers and trainers. "I'm so proud of you. I can't wait to work together, you know, as a team."

"We make such a good team." I repeated myself, but this time, I gained a kiss on the forehead from Lando before he moved towards the door. With my notebook and his cap in my hand, I was ready to head into the paddock and face the media for the first proper time with Lando. I felt no nerves when I worked with Stoffel. I didn't understand why this was so different when I was in the exact same role within the team. I didn't want to embarrass Lando or make him look stupid. Essentially, I cared more about that than I cared about myself. He was my best friend after all.