Chapter 23

I wake up with a pair of arms wrapped around my waist. We are both still on the couch. I look up and see Lando's eyes still shut. They twitch a little and I can tell he is awake. "Are you still asleep?" I ask. He stays silent. "Carlos is a better golfer than you." I whisper. "Hey, now hang on a second!" Lando says opening his eyes with a small smile, causing me to giggle. "I was joking. A, I knew you were awake and b, you are way better at golf." I say with a small smile before giving him a quick kiss on the lips and getting up to make coffee. "Do you want something babe?" I question. "Do you have tea?" He asks, stretching across the couch. "I live in England, of course I have tea. And yes I will make you some." I say with a small smile.

"Here Lan." I say and hand him the cup of tea. I look at the tv and see the he is rewatching the Monaco Grand Prix. "I'm really sorry about your dad." Lando says softly as he rubs my back comfortingly. I sigh deeply. "Yeah. It's going to be tough without him." I say quietly. "When is the funeral?" He asks. "They haven't planned it yet but James says they want to do it the weekend between Canada and France. So I can attend." I reply. "Oh that's great." He says with a small smile. "Would you like to come with me?" I question. "I would be honored." Lando replies placing his arm around my shoulders, pulling me into his side as we continue to watch the race replay.

~

"After spending the last few days on the sim and training really hard I feel prepared for this weekend. I'm very excited."

Walking past all the press and into the bustling Spanish paddock. Lando walking next to me. They were nice enough to put our hotel rooms next to each other so we decided to come down to the track together. Lando's hand linked in mine. "Feels great to finally be able to do this in public." Lando says, motioning to our linked hands. "Yeah, it does." I say and smile in return. We stop in the middle of the busy paddock, between our two garages. "I'll see you later. Good luck for Quali later." Lando says, not knowing if we will be able to see each other before then. "Yeah you too." I say and give him a kiss on the cheek before disappearing into the Red Bull garage and preparing for FP3.

After quite a successful final practise I make my way to the Red Bull hospitality room and grab myself a snack and some water before walking back to my driver room. I eat in silence, focusing on the tricky quali and race ahead. I have done quite well this season so far and I really don't want to screw it up.

I take a deep breath before moving the car out onto the track for Q3. After just making it out of Q2 I need to focus on the next couple of laps ahead.

"Hannah box box. We are going to refuel. Confirm." Gareth says through the radio. "Ok copy." I say and move into the pit lane. "What position?" I ask. "Currently P9. Let's push these last two laps and do better." Gareth says which motivates me. After I pass the checkered flag, I feel nervous about my qualifying position. I did my best but I'm worried it wasn't good enough for a top 5 start. "Hannah you are P8. Well done, just means you have to work hard tomorrow. Great work." Gareth says. I'm a little disappointed by my result but I guess you can't do well every weekend.

After a quick shower, I change into my jeans and Red Bull shirt, throwing on my Red Bull jacket before making my way to the debrief from today and for tomorrow.

I walk back to the hotel by myself. It was nice, just me and my thoughts. I make my way to my room and change into my pajamas. I hear the music from the party going on down the road. Lando wanted me to go with but I don't have the energy to go partying right now. A knock on the hotel door gives me a fright. I open the door to find Lando. "Hey baby, what are you doing here? I thought you were partying?" I question. "Well I figured it was more important to spend tonight with my gorgeous girlfriend." He says with a smirk, making me blush as he walks into the hotel room.

He jumps onto the bed and leans against the headboard. "Making yourself at home?" I ask with a small smile, walking to the edge of the bed. "Almost." He says and opens his arms. I smile and crawl over to him and he wraps his arms around me. I lean my head on his shoulder and feel some of my anxiety slink away. I take a deep breath. "Are you ok? Is there anything you want to talk about?" Lando asks. A small smile crosses my face at his concern.

"Yeah. I'm just really nervous. I had a horrible Quali and I have trained my ass off." I say. "Well I hope not. I'm pretty fond of your ass." Lando says cockily, attempting to lighten my moood. I slapped his shoulder and laughed at the same time. "Lan! That's not funny." I say even though I'm still laughing.

After my laughter subsided I leant my head back on his shoulder. "You always know how to cheer me up. That's why I love you." I say holding my breath, waiting for his response. He stiffens a little at my statement but says nothing. "Was that too early? I'm sorry. I'm so stupid." I say, upset and turn out of his grip, shoving my face into the pillow next to me. Completely embarrassed. "I love you too." Lando whispers into my ear which causes goosebumps to cover my body. He lets out a small laugh as he notices. I sit up to face him. "Shut up. You do?" I question. "Of course I do. You are the most amazing girlfriend I have ever had. You make me happy even though we haven't been together for a long time. I love you." He says grabbing my hands in him. "I love you too." I say and he leans in closing the gap between my lips and his.