Chasing Home | Lando Norris

Chapter 11: Another Crossroad Awaits

As the F1 summer break neared its end, Camille found herself at a crossroads of emotions. The respite offered her a chance to process the whirlwind revelations about her past, yet it left her grappling with the burden of newfound knowledge. There was a tension in the air, a silent struggle between the desire to divulge her discoveries and the hesitancy to disrupt the status quo. The trip to Monaco stood as a pivotal moment. Seeing Charles again had been strange, though they had never been incredibly close. Camille would cross paths with him at races, engaging in friendly conversations or chance encounters in the paddock. Yet, this time, the backdrop of her newfound knowledge cast an intriguing shadow over their casual exchanges. Observing Charles from a slight distance brought about a mix of emotions.

On one hand, the revelation of their connection spurred a budding curiosity within her, prompting a desire to unravel the truth and explore the possibility of a sibling bond. There was an unspoken wonderment about shared memories and the potential for a connection. However, on the other hand, a sense of cautious reserve prevailed. Despite these inklings of kinship, she found herself being more of an observer than an active participant. Their conversations felt casual, albeit a tinge distant, as she grappled with the delicate balance of acknowledging their shared past without disrupting the present dynamic. The newfound revelation added a layer of complexity to their interactions, leaving Camille in a contemplative state, unsure about how best to approach this uncharted territory.

But, the F1 world operated by its own relentless rhythm, impervious to the intricacies of personal dilemmas. As the season's summer break came to an end, the bustling energy of the paddock returned, igniting the spirit of competition and anticipation that defined Formula 1. The Dutch Grand Prix, a cacophony of vibrant colours, throngs of excited fans, and the unmistakable roar of engines, greeted Camille upon her return to the frenzied world of Alpine. Amongst the buzz and anticipation, she found solace in the familiar confines of the Alpine kitchen— a sanctuary of organized chaos where her culinary expertise was second nature. The clatter of utensils, the aromatic symphony of spices, and the orchestrated ballet of chefs preparing gourmet delights were her reassurances amidst the whirlwind of the race weekend. Determined and focused, Camille immersed herself in the culinary rigmarole, engaging in her routine tasks with precision and ease. The routine acted as a shield against the turbulent thoughts that lingered beneath the surface—a semblance of normalcy amidst the extraordinary world of F1.

The clamour of the kitchen was momentarily interrupted by the jingle of Camille's phone. Amidst the clatter of pots and pans, she excused herself, swiftly exiting the bustling kitchen, finding a moment's respite behind the hospitality.

"Hello?"

A wave of excitement washed over her as the details of a job offer poured through the phone line. It was an up-and-coming modern dining establishment nestled in the heart of London, boasting a unique six-course tasting menu that artfully intertwined themed concepts with culinary finesse. They'd heard of Camille through her former school and were impressed by her culinary journey, extending an inviting hand to join their team as a chef, with potential prospects to curate her own menu in the future.

"Take your time, Camille. We understand it's a big decision. But we hope to see you donning our chef's uniform soon. Your talent would be a great addition to our team," the voice on the other end, warm and encouraging, spoke with a comforting assurance.

Camille nodded along, gratitude swelling in her chest. "Thank you so much. I'll definitely get back to you soon," she replied, her words infused with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

As she hung up, a whirlwind of emotions enveloped her. The invitation felt like a validation of her skills and a promising new chapter in her culinary journey. But it also meant bidding farewell to Alpine, a thought that tugged at her heartstrings. Yet, in that moment, joy took over her being, her eyes lighting up with an incandescent gleam. It was an amazing offer and opportunity for her, and she knew she had to take it all in while she could. Camille couldn't contain the surge of joy and she broke out into a mini celebratory dance ensued, an impromptu expression of her excitement. Pierre, walking back from his media duties, arrived just in time to catch her mid-twirl.

"What are you so happy about?" he asked, a curious glint in his eyes.

Camille's grin remained infectious, but she hesitated before responding. Desperate to share her elation yet cautious about revealing too much, she linked arms with Pierre, steering the conversation away.

"Oh, nothing much," she chimed, light-heartedness lacing her tone. "But what does my favourite driver fancy eating? I'll whip up anything you desire." Pierre couldn't help but chuckle at her chirpy mood, mirroring her smile.

The day wound down, the Dutch Grand Prix fading into the background. Pierre and Camille retreated to her hotel room, the ambiance cosy and familiar. They settled in, opting for takeout and a movie, a moment to unwind momentarily before the big race day tomorrow. As the movie played, Camille excused herself to use the bathroom, leaving Pierre briefly engrossed in the unfolding plot. Her phone chimed with a new notification and Pierre, idly glancing over to the lit screen, noticed the email with an intriguing subject line, 'Gastro Manor: Job Details and Contract'.

Camille returned, noticing the seriousness etched on Pierre's face. "Everything okay?" she asked, concern and curiosity colouring her voice.

Pierre hesitated, debating whether to broach the topic again, "So, what were you so thrilled about earlier?"

Camille tried to brush it off again, but Pierre persisted. "Is it something to do with Gastro Manor?" he pressed, his tone edged with frustration.

Caught off guard, Camille paused. "I—Pierre, it's not something I—"

"You got a new a job offer?" he interjected, his voice tinged with surprise and a hint of disappointment. "You were going to leave Alpine?"

She stammered again, trying to explain, but he seemed to retreat into his thoughts.

"I should get some rest," he murmured, abruptly excusing himself and leaving Camille with a heavy sense of unease hanging in the air.