Secrets and Struggles

21

*** I know this was a sprint weekend but I am not including it in this chapter ***

Being in the paddock and watching qualifying was incredible. The buzz around the place was infectious. Caitlyn could definitely see why people loved this sport. Lando had invited her to watch free practice 3 from his garage that morning. She loved watching him doing his thing, the passion written all over his face but she felt uncomfortable with the attention she was getting from the mechanics and other team members. As Lando climbed out the car, he could see something was wrong and after Caitlyn explained, he had suggested she could watch qualifying from the Paddock Club. She was much more comfortable there and thankfully nobody paid her any attention. 

Lando qualified in 4th which was great and he was delighted. They spent that evening in the room eating and watching Netflix. Things seemed to be back to how they were in the chalet and Caitlyn was comfortably lying on his chest as they fell asleep. She woke a few times during the night because Lando was really restless. 

C-  Morning. Did you sleep okay?

L- Morning. Not really, I was pretty restless. I hope I didn't wake you too many times. 

C- It's fine, don't worry. Are you okay though? I've not noticed you being that restless before

L- Just nerves for today I think. I'm always like that the night before a race

C- Oh now you tell me!! I could have slept better on the bathroom floor. 

Caitlyn nudged him trying to lighten the mood. She could see he was stressed about the upcoming race. She didn't fully understand his world but she could imagine there must be a lot of pressure on his shoulders to perform. 

C- You will be great today, don't worry. And I will be there watching you so don't mess it up!

L- Oh that worked wonders for my stress levels, thanks Caitlyn

But it actually did help him slightly, and she could see him visibly relax. They made their way to the track together but Caitlyn walked in before he got out of the car so she wouldn't be seen. She waited for him in his drivers room whilst he did the pre race parade and warm up with his trainer. Eventually the door opened and Caitlyn smiled to the green eyed man in front of her. He looked unbelievable in his fireproofs with his race suit tied round his waist. He lay on the couch for a while, both of them sitting comfortably in the silence before he got the knock. It was time to get in the car. Caitlyn hugged him and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. She wasn't sure where the confidence came from but she knew he needed it in that moment. Lando quickly hugged her again and left with a massive smile on his face.

As she heard the commentators announce "lights out and away we go!" Caitlyn watched the screens. Lando had a good start and held his position. Great, now only 71 laps to go. Just as he pulled back on to the track after a pit stop to change tyres, Caitlyn's phone started ringing.

M- Caitlyn. I'm at your house, something has happened. You need to come home.

After the first words, everything became blurred and she started moving on autopilot. She grabbed all of her things that were spread around Lando's drivers room and threw them into her bag. She ran through the paddock and jumped into the first taxi she could find. Michelle had already checked and she could get on a flight in 2 hours time. The driver had the race on the radio and as she climbed out at the airport, she heard Lando's name mentioned but she couldn't understand anything else that was said. It was then that she remembered, her suitcase was in the hotel and she had left the track without saying anything to anyone. She checked in for the flight and made her way through security before finding a seat and finally letting herself breathe for the first time. She could see on a nearby screen that the race had finished and Lando had finished in 4th, his best of the season. Before heading to her gate she sent him a message then turned her phone off. She just wanted to get home. 

Caitlyn- I am so sorry but I had to leave. Something has happened at home. I am just about to board a flight. Can you please pack my suitcase and I will arrange for it to be sent home by courier or something. I am so so sorry Lando

Caitlyn- Congrats on P4 🧡