Just Another Message Lost in Your Inbox {LN4 FanFiction}

16

L's POV

My phone rings as we're heading back to the track in Las Vegas. It's Zak. I answer, bracing myself for what's to come.

"Hey Lando. Are you guys on your way back yet? People are getting a bit edgy," Zak says, his voice sounding tense.

"Hi Zak. Yeah, we're just about to pull up to the track," I reply, trying to keep things casual.

"Great, see you now," he says, and the line clicks off.

Oscar and I make our way to the meeting room where Zak and our PR lady, Charlotte, are already waiting. Oscar leans over to me, a worried look on his face. "This cannot be good."

Charlotte clears her throat as we walk in. "Please, sit down, guys."

I can feel the weight of the room settle around us as I take a seat. Charlotte looks at me, stern as ever. "Lando, you can't just fly away for two days because of a girl. This is unacceptable. This behavior cannot be tolerated." She shoots me a hard look.

The way she's looking at me, it's clear she's not impressed.

"Sorry, Lando, I had to," Zak says, his voice apologetic but also firm.

Charlotte continues, her tone sharp. "If this gets out in the media, it'll be a PR nightmare. And worst of all, you dragged Oscar into this mess."

Oscar looks over at me, his lips curling into a grin. He mouths "Worth it" and gives me a subtle thumbs-up. I can't help but chuckle, even though the situation is tense.

"I hope you were careful and didn't get spotted in public while gallivanting around NYC. Please tell me you didn't..." Charlotte trails off, eyes narrowed.

Before I can let her continue, I cut her off. "I know the drill. Yes, we were careful." I give her a pointed look, hoping she'll drop it.

Charlotte rolls her eyes and sighs. "Oh, and Lando, you cannot give private passes to random people. I'm revoking those passes. They'll be given grandstand tickets instead, and you can catch up with them after the race."

"No, wait," I start to protest.

"Lando, this is final and not up for discussion," Charlotte interrupts, her voice icy as she turns on her heel and walks out of the room.

I watch her leave, a mixture of frustration and anger settling in. I turn to look at Zak. 

I take a deep breath, then ask Zak, "Is there anything you can do to get the girls in here?"

Zak looks at me for a moment, then nods. "Let me make a quick phone call."

My phone pings. It's Skye.

He steps away for a minute, speaking quietly into his phone. When he returns, he gives me a reassuring nod. I pull out my phone and text Skye back quickly, hoping this will all work out.

Zak walks over to me. "I'm sorry, Lando. Charlotte was insisting on knowing where you were. I couldn't cover for you anymore."

"That's okay. I appreciate you handling this," I say, relieved. "And I'm sorry to put this pressure on you."

Before Zak turns to walk away, I call out. "Zak?"

He turns back, looking at me expectantly.

"Yeah?"

"Is that marketing position still open in social media with the team?" I ask

Zak raises an eyebrow, a look of suspicion crossing his face. "Yes, as far as I know, it hasn't been filled yet. Why?"

"Can you check with the team to hold it? I might have a potential candidate," I say

Zak gives me a curious look but nods. "I'll check with them." Then, with a slight smile, he adds, "But you're not trying to sneak someone onto the team, are you?"

I laugh. "No, nothing like that. I'll explain later."

With that, he walks off, and I turn my attention back to the track.

I look over towards the entrance, and there they are—Skye and Cadey approaching. My heart lifts as I run over to meet them, and I wrap Skye in the biggest bear hug. "You made it," I say, my voice full of relief and happiness.

"Come on, ladies," I continue, smiling, "Let's go inside and meet the rest of the team."

We walk into the garage, and I make the announcement, trying to keep things upbeat despite the stress of the day. "Everyone, this is Skye and Cadey. They're our special guests for the day. Please make them feel welcome."

The team looks up from their work, some with curious smiles, others with nods of acknowledgment. It's a mix of reactions, but it's all positive, and that's all that matters right now.

"Skye!" A voice calls from behind the wall, and I turn to see Oscar running toward us, a huge grin on his face. He gives both Skye and Cadey a double hug. "So happy you could make it! I hope there weren't too many hassles getting in."

I nudge Oscar in the ribs playfully, and I can't help but notice the eyebrow Skye raises at his comment.

"I'll tell you later," I whisper to her, feeling a sense of relief that they're here.

"We have to go now and get ready for the race. There is a room around the back where you can watch the race with Zak and the team. Oh, and here. Put these on."

I give them each a Mclaren team shirt and a cap.

"Cheer for us." I say and walk with Oscar to go get ready.