Burning Desire

~Chapter Seven~

Lando's POV

"How are they going?" I asked Charlotte as I sat down to watch the end of the qualifying. 

"Daniel's currently sitting in P7, Isabelle in P13" she informed me.

"She won't be happy if she finishes there" I said, placing the crutches beside me on the ground.

"No she won't, but you know her, she'll come back stronger in the race tomorrow" Charlotte smiled. "What about you Lando?"

"What about me?" I questioned.

"How are you doing? You know, not being able to race and everything?"

All I'd been asked about the past week and a bit is how I'm feeling and how I feel about not racing. It was getting a little repetitive. 

I sighed. "It's ok, I'm just excited to be back out there in a few weeks time"

"You'll come back stronger than ever" she replied, rubbing my back in a way to try and comfort me.

"I sure hope so" I smiled weakly.

Daniel's side of the garage erupted into cheers. "Great quali Daniel, starting P6 tomorrow" his race engineer said.

"I'll be back" I said to Charlotte, grabbing my crutches and standing up. I slowly made my way over to Will and the rest of my team. "How'd she do?" I questioned when I got over there.

"Pretty impressive. She was in P13 with 3 laps left and finished in P10" Will informed me, taking his headset off.

I nodded. "Is she happy with that?"

"Not as happy as last week, but she's definitely happier with P10 than P13" he shrugged. The team was giving each other high fives, congratulating themselves on their effort for the day. "It's different with you not being the one in the car"

"It's different seeing someone else out there in the McLaren car" I chuckled. "Can't wait to get back out there though"

Will patted my back and I started walking away when I heard my name being called, I turned around and saw Zak.

"Were you actually caring about Isabelle's race standings?" he questioned with a smug look on his face.

"Don't give me that look" I replied. "I just wanted to make sure that she wasn't doing better than me, that's all"

"Right, sure" he laughed slightly. "Anyway, can you debrief with Isabelle and help her with a race plan for tomorrow? You're really good with races and you know those people out there better than her"

"Are you just making me do this so you don't feel bad for me? Making me do something so I don't feel useless?" I questioned.

"See it how you want" he shrugged. "But I think it'll really benefit both of you. You need some involvement in these races or it'll tear you apar"

He's got a point. "Where do you want her to meet me?"

"Grab yourself something to eat, I'll send her out to the hospitality area when she's ready"