Something Gained

Chapter Four

Qualifying. This is where you go hard or go home. I got ready in my uniform and picked my bag, my ID and my keys and walked out my door. I knocked on Daniels door, and walked next door to Lando's room and knocked on his door and then stood opposite both opening up my work emails and scrolling through and checking in with the world. I looked up and saw two beaming faces standing over me, I literally jumped
"Morning" Lando said. They both were giggling already.
"It's 7:45am and you're already winding me up" I said walking down the hallway with the boys in tow. "Zak wants to brief before the second practice at 8:15am" I told them.

We arrived at the track, went through security and walked through the paddock to our trailer. The boys signing things and taking pictures with the fans that were in the paddock as we walked. After the briefing with Zak the boys got their race gear on, and we went to do a few bits with some fans before hitting them he garage.
"Alex, my buddy my pal" Daniel walked in step with me towards the chill room
"I thought you didn't like buddy" I asked
"I don't, when I'm being called it, anyway what you doing later?" He asked
"As in after we leave the track or" I asked
"Yeah when we're finished for the day, fancy a walk?" He asked, Lando caught up with us and entered the room
"Sure why not" I said shrugging. I mean it wasn't abnormal for Lando and I to hang out, we were great friends so I guess I see the same happening with Daniel.
I sat them down on the sofa as they were doing some bits for fans and things. They had certain opportunities and commitments to complete during race weeks but last year when I had Lando and Carlos doing these things I was always laughing and I knew Daniel was a character, everyone had told me that as well so I knew it would be a laugh.

Daniel

I just had to know her, I knew I would be working with her but I wanted to know her more. There was something about her. Alex.

Alex

I walked into the garage after the boys and saw them getting suited up ready for qualifying. Lando came over, I patted him on the back.
"Good luck, you got this" I said to him, he nodded and stepped into the car, I went into Daniels side and he was getting into the car as well, he gave me a thumbs up and I sat down next to Michael watching the screens ready for qualifying.

"Daniel that's p6, that's p6 well done mate. Lando in p7 right behind you. Well done" I heard through the radio. Good result from the three qualifying sessions. The boys looked good in the cars and that's what we want. Team McLaren.

Daniel walked in with his helmet in his hand and gave Michael a high five. I jumped up from my chair
"No high-five" he turned to me
"You can have what you like as long as you stop trying to hug me" I laughed holding my fist up, his fist connected with mine "well done though, get you guys ready for the press" I said as I walked out into Lando's garage. He was watching some replays from qualifying, I tapped him on the shoulder.
"Right that's fine, car felt okay could be better but we'll push tomorrow, tomorrow is the points" he said to his engineer and faced me.
"Ready?" I asked, and he nodded and the three of us walked out the garage and to the paddock.

I was back in my hotel room just watching my tv while laying in bed when there was a knock at the door.
"Come in" I shouted, I was far too comfortable to be moving. Daniel came walking in and stood at the foot of bed, he was wearing shorts and a white T shirt and a hat and wow. No stop Alex don't be stupid. What is this boy doing to me.
"So you're laying in bed, I thought we were going for a walk?" He asked flopping down next to me on his stomach.
"Erm yeah, about that. I'm tired" I moaned, I looked at him and he looked sad
"Oh okay, that's fine I'll just go" he said shifting around
"No I don't mean it like that, I'm just knackered. But come on" I said sighing and throwing the duvet off. "It's a tough job sorting you two out you know" as I stood up
"You never sort me out" he mumbled
"What?"
"What?" I looked at him and he just chuckled.
"Are we going then?" He asked walking towards the door. I nodded grabbing my sunglasses and my bag and following him out the door.