I pulled free, straightening my shoulders as I tsked.“Even Ollie has some professional standards.”
“Does he?”Andy’s voice followed me to the door.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Henri
I settled into the seat beside Georgia, scanning the podcast studio with mild interest rather than the anxiety I might have felt months ago.The set looked upgraded since I was last here: better lighting, a sleeker couch, and bookshelves.
“Glad you decided to come,” Georgia said quietly, adjusting the bag in her lap.“I know you probably have better things to do the day before a race weekend.”
“Supporting Lily is exactly where I need to be.”I meant it entirely.
Ever since that muddy afternoon in the Beetle, we’d been texting constantly.Photos of Archie doing something ridiculous at three in the morning.Her sending screenshots of terrible reality TV moments with commentary that made me laugh until my ribs hurt.Me sharing terrible French memes that somehow translated perfectly into her sense of humor.
We snuck in calls between training sessions, during the quiet moments most people spent alone.It felt just as natural and easy as breathing.We both skirted around the conversation we should actually have, but I was fine with that.During summer break, we could revisit the conversation, but Lily’s focus needed to be on Silverstone now.Nothing else mattered.If I couldn’t have my home race, then I at least wanted to make sure she had an opportunity to win hers.
I glanced toward where Lily would be sitting, reassuring myself with the knowledge that this was just fan questions.Nothing Ollie could weaponize.Nothing that would put her in a position to defend herself or me or whatever this thing between us was becoming.
The stage door opened, and Ollie emerged with his usual energy, clipboard in hand.He was halfway through saying something to a production assistant when he spotted me.
He stopped mid-sentence, genuine surprise flickering across his features before he caught himself.“Henri.”My name came out slightly strangled.“I didn’t… I wasn’t expecting you.”
“The studio invited several of the F1 drivers.Figured I’d pop along with Georgia and support Lily.”I kept my tone pleasant, neutral.
“Of course, of course.”He recovered quickly, but I could see the wheels turning behind his eyes, recalculating whatever plan he’d had.He started to move toward us, probably to engage in some awkward small talk, but the studio door opened again.
Éliott walked in first, then Sebastian and Luca, all in casual clothes.Within minutes, eight more F1 drivers had filled the front-row seats I’d reserved.
“Mate!”Éliott waved, exchanging quick greetings with Ollie, whose smile had gone tight.
“Quite the turnout,” Ollie managed.
The energy in the room shifted noticeably.What had probably been intended as his controlled environment now felt decidedly less controlled.
Georgia murmured beside me, “What is everyone doing here?”
Éliott chuckled next to Georgia.“Just thought we’d come and support, Lil, that’s all.”
“Henri.”Sebastian leaned over.“How’re you feeling about Silverstone?”
“Good.Ready.”I glanced toward the stage door, where Lily would emerge from shortly.“Should be interesting.”
“That’s one word for it.”Luca grinned.“You should’ve seen Lil on the simulator this week.She was lightning at the office.”
The overhead lights dimmed slightly, and a production assistant called for everyone to take their seats.The casual energy condensed into focused attention as we waited for Lily to appear.
Ollie recovered his composure, settling into his chair across from the empty couch with his notecards arranged just so.But I caught him glancing toward our group with wariness.
Good.Let him be off-balance for once.
The stage door swung open, and Lily emerged wearing dark jeans and a woven Rennen sweater.She spotted our group immediately, surprise and relief flickering across her face.Ollie guided her to the couch with his hand on her lower back, the touch lingering just long enough to be noticed.
“Ready?”he asked, throwing her a wink.
She nodded, crossing one leg over the other with perfect composure.The red recording light blinked on.
“Welcome toHome Stretch,” Ollie began, his voice dropping into that smooth cadence he used for his podcast intro.“Today we have someone very special, our very own Silverstone star, Lily Blackwood!”
