🤔

A shrill ringing sound rang out, jolting me from my sleep. I sat up immediately and frantically searched for my phone.

"Hello?"

"Dakota?"

"Hi, mom. Is everything okay?" I asked, immediately picking up on her worried tone.

"Is Elliot with you?"

"What? Why would Elliot be with me?"

"I thought he would be at the track with you."

"Wha- mom, why would he be at the track?"

A long moment of silence stretched on before she spoke up.

"He told us you invited him to Russia... as a celebration for your new job."

"What the hell? I never did that, he's busy with college. He has final exams next week."

"Dakota, he left nearly three days ago! Where is he?"

"Mom! Please tell me you're joking. Why didn't you say anything until now? He's been gone for three days?!"

"He sent us a photo of the track so I thought he was with you. Oh my God," she stressed and I could picture my mother pacing in our living room.

"Ok, ok, let's not panic. I'll try calling him."

"I already did! That's why I called you because he hasn't answered my calls since yesterday."

"I'll try, maybe he'll pick up. My flight leaves..." I trailed off, looking to the clock. "In an hour. I'll be in Woking in 6 hours. I'll try and get the earliest flight back home."

"Okay, let me know if anything happens. Check his social media and everything, please."

"Of course. Don't stress too much, it's bad for you- same for dad."

"We'll try. I love you."

"I love you too," I mumbled, listening to the dial tone beep.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair.

The hotel room was empty, but I could hear voices from hallway. The sound of suitcases rolling and doors shutting indicated that McLaren team was packing up and heading out.

Alessandro's hoodie was warm and cozy and I was too lazy to change out of my clothes. At the same time, I couldn't risk being seen coming out of his room- in his clothes.

"Fuck, where did this man go?" I muttered to myself.

Right on cue, the lock clicked and the door swung open.

Alessandro walked in, back in his team attire that had been identical to my outfit until...

"Shit, sorry I had to leave. Zak wanted me to give Ivan feedback on the car," he immediately apologized.

"It's fine, I understand. Plus angry Ivan is no good," I replied, trying to add in a little joke.

Alessandro must've picked up on my drop in mood because he came over to me and gently grabbed my hand. It surprised me as I was so focused on trying to figure out what to do about my brother, I didn't notice him come closer.

"I'm really sorry, I shouldn't have lef-"

"No, no it's okay. I can't keep you from your work," I replied, my cheeks burning. "Plus I sort of knocked out."

"You had an eventful day," he smirked, wiggling his brows. He leaned down, his lips brushing against my ear as he whispered.

"All thanks to me."

His lips planted a swift kiss on my cheek before he brushed past me to pack his things.

"We're leaving in 15 minutes," he informed, laying his suitcase on its side.

"Is there anyone outside?" I asked hesitantly.

He gave me a confused look, making me I gesture at my attire. Alessandro gave me a mischievous smirk before crossing the room to peek out the door.

"Coast is clear."

I hurried to the door to get out of his room and safely into mine. Just as I was about to slip past him, his arm wrapped around my waist.

My heart skipped a beat as I glared up at him playfully.

"Excuse me, what do you think you're doing?"

"Telling you how good you look in my hoodie," he replied.

I blushed, looking away from him. He hissed and let go of me when I pinched his side, letting me run off towards my room.

"Take that sucker!"

I grinned as I heard his laughter echo through the hallway making me momentarily forget about the dark cloud looming over my head.

------------------------------------------

I couldn't sit still.

My knee bounced up and down anxiously. My hands were clammy and I was scared to even touch the food tray in fear of leaving sweaty hand prints on it.

Alessandro was asleep, his head resting on the wall of the plane's cabin. He sat in the row across from me, Lando in the aisle seat in the same row.

He was busy playing WarZone on his portable gaming set up. He noticed me glancing in their direction and moved one of his headphones off his ear.

"You good? You look like one of those drug addicts on the side of the street."

"Thanks," I rolled my eyes, forcing my leg to stop shaking.

"It's what I do best," Lando grinned, taking a sip of his orange juice.

"I have another plane to catch after this and I'm praying I make it to the gate in time."

"Oh, are you heading home?"

I nodded, my foot starting to tap as I thought of what awaited me back in Hawaii.

My brother hadn't replied to a single one of my texts. My calls were going straight to voicemail meaning his phone was either dead, or turned off.

His social media was useless considering he only posted photos once in a blue moon. However I had noticed none of my photos from the past 3 days had been liked by him.

I had managed to book a flight to Hawai'i exactly 30 minutes after our plane touched down. It was barely enough time to get to the gate on the opposite side of the terminal, but I was hoping I could make it.

It was early morning when we landed back in Woking.

The lights at the airport were still on as the sun rose slowly to reveal a gloomy sky.

"What's the rush?" Zak asked as I hurried to get off the plane.

"I have a connecting flight to catch."

"You're going home?" Alessandro interrupted, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

I nodded quickly, pulling the handle up from my suitcase.

"Family emergency," I replied, speed walking through the tunnel.

"Is everything alright?" he asked, a worried look on his face.

"Hm? Yeah, I think it's just a false alarm- but better to be safe than sorry. I'm just a little unsettled."

"Okay, text me?" he asked, giving my hand a squeeze.

I nodded, stopping for a moment. I threw my arms around him, giving him a hug.

"Congrats on your win," I whispered, quickly letting go.

I didn't wait around to see anyones surprised expressions.

I waved, shouting a goodbye over my shoulder before taking off towards Gate 20A where my flight to Hawai'i was now boarding.