Chapter 72: The Calm Before the Storm

The sun was barely above the horizon when Henry arrived at the private hangar, the ART team jet standing sleek and imposing against the morning sky. The hum of activity was already in full swing, mechanics, engineers, and staff milling around with luggage, laptops, and a palpable energy that crackled through the air.

Taryn was at his side, her hand slipping into his as they approached the boarding stairs. "You'll do great, you always do," she said softly, her eyes holding his. "And don't forget, I'll be there in three days, screaming loud enough for the entire paddock to hear me."

Henry smiled, the warmth of her presence a steadying force. "That's the part I'm looking forward to."

She leaned in, kissing him softly, her perfume lingering in the cool morning air. "See you soon, champ," she whispered before turning to leave.

Henry stood for a moment, watching her walk back to the car. A nudge on his shoulder snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Lovebirds, huh?" Luca's smirk was in full force, his own girlfriend walking off in the distance after bidding him goodbye. "You're really leaning into this 'romantic lead' vibe, Calder."

"Jealous much?" Henry shot back, grinning.

Luca shrugged. "Nah, I just don't have to write poetry to impress someone. But hey, you do you."

Their banter continued as they boarded the jet, settling into plush seats near the back. The flight crew busied themselves with last-minute checks while the rest of the team found their places.

"Ready for Spain?" Luca asked, reclining his seat far enough to make Henry's tray table wobble.

"As ready as I'll ever be," Henry replied, nudging the table back into place.

"Good," Luca said, flashing a grin. "Because if you don't keep up this weekend, I'm not carrying the team by myself."

The flight landed smoothly at a private airstrip near Barcelona. A fleet of ART-liveried cars waited to whisk the team away to their hotel in the city center.

"First time in Spain?" Luca asked as they slid into the backseat of one of the cars.

"Yeah," Henry admitted, glancing out at the sprawling countryside as the car sped toward the city.

"Well, lucky for you, I'm basically a local," Luca said, smirking. "Stick with me, kid. I'll show you the ropes."

Their hotel was a masterpiece of modern architecture, towering above the bustling streets of Barcelona. After dropping their bags in their respective rooms, Luca appeared at Henry's door, knocking impatiently.

"Come on," he said. "Let's see the city."

The afternoon was a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and Luca's endless commentary.

They wandered down La Rambla, weaving through crowds of tourists and locals. Luca insisted on stopping at a small tapas bar, ordering a spread of dishes that Henry couldn't pronounce but eagerly devoured.

"So, what do you think?" Luca asked, popping an olive into his mouth.

"About the food?"

"About everything," Luca said, gesturing broadly. "The city, the vibe, the… culture."

Henry grinned. "It's incredible. A little overwhelming, but incredible."

Luca raised his glass. "Get used to it, Calder. This is your life now, fast cars, world-class cities, and slightly annoying teammates."

Henry laughed, clinking his glass against Luca's. "Could be worse."

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya was alive with activity when the ART team arrived early Thursday morning. Trucks unloaded equipment, staff buzzed around the paddock, and the smell of fresh tires and race fuel filled the air.

Henry and Luca spent the day working with Laurent, their race engineer, fine-tuning strategies for the upcoming weekend. The Spanish Grand Prix was notorious for its demanding corners and high temperatures, and the team decided to focus on a one-pit-stop strategy.

"Pit stops are going to make or break this race," Laurent said, his tone sharp but his dry humor shining through. "So try not to mess it up, boys. I know it's asking a lot."

"Don't worry," Luca replied over the team radio. "I'll keep it perfect. Can't say the same for my rookie teammate here."

"Funny," Henry shot back, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Laurent chimed in, his voice deadpan. "I'll start drafting the apology emails now, just in case."

The lighthearted banter helped ease the pressure, but the day's work was grueling. By the time they left the track, Henry felt every ounce of energy drained from his body.

Back at the hotel, Luca was already planning his evening. "Come on," he said, leaning against Henry's doorframe. "Let's hit the town. You can't just sit here like an old man."

Henry shook his head. "I'm good. You go."

Luca threw up his hands. "Fine, Grandpa. Enjoy your knitting circle."

"I'll save you a scarf," Henry called after him as the door closed.

With the hotel room to himself, Henry settled into bed, dialing Taryn.

"How's Barcelona?" she asked, her voice warm through the receiver.

"Hot," Henry replied. "Crowded. Amazing."

Taryn laughed. "Sounds like you're loving it."

"Yeah," he admitted. "But it'll be better when you're here."

They talked about the weekend ahead, Taryn teasing him about how loudly she planned to cheer during the race. The sound of her laughter settled something in Henry, grounding him after a long day.

After hanging up, he decided to call his parents. His dad picked up, his voice tinged with the exhaustion of long flights but brimming with pride.

"Your mom and I are so proud of you, son," he said.

"Thanks, Dad. It means a lot."

His mom's voice joined in the background. "Don't overthink it, Henry. Just do what you do best."

He smiled, wishing he could tell Emily goodnight, but knowing she was off having fun with her friends was enough.

As the city lights twinkled outside his window, Henry lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. The excitement and anticipation of the weekend buzzed in his chest. The Spanish Grand Prix was only days away, and the calm of these moments wouldn't last.

Closing his eyes, he pictured the track, the sweeping turns, the roar of engines, the feeling of the car beneath him. A small smile crept across his face.

This was what he lived for. And he was ready.