It's never too late│Fernando Alonso
pairing: fernando alonso x pr manager!ofc
A/N: I'm reupdating this as well as a one-shot, it was firstly based on a request from @valeelavvale, love you!
January 2025, Silverstone
Fernando didn't like to have too many people around, which was somewhat ironic for an F1 driver of his level. When his PR manager retired, he didn't bother searching for another one and let the team choose it for him. So here he was, at the first meeting of the year, waiting on his mysterious new manager.
"How long is this going to take?" Fernando huffed, leaning back in his chair as Lawrence Stroll's eyes were locked on the door of the meeting room.
"I'm sorry, Fernando, there must have been some kind of problem." Lawrence tried to reassure him.
"I can't wait all day, are they even going to show up—"
The door opened. A woman was standing there, long, brown hair and dressed as good as a model.
Lawrence stood up, walking over to her and shaking her hand.
"Fernando, this is your new PR manager, Ms Gomez."
Fernando had to pinch himself mentally to stop staring. Never in his oh so eventful life had he ever seen a woman so stunning.
"You can call me Laura." She flashed him a smile and held out her hand, which Fernando shook promptly.
"Nice to meet you, Laura. I'm looking forward to working with you." For once in his life, he was saying that sincerely.
February 2025, pre-season testing in Bahrain
The sun shone bright and early on the Bahrain track. Fernando had given himself some time to get to know Laura and now, after just a month, they worked pretty well together. As they walked through the paddock, towards the Aston Martin garage, he let his eyes linger on her. She moved so effortlessly along the pit lane, waving at everyone and flashing pearly white smiles.
"Pa, dad!" A voice from beside him snapped him back to reality. It was Olivia, his 18-year old daughter.
"Yes, sorry, nena. What is it?"
Olivia rolled her eyes, she had been talking for ten minutes and all her dad could think about was his new PR manager. Over the past weeks he had only talked about her, how precise she was, how he always brought her coffee.
"It wasn't important, don't worry." She shook her head.
Olivia loved her dad, she really did. For many years he had been everything she had. Her mum had left when she was little and she had grown up with her grandparents when Fernando had to travel. For some reason, she was always reluctant to meet any woman that walked into her dad's life.
Laura, however, was different. She wasn't her dad's girlfriend, Olivia knew that would have been messy, but she had always been kind, almost treating her as a daughter.
"Nando, you've got an interview in a few minutes." Laura said, opening slightly the door to his driver's room, only to find out he was in a phone call. "Sorry," she mouthed sheepishly.
Fernando waved at her, silently telling her not to worry. Laura closed the door and found Olivia standing behind her.
"Oh, hi," the woman smiled softly.
"Yeah, I think it's something important." She said in a hushed tone.
"It must be my mother, she usually calls just to remind him how stupid it is to bring me here." Olivia rolled her eyes, heading to the hospitality with Laura.
"She doesn't like it?" Laura frowned.
"Worse, she doesn't like me. She divorced dad when I was little and never really came back." She shrugged.
"I'm sorry about that, Olivia." Laura said softly. Now that she looked at her, she looked a lot like her father.
"Please, just call me Liv, I don't like it when people use my full name. It makes them sound angry at me." Olivia scoffed, sitting down at an empty table.
If there was one thing that Laura had learned about this girl, it was that she had a very sharp humour, always trying to shield herself with some sarcasm.
"Do you have any kids?" Olivia asked as they waited in the parking lot of the track. Fernando was finishing up some briefings and had asked them to wait near his car.
"I don't, I've only focused on my job so far." Laura answered. "And also, I don't think I'd be that great with kids anyway."
"Well, you're better than my mother." Olivia shrugged, then realised she shouldn't have said that. She was just her dad's friend after all. "Sorry, that was… unnecessary."
"No, it's fine. I'm glad I can make you feel at ease with me." She smiled softly, then she spotted Fernando making his way towards them.
"Finally, I thought you had gotten lost." Olivia teased him, making him ruffle her hair.
"I was having a chat with that new kid, Kimi, he's really impressive."
Olivia was sitting in the backseat and Fernando saw her getting flustered at the mere mention of the boy's name.
"Liv, everything okay?" He smiled softly, looking at her through the rearview mirror.
"Yeah, it's nothing, pa."
Laura shot a glance at Fernando, a knowing smirk on her face. Oh, how much would she pay to experience teenage love again…
Some time had gone by, weeks had turned into months and before they knew it they were spending every second together. Fernando found himself looking forward to each and every one meeting or briefing he had, as long as he knew Laura would be there as well.
One night, after the Bahrain race and a meeting that had ended rather late, he had driven her back to their hotel and she had fallen asleep in the car. When he turned off the engine, he took some time to look at her. They were both adults yet he found himself caring for her almost in the same way he cared for his daughter. That unconditional love that makes you give your jacket to someone if they are cold, that kind of love that makes you check up on them constantly.
But Nando couldn't feel that way. She was his manager and he was basically at the end of his career, why would she want to stick around? He had nothing more to give. Yet he wanted to give it all for her.
After the Saudi Arabian GP he had somehow convinced her to spend some time in Monaco with him. Sure, Olivia would have been there as well, but he had the feeling that his daughter would be spending more time with her new love interest, Kimi.
Nando glanced at the perfectly set table, the flickering candlelight dancing across the crystal wine glasses, and then back at the risotto, its creamy perfection a testament to his surprisingly adept culinary skills.
He was waiting for Laura.
Laura Gomez, his manager, his confidante, the woman who had occupied his thoughts for far too long. Months, really. Months of stolen glances across the paddock, of lingering touches during contract negotiations, of late-night phone calls that drifted far beyond the purpose of racing strategy. Months of a silent, unspoken tension that crackled between them like static electricity.
He'd finally invited her. A simple dinner, he’d said, a chance to relax away from the pressure of Formula 1. But beneath the casual invitation lay a desperate yearning to finally bridge the gap that had separated them.
The doorbell rang, he took a deep breath, smoothed down his shirt, and opened the door.
Laura stood there, the Monaco breeze catching her dark hair, making it dance around her face like a halo. She wore a simple black dress that accentuated her curves.
"Fernando," she said, her voice a soft melody. "Thank you for inviting me."
He swallowed, the carefully rehearsed greeting dissolving in his throat. "Laura," he managed, stepping aside. "Come in."
The evening unfolded with a delicate grace. The risotto was, thankfully, a success. They talked about the upcoming season, the relentless pressure to perform and other work-related things. But beneath the professional conversation, the unspoken desire simmered. Their eyes met across the table, held for a beat too long, and then darted away. A brush of hands as they reached for the same bottle of wine sent a jolt through him.
As the evening progressed, the conversation loosened, the laughter flowed more easily. They shared stories from their childhoods, revealing vulnerabilities they usually kept hidden. He learned about her dreams, her fears, the sacrifices she had made to get where she was.
Finally, the dinner plates were cleared, and the remnants of the wine sat in the bottom of their glasses.
"Let me help you with the dishes," Laura offered, rising from her chair.
"No, no, you relax," Fernando insisted. "I've got it."
But she was already moving towards the sink, her presence filling the small space. He followed her, suddenly needing to be close to her. As he began rinsing the plates, she started drying them, their hands brushing occasionally, sending sparks up his arm.
The comfortable silence stretched, filled only with the clinking of dishes and the soft hum of the refrigerator. Then, he couldn't resist any longer. He turned towards her, and noticed she was already looking at him. It was then or never.
"Laura, I…" he whispered, his voice rough with emotion.
Her eyes, wide and luminous, met his again. He leaned closer, the scent of her perfume filling his senses.
She didn't pull away. Instead, she leaned even closer, setting the tea towel on the counter.
His lips brushed against hers, a tentative, hesitant touch that sent a wave of heat through him. She responded, her lips parting slightly, inviting him closer. He deepened the kiss, his hand moving to the back of her neck, pulling her closer and closer.
They kissed for a long moment, lost in the intoxicating sensation. The world outside the apartment, the pressures of Formula 1, everything faded away, leaving only the two of them.
Suddenly, a voice shattered the spell.
Fernando and Laura broke apart, their eyes wide with shock. Fernando spun around to see Olivia standing in the doorway.
The girl's eyes darted between her father and Laura, a slow smile spreading across her face. "Oh, my God," she said, her voice dripping with amusement. "Am I interrupting something?"
Fernando's face flushed crimson. He ran a hand through his hair, desperately trying to regain his composure. "Olivia," he stammered. "We were— weren't you supposed to be with Kimi?" He tried to change the topic.
"We just went to grab some coffee." She shrugged. "So," she continued, leaning against the doorframe, "what were you two doing before I so rudely interrupted? Discussing next season's strategy? Or something a little more… personal?"
Fernando shot Olivia a warning look. "Olivia, that's enough," he said, his voice firm.
Laura, to her credit, was handling the situation with surprising calm. "Well," she said, "I should probably be going. It's getting late."
"Nonsense," Olivia said, stepping further into the apartment. "Stay for a while. We can all have a chat. I want to hear all about your plans for next season."
Fernando glared at his daughter. He knew exactly what she was doing. She was teasing him, yes, but she was also giving him a chance. A chance to salvage the evening, to make amends for the unexpected interruption.
He looked at Laura, his eyes pleading. "Please, stay," he said softly. "Just for a little while."
Laura hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Okay," she said. "Just for a little while."
The atmosphere in the apartment shifted. As Fernando watched his daughter and the woman he was falling for interact, he felt a surge of affection for both of them. Sure, the kiss had been interrupted, but the spark remained. As Laura finally left, Fernando walked her to the door.
"Thank you," he said, his voice sincere. "For everything."
Laura smiled. "Thank you," she replied. "It was… an interesting evening."
He leaned in and kissed her again, a quick, chaste kiss that still managed to send shivers down his spine. "We'll have to try that again," he whispered.
"We will," she said, her eyes sparkling. "Good night, Nando."
As he closed the door, he heard Olivia's voice from the living room. "So," she said, "are you going to ask her out on a real date, or are you going to keep relying on me to play Cupid?"
Fernando sighed and walked into the living room, a smile playing on his lips. He loved his daughter truly and wouldn't want to have it any other way, even with her relentless teasing.
"We have something to discuss, missy." He crossed his arms, pretending to be the strict parent he never managed to be.
"Don't start. Kimi and I are just friends." She rolled her eyes.
"Sure, and so are Laura and I." He tried to be serious, he really did. But he couldn't even believe himself. Maybe it was time to ask that woman out properly…
The Monaco sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues of orange and purple. Laura found herself fidgeting with the hem of her dress. A simple, elegant navy blue dress, chosen after at least an hour of internal debate. It wasn't a gala, just dinner. But it was dinner with Fernando. After their kiss.
She glanced at her reflection in the mirror one last time. Her cheeks were flushed, and she hoped it looked like a healthy glow rather than sheer, unadulterated nerves. She hadn’t felt this way in… well, probably since she was Olivia’s age.
A soft knock on the door announced Fernando’s arrival. Her heart did a little flutter-kick. She took a deep breath and opened the door.
Fernando stood there, the setting sun catching the silver in his hair, making his eyes seem even more intense. He was dressed in a linen shirt and dark trousers, a casual elegance that suited him perfectly. He offered a small, hesitant smile.
“Ready?” he asked, his voice a touch softer than usual.
Laura nodded, managing a smile of her own. “Ready.”
The restaurant Fernando had chosen was tucked away from the bustling main streets of Monaco, a discreet place with a stunning view of the Mediterranean. As they were seated at a table overlooking the water, Laura couldn't help but feel a sense of unreality. This felt like a dream, a scene from a movie.
They made small talk at first, discussing the upcoming races, the latest rumors in the paddock, anything but the elephant in the room. But the tension hummed between them.
The wine arrived, a crisp white that Laura knew Fernando favored. He raised his glass. “To… a successful season,” he said, his eyes meeting hers.
“To a successful season,” she echoed, taking a sip. However, the wine did little to calm her nerves.
As they moved through the meal, the conversation began to flow more freely. They talked about their families, their childhoods, their hopes and dreams. Laura found herself surprisingly open, sharing things she hadn’t told anyone else. Fernando, in turn, seemed to shed some of his public persona, revealing a vulnerability she hadn’t seen before.
He spoke about the sacrifices he’d made for his career, the loneliness that sometimes crept in despite the fame and adoration. He talked about Olivia, his voice softening with pride and affection.
“She’s growing up so fast,” he said, a hint of melancholy in his tone. “It feels like just yesterday I was teaching her to ride a bike. Now she’s talking about university.”
“She’s lucky to have you,” Laura said sincerely. “You’re a good father.”
Fernando smiled, a genuine, unguarded smile that made her heart skip a beat. “Thank you, Laura. That means a lot.”
As dinner drew to a close, Fernando leaned forward, his expression serious. “Laura,” he began, his voice low. “About what happened the other night…”
Laura’s breath caught in her throat. There it was, she thought. The apology. The awkward explanation. The polite but firm closing of the door.
“I… I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it,” he continued. “About you.”
Her eyes widened. That wasn’t what she expected.
“I know this is… complicated,” he said, running a hand through his hair. “But I can’t deny how I feel. I enjoy spending time with you, I respect your intelligence and work ethic, and…” he hesitated, then plunged ahead, “...I’m incredibly attracted to you.”
Laura’s heart was pounding. She'd suspected it, hoped for it, but hearing him say it out loud was something else entirely.
“Fernando,” she said softly, “I… I feel the same way.”
A wave of relief washed over his face. “Really?”
She nodded, unable to speak.
“Then,” he said, standing up and offering her his hand, “would you do me the honor of taking a walk with me?”
They strolled along the beach, the waves gently lapping at the shore. The moon was a silver crescent in the inky sky, and the stars twinkled like diamonds scattered across a velvet cloth. The air was cool and carried the scent of the sea.
They walked in silence for a while, simply enjoying each other’s company and the beauty of the night. Finally, Fernando stopped, turning to face her.
“Laura,” he said, taking both her hands in his. His touch was warm and grounding. “I know I’m not the easiest person to be with. But I can't seem to live properly without you. You've made me feel things I thought I'd never feel again… So, will you be my girlfriend?"
"Yes, Fernando," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "Yes, I will."
He pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her. She leaned her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. It was a comforting, reassuring sound. They stood there for a long moment, embraced in the moonlight, lost in their own little world.
The next few weeks were a whirlwind. They navigated their new relationship carefully, aware of the potential complications. They spent evenings together in Fernando’s apartment, cooking dinner and watching movies. They talked for hours, sharing their hopes and fears, their dreams and anxieties.
They were careful to keep their relationship discreet at the track, maintaining a professional facade in front of the team and the media. It wasn’t easy, but they knew it was necessary, at least for now.
One afternoon, Fernando asked Laura to meet him at his apartment after work. When she arrived, the place was filled with the aroma of paella, his specialty.
"I tried so hard to make you a delicious dish tonight, hope you enjoy my skills outside of the circuit," he chuckled.
"Knowing that you cooked for me is already more than enough for me, I am happy with it already," Laura responded with a big smile.
As the dinner progressed, Olivia walked into the apartment, which took both Nando and Laura by surprise. Why? Well, she had a guest with her. Who was it? Kimi, obviously.
"Dad, you didn't tell me you'd stay at home tonight." Olivia said, her usual smugness shattered as Kimi tried to hold back his laughter.
"You didn't tell me you'd be having guests." Fernando smirked, earning an elbow in his side by Laura.
"Well, you know him, we don't need any questions." Olivia flashed him a smile and dragged Kimi to her room.
Laura laughed softly and looked at Fernando. "You've said it yourself, she's all grown up now."
That night, as they were lying in bed, gazing at the starry sky through the open window, Laura turned to Fernando.
“I’m really happy, you know,” she said softly.
Fernando smiled, pulling her closer. “Me too,” he whispered. “More than you can imagine.”
"Thank you for asking me to be your girlfriend," said Laura.
“I'm glad I asked you, I could not imagine a world without you anymore, I feel like the luckiest man in the world," Fernando responded.
They drifted off to sleep, wrapped in each other’s arms, feeling safe, content, and deeply in love.
The road ahead wouldn’t be easy. There would be challenges, obstacles, and undoubtedly, plenty of gossip. But they were ready to face it all, together. They had found something special, something real. And they weren’t about to let it go. And for Fernando, the two-time Formula 1 World Champion, the greatest victory of his life wasn’t on the track. It was in the arms of the woman he loved, under the starry sky of Monaco.
