Glass House - Lando Norris

Chapter 3

"Didn't go very well, I reckon." George said as he opened the door and let Lando in.

"Yeah. Apparently not all girls like dessert."

"She's a rare one." George's mouth turned into a frown. "Well, at least apologies accepted."

"Yeah, man but still." it clearly wasn't the closure Lando expected. The next minute, rain poured hard in that particular area of London city. George gazed at the window and mumbled to himself. "I don't think I want to drive home in this particular weather."

"I heard you mate. You can stay here as long as you want." Lando chimed from the kitchen, rustling over his fridge looking for something to cook for dinner.

Nothing. There were only eggs and milk in the fridge. "Maybe we can order some take-outs-" George suggested from afar. Lando opened his mouth to respond but suddenly there was a light knock on the door. The two turned their heads towards the entrance and looked at each other, and then to the door again.

Lando was quick on the steps and instantly opened the door, revealing Darlene. She looked a bit startled like she didn't expect him to actually open the door. "I, um." she stared, there was a shy smile on her face.

Lando looked down to see her face clearly, waiting for what she's about to say. "So my boyfriend was supposed to come over today but he couldn't make it due to the rain. I cooked some red bean and chicken soup and obviously I can't finish it by myself." she said out loud. "Would you like some-"

"Sure, we'd love to!" George suddenly chimed in.

"Oh..." she didn't realize there was someone else in there. Lando rolled his eyes at his friend. This muppet didn't even give him time to think. "Perfect, then! I think it'll be enough for the three of us," Darlene smiled.

"Darlene, this is George, a friend of mine." Lando said and slid over to open the door even wider and George stepped forward, offering his hand.

"George Russell, nice to meet you, Darlene." he said with a smile. She took his hand in a light shake whilst raising a brow. He already knew her name. Lando must've mentioned her.

"Same goes to you too, George." She invited the two boys to her simple unit and set the table for them. "I'm sorry if it's messy." she paused while gathering some of her things around. "I know it's not as big as your unit," she joked at Lando.

It was a studio apartment with a simple kitchen, a dining table that she also used for studying and doing her homework, and also a bed at the corner near the window.

"So, do you have the place all to yourself or do you actually live with your boyfriend?" George asked casually while getting the bowl from Darlene.

"No, I live here alone. This is my personal hiding, private place. So, be grateful, my honored guests. Not all people could come here." she joked and George shared a laugh at her.

Lando on the other hand stayed silent and started to eat the soup in peace. "This actually tastes..." he paused. "Amazing." George and Lando both said at the same time.

"Bloody hell. No way." she said. "You don't have to lie to comfort me."

"No, no, no, we're not joking! It's really good, how'd you learn to make this?" Lando asked her while taking another mouthful.

"My mum. But as you can see, I don't live with her anymore." The two just nodded. Curious, but didn't think it was appropriate enough to get into the personal stuff.

They got to know each other rather quickly. Darlene Harper was a student of University of East London, majoring in Graphic Design. She lived alone in this apartment unit, away from her parents. She sometimes takes short-term contract part-time jobs or graphic design freelances that could be done from home. Before they knew it, the soup was gone and the pot was empty.

After their stomachs were full, they just sat there at the table and chatted with each other. It was refreshing to have George and Lando around. She'd like to invite them over again sometimes, she thought. Well, only if Devon wasn't around.

"So, George, how do you meet Lando? Do you play golf as well?"

George blinked. Play what? He looked at Lando, looking for an answer and didn't find any. The curly haired boy looked panicked and he sent a wink towards George. He got the signal clearly.

Lando just told him to l i e.

"Ah, yes, that's true," he said with a nervous chuckle. "But I'm not as good as he is," George added, trying to make it sound even more convincing.

"Ahh... I see. That kind of expensive sport," she said before leaning over the table a little, "I could never afford." she giggled.

George and Lando stayed still for a second before forcing out a little laugh. Golf isn't even expensive anymore compared to F1...

She glanced at them one by one. Studying their faces.

"Holy shit, guys." She suddenly said.

"What?" it was Lando who asked.

"I always thought that I've seen your faces somewhere," Darlene said.

The two gulped. It's gonna be awkward if she finds out now, right after they lied to her.

"It feels like Cillian Murphy and Tom Holland are sitting on my dinner table right now," she broke out a lighthearted laugh after that.

"Ah.. ahaha.. Ha.. haha..ha." That almost gave them heart attacks.

----

After all that's done, they said goodbye and thanked her for the free dinner. "I promise I'll return the favor next time," Lando said sincerely to her. "No, there's no need!" she said politely. "Sorry I was being a bit rude to you earlier," she said while looking away.

"Don't think about it. Just say that you're afraid to get poisoned with my cooking," Lando joked before saying a final goodbye and returned to his apartment with George. "Good night, Darlene."

"Good night, Lando, George!"

And then the door snapped closed and the two drivers huffed a heavy sigh.

"She's cute, Lando."

"Yeah, I know, mate."

"She's clearly had no idea who we are."

Lando checked his phone and saw that there was an unread message.. From Zak Brown. hmmMmMmM interesting.

"Sup, dude? So what about the lingerie incident?"

Sent. 19.03

For the hundredth time today, Lando let out another frustrating groan.