Missing You // Lando Norris

Ch. 16

Baby's getting the hang of it :)

That's what he captioned the photo of me, taken in the arcade. The fucking nerve. It was cute, and I absolutely hated that, for the reality was so far removed.

In an effort to be truthful to you, dear reader, I'll admit that I kind of enjoyed it. I'd gotten accustomed to Lando not holding back with his comments, and I was slowly understanding how to play his game, how much venom to use, how to strike. I refused to let Lando Norris win, and thus I had to master his game.

I scroll through my tagged photos, hoping that a fan may have captured a good candid photo of us, and I appear to be in luck, for I immediately spot a few good ones. They depict Lando and I, taken largely from behind us, both intensely immersed in the Mario kart race. We sit side by side, gripping our steering wheels, but in one of the photos Lando's head is turned to look at me, a wide proud smile on his face as I'd just managed to briefly overtake him. I didn't remember him looking at me, let alone smiling, but it was exactly what I was looking for.

I screenshot the photo, promptly posting it to my profile. In order to play Lando's game fully, I needed to think of a good caption...

Gonna steal ur job soon Norris ;)

Touche. I review my texts, curious to see what I might've missed whilst I was out with Lando, and to my surprise find one from Lily.

Lily: Hey girlie, you going to Ricciardo's party tonight?

Ana: I haven't heard about it but I'm down tbh

Lily: He hosts an annual party in Australia, home race and all. Massive mansion, lots of fun people, and lots of drinks. Definitely come, Alex and I can pick u up and bring u with us?

Ana: It's a plan.

This meant two things: firstly, I'd be able to continue my twisted game with Lando, which I was now truly enjoying. Whilst I didn't know exactly what said game was, and what its aim was, it was exciting. Secondly, I'd likely run into Charles, and that meant an awkward conversation, which I definitely wasn't looking forward to.

But, I have the power of alcohol to aid me with both, and I plan to fully utilise it. I get ready quite quickly, choosing a classy but short black dress and black glossy Louboutins to match. If I was to win my game with Lando, and make Charles regret his actions, I'd have to dress the part.

That's when it clicks. My game with Lando. He'd started it that night when I walked in on him, both of us taunting each other into falling for the other, pushing the boundaries until one falls and gets hurt, resulting in triumph for the other which was perfect as a result of our mutual dislike. It's fucked up in every way possible, but the world we had found ourselves thrusted into, of immense wealth and fake schemes, allowed for such things. Besides, with our reputations, there were no two worthier players.

I do my makeup in a rush, and before I know it I'm stood in the lobby, hearing Lily and Alex honking their horn from outside.

"Hey guys, thanks so much for giving me a lift with you." I smile as I enter the car.

"No problem girlie! I thought you might be going with Lando though?" Lily turns from the front seat to look at me.

"No, we went out earlier but he didn't mention it. Probably just forgot." I feel a little deflected, for neither Lando nor my brother had bothered to invite me tonight.

"Have you had much to drink?" Alex asks, his eyes fixed on the road.

"Yeah I pre-drank whilst I was getting ready. I'm like six shots down I won't lie." I laugh.