Missing You // Lando Norris

Ch.21

TW

Lando's pov.

"I feel like I haven't seen you in forever." I grin at Will, his warm chestnut eyes meeting mine. It's true. In my avoidance of Anastasia, prior to having had to share a room with her, I'd managed to push her brother away, thoughtlessly.

"Yeah, I can only apologise. I've been a bit wrapped up in the season and as you know I met Sophie a few weeks back, and then there's keeping an eye on Anastasia... It's all been a bit of a blur." A blush creeps it's way onto Will's face, his olive skin slowly turning pink. As usual, Will takes the blame onto himself, his selflessness shining through. Her name sends a chill down my spine, my breath stopping short. I bite my lip.

Anastasia. I wonder if she'd discovered my abrupt departure yet. I wonder if she cares.

I doubt it, for its Anastasia were talking about. Even in moments of intense passion, where it feels as though time stands still and only we exist, she's impossible to read. Impossible to understand, and I can't help but feel humiliated by how this girl has made my heart beat for her. I've gone soft, and I don't like it, though I'm sure I'll be over it in no time.

"Tell me more about Sophie, you cheeky fuck! One minute he's a bachelor, the next he's walking around the paddock with hearts in his eyes. Could've sworn I saw you reciting poetry at one point-" I laugh, forcing my mind to shift away from Anastasia. I've had enough of thinking about her for tonight.

"Shut up you prick!" Will tries to hide his smile, but his warm laughter oozes around the room. I take the opportunity to shoot him in the video game we're both consumed in playing, earning a groan from his side of the room.

"Seriously though man, you seem happy." It's true. I've never seen my best friend in such good moods, floating through the paddock, a bright look in his eye. I almost envied him, but that would involve lowering my protective barriers, and I could think of nothing worse. I could never, and would never, do that.

"I am happy. It's weird, how much one person can change your perspective on things. God, I sound so soppy but... she just makes me feel so carefree. I haven't felt this light in ages, it feels like I finally have someone who looks out for me as much as I look out for them." Will keeps his eyes trained on the game, and I can't help but ponder if the last part of his sentence is a dig at Anastasia, though I know Will loves her unconditionally so I doubt it.

"I'm happy for you brother, truly. She better not break your heart." I can't imagine how distraught Will would be if he were to lose Sophie during one of Anastasia's bad spells. One person should never have such burden to navigate on their own. I shake my head, dismissing her from my mind.

"You'll find that someone one day Norris." Will looks at me, and my defences immediately flare up at his sentence. I draw in a sharp breath, frowning.

"I'll pass. I like my current lifestyle far too much. The only loves in my life are golf, photography, DJ-ing and occasionally formula 1... and women, of course, but only for one night." I send him a wink, praying that I come off as nonchalant. He rolls his eyes, shaking his head as he grins.

The sound of a text interrupts our conversation.

Will shifts to take his phone out of his pocket, placing his controller down beside him as I pause our game, rolling my eyes a little.

His eyes darken as he reads the text, his breath hitching. Somethings wrong, but I can't quite place my finger on what it is.

"Is Sophie alright? or is it bad press?" I shoot a few suggestions into the air as I try to gain insight, curiosity overcoming me. Will stays silent, his eyes fixed on his phone.