GRIDLOCK - Lando Norris [BOOK 1]

30

This is a bad idea, a terrible idea. I never learn. Nope, never, I fall back into the same traps and the same routines and then question why I get hurt.

I mumble this to myself the entire way up to his hotel room door. Lando said he wanted to be able to do this in private, not have someone take photographs of us out together and put fuel into the fire this close to championship.

That part, I understood. And it gave me some hope that the games are over. But hope is where I get hurt, every single time.

I inhale a deep breath and look down at my chosen attire. I've gone with my matching black cotton set of high waisted skirt and crop top. My hair in a slick pony tail with a middle part and minimal make up. Flattening the fabric over my body one last time, and mutter one more you're an idiot to myself, I reach up and knock on the door.

It opens almost immediately to reveal Lando with a smug look on his face, leaning up against the newly opened door.

"I was wondering if you were actually going to knock at all" he teases and I look at him confused.

He pats the wood of the door right next to the peep hole and the wave of embarrassment hits me like a tsunami.

"Oh Jesus!" I cuss, slapping my hand to my forehead making him chuckle.

"It's fine" he offers, stepping out of the way so I'm able to pass him. "And for the record, you're not an idiot"

I pinch my face shut in absolute humiliation.

"You look nice" he compliments as we enter the kitchen where two fresh glasses sitting ready on the kitchen bench. I take one and take a massive gulp to help calm myself down before looking back at him.

He's wearing a pair of tanned dress pants with a button up black top where he's left the top 3 buttons undone. He looks good. Really good. And I hate him for it.

"Thank you, so do you" I offer in return.

"Well, I was going to offer a toast, but since you've almost finished all of yours, how about I just say, here's to friendship" he salutes his glass slightly before looking me dead in the eye and taking a big sip of his own.

And the line in the sand has been drawn. Friendship.

I could do friendship. Maybe.

Nothing like what I have with Charles or Johan, I don't want to rip either one of their clothes off when I see them, so a slightly altered friendship, but nonetheless, we could make that work.

I nod my head to his toast and finish the rest of my glass, I have a feeling I'm going to need it.

"So, I've prepared a little something extra for you tonight, I know last time wasn't very impressive" my stomach drops at the mention of last time.

Lando grabs the bottle of wine from the fridge and tops up my empty glass which is still in my hand.

"Thanks" I appreciate, however take a mental note to slow down.

"You good ?" He chuckles.

Placing my glass down on the buffet, I tighten my ponytail with my two hands before placing my hands on my hips, breathing heavily in frustration. I'm angry with myself though. I didn't want to ruin tonight with my overthinking.

"I am" I lie. "I just, it's just hard to navigate this, us, as friends" I motion between us before picking up my glass and heading out onto the balcony.

As Lando joins me, I hear the door close behind him and he appears next to me, where I stand up against the railing.

"It's been a roller coaster, hasn't it?" He announces.

I reply with just another sip of wine.

"I'm sorry how all of this began, but, I really do think we get along great. And honestly," he takes a mouthful from his glass before continuing, "it seems like you're the only person who can keep me level, you know?"

"I've always got your back, Lando. Always" I confirm.

The smile that appears is one I want engraved into my memories forever, "I know you do, and I want you to know I've got yours"

I nod my head, but it's not in agreement. I just don't see this working. I can't be in his life like this. And it might be selfish, and it's not ultimatums, I just, it hurts.

"Come on, dinner is about ready"

As we settle down on the candle lit table outside, the noise of Las Vegas being heard from below, Lando sets down a plate in front of each of us.

A chicken, salad and some sort of cheesy bake broccoli, a huge step up from his pasta. 

"This looks amazing, Lando" I appreciate.

And it tastes incredible.

We talked about almost everything that night. I shared my experiences in Florence and he let me know how his rehab had been for him. And as the conversations went on, I really felt like I was talking to someone who was genuinely interest in what I was saying. Someone who was listening.

"Do you think you'd go back one day? To Florence?" He asks as we finish up the last of our meals on the plates.

I nod whilst swallowing my mouthful. "Definitely, it was so pretty and I felt like I only just scratched the surface, you know?"

"Yeah, more depth that you thought?" He asks and I nod.

"I should get going" I comment as I glance at my watch. It's almost 11pm.

My comment seems to have made him slightly uncomfortable. "Yeah, okay" he mutters whilst wiping his mouth with the napkin.

"Tonight was really lovely, Lando. Thankyou" I appreciate as I help stack the plates to take back inside.

"You're welcome, we should do it again?"

I smile, "I'd like that"

As we walk silently to the door, the end of the night rituals cause tension to flood the air.

"Congratulations again on todays win. You really deserved it. And I'm so happy you were able to pull through" I begin to walk out the door but am stopped by his hand reaching for my wrist.

"Ev, wait" he breaths.

I turn to look at him as I can feel the electricity pulsating through my body where his skin is connected to mine.

"I really want to be friends, I don't want to lose, this" he motions, his hand still around my wrist.

I look down at the connection, his thumb grazing ever so slightly across my skin.

"Friends?" I mutter in response before looking up into his eyes, seeing the desperation swimming in them.

"Ev" in almost a whisper, pleading.

"I've worked out, Lando" I begin to explain, "I can lose everything else, except you." I drop my arm from being in his grasp, "friends" I agree, and walk away before the regret spills over.

*****

LOVING THE MCL60! Who else is excited for this years season!

And D2S STARTS SOON