10 Years Later Ago - Lando Norris

09

NOW

I've successfully been able to dodge Lando for the past two weeks.

I managed to get myself in with their PR managers and was able to subtly get all the information about when Lando would be out of the office for me to be able to go and see Zak and work through all the upcoming marketing strategies.

"I'm really loving all of these, Brayleigh. Honestly, this all seems so simple, yet I have no idea how you've managed to work all of this out" Zak compliments, making me feel even better than I did when I managed to land this client.

"Thank you Zak, I really appreciate this opportunity, I really think we can create some magic together with all of this" I shuffle back through my proposals to get them back into order.

Zak sits comfortably back in his chair, his arms crossed across his chest, and although he is currently smiling and nodding with our progress, it's that all too familiar spark in the eye I see in many of my clients. It's that merging of the older generations into this new generation technology. Its scary for them to take all of this online, and I understand. I just want to assure him that we have McLarens back to the end.

"All of this is looking really positive" I ensure, "Please, if there are any questions at all revolving around any of this, please ask. It's all an open book"

The corner of his lips turn up slightly signally I was right on the money.

"There is something actually" he announces.

I pause my shuffling and give him my full attention. I want to keep Zak feeling as supported as possible.

"Your history with Lando" he blurts out and I actually feel the carpet being pulled out from underneath me.

"Sorry?" I reply, only really to buy myself some time to compose myself. The name alone sends me into spirals.

"It has come to my attention that you and Mr Norris may have some history" luckily for me, his tone is light and almost amused, so I have a feeling this isn't an issue.. yet.

I swallow all the memories and try and pull off my best poker face, "Oh, I wouldn't exactly call it history" I lie, "We knew each other back in school is all, I haven't seen him in almost 10 years"

Zak's smug look tells me he isn't buying my casual take on this matter.

After what feels like the most uncomfortable and lengthy moment in my life, he finally speaks up, "I guess it really isn't any of my business anyway" he throws away before adding, "I just can't afford to have my drivers distracted" as if a sort of warning.

I swallow again, this time its fear, "Oh Zak," I chuckle, "I wouldn't be a distraction, it isn't like that at all" and return to packing up the proposals in front of me, needing to get out of here as it suddenly felt like someone had turned up the heat by 20.

"I'll contact you shortly after I go through our changes and we can get the ball rolling" I announce as I stand and offer my hand to Zak.

"Thank you so much, Brayleigh" he returns my greeting, and with that, I can't get out of the office quick enough.

Heading out of the Technology Centre, I make it back to my car and reach into my bag to find my keys. Still feeling like I'm unable to breath.

"Shit" I mutter, I managed to pick up my brief case but forgot my handbag, it's still sitting by the chair in Zak's office.

I look down at my watch and see that Lando isn't due back to the centre for another hour. It should be safe enough to go back.

Making my way back across the parking lot, I realise how unprofessional this is going to seem. Walking up to the sliding doors, I see my flustered reflection part as the sensor recognises my presence.

"Of bloody course" I curse out as behind the sliding doors reveals none other than Lando clutching onto my purse in his two hands.

"Thanks" he chuckles at my pain.

"Sorry" I mutter, realising by now I'm probably being petty.

"It's fine" his voice is in almost a whisper. "Here" he acknowledges, holding up my purse.

"Thanks" I reply, taking it off him and turning away before I burst.

"Bray!" Lando calls out after me.

I stop in my tracks and wait for whatever it is he needs to say.

"Can we, I don't know, like do dinner or something" he offers. "I don't want it to be like this"

I let out a staggered breath, "I don't want it to be like this either" I agree, but probably for different reasons, "It wasn't my choice after all" I spit before continuing back to my car.

So yeah, turns out I'm still incredibly bitter and petty.