Shifting Gears || cl16/ln4

Gear Four

Bahrain

Arriving safely at our destination, me and Lando proceeded to the hotel arranged by our team.
The hotel lobby welcomed us with a modern elegance and warm hospitality. We made our way to the check in counter. "Good Evening, we have a reservation under the name Lando Norris and Willow DeVille or The McLaren Team...?" Lando told the lady at the desk. "Good Evening! Yes we were expecting you. Your key cards are ready. Let us escort you to your rooms." The receptionist at the counter replied with a friendly smile. We were escorted to our rooms, anticipating the comfort and relaxation that awaited us after our long flight.

When we arrived at our rooms, which were facing each other, the lady bid us well and left. "Let's go eat after settling in, I'll text you..." Lando suggested with a soft smile. I nodded and opened my room's door. The door fell shut and I made my way to the window. A stunning view greeted me with the sun setting down slowly. I searched out some new clothes to change into and fell into the bed with exhaustion. I was laying there for about 10 minutes when my phone pinged.

L: U ready to go and eat? I am starving...

W: yes, I am ready.

Responding promptly, I opened the door at the same time Lando did and was greeted by his grinning remark "Long time no see". A chuckle escaped my mouth. "Come on let's go, I know a restaurant around here." He said guiding me towards the elevator.

———

We arrived at the restaurant and it had welcomed us with a breathtaking view of city lights and a setting sun. "It's very beautiful here..." I remarked, while looking over at the view. His response a simple
"I know..." came with a gaze that lingered longer than usual. I could feel him looking at me longer than anticipated. Confusion stirred within me. A clearing of his throat redirected our attention and he guided me towards a discreet table, away from prying eyes.

Seated away from the crowd, my mind buzzed with questions - why did he look at me like that? I couldn't shake the feeling of overthinking again. The silence was interrupted by Lando, "What do you feel like eating?" I looked up at him, meeting his gaze, "I'll just take whatever ur having..." his nod followed with a smile as he proceeded to order our food, yet I was still lost in thoughts.
"Willow, are you okay?" Lando asked with a hint of worry. I managed to force out a smile, "Yeah I'm okay, just exhausted from the flight..."

Our food arrived after a while and we immediately started eating as we were both starving. For the first time in our interactions, I felt awkward around Lando. I didn't speak and neither did he. Something inside of me questioned and doubted everything. We sat there in rare silence, finishing our meals and unspoken thoughts were lingering in the air, which was very unusual for me and Lando because we would always have something to talk about...

———

Back at the hotel

It was nighttime when we arrived back at the hotel, Throughout the whole ride back, there had been an awkward silence between us. Walking towards the elevator, the air between us remained thick. Entering the elevator, we pressed the button to our floor, the hum of the ascending elevator accompanied the silence.

As soon as the doors closed, Lando broke the uneasy silence, "Willow, did I do something to make you feel uncomfortable?" His worried gaze met mine as I turned to face him. "No, you didn't do anything, I'm sorry for making the dinner awkward." He took a step closer toward me, "No don't be sorry, you didn't do anything, I made u feel awkward, I'm the one who's sorry... Let's just forget about this whole thing ok?" A hesitant nod from me signalled agreement as he closed the gap, I was embraced in a comforting hug. Uncertain feelings swirled, as the elevator announced the arrival at our floor and the doors opened. He released me and with a final look at me, we made our way back to our rooms.
Before parting ways, Lando turned towards me, "Good Night, Willz," his words carrying soft sincerity. "Goodnight, Lan..." he nodded and disappeared into his room, leaving me to exhale a breath I didn't know I was holding.