Dear Lando - Book Two

𝟺 ♡ We're Going to Be Friends

We're Going to Be Friends By The White Stripes

With the F1 world away at Zandvoort and Nathalie off doing god knows what in Italy, Lana found herself enjoying a rare moment of peace in Monaco—a welcome respite from her hectic schedule.

This sunny afternoon, she was on the beach shooting with a bikini company, surrounded by a bustling crew working behind the scenes. For this shoot, she was partnered with a tall man around her age, sporting a matching swimsuit. As the shoot wrapped up and everyone began to bid their goodbyes, Lana felt a tap on her shoulder.

Turning around, she found herself face to face with the man from the shoot, shirtless and clad in small bathing suit shorts, his fluffy brunette hair tousled by the sea breeze. With tanned skin and hazel eyes, he cut an impressive figure against the backdrop of the beach.

"Hey, I didn't catch your name," he said, a warm smile gracing his lips as he extended his hand.

"Lana," she replied with a friendly smile, shaking his hand firmly.

"I'm Theo. Just moved here from Australia," he introduced himself, his enthusiasm evident in his voice.

"And what brings you here, Theo?" Lana inquired, genuinely curious about the newcomer.

"Got signed by Haute for modeling," he explained with a grin. "Figured it was worth the move."

"Congratulations," Lana replied, peering up at him with a hint of amusement. "You look like you have something on your mind."

Theo chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his neck. "Sorry, you just look so familiar."

Lana raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes. "Do I?" she teased, feigning innocence. "I guess we'll never know."

As she turned to leave, Theo called after her, "Oh wait! Could I grab your number, you think?"

Lana paused, a smirk playing on her lips as she turned to look over her shoulder. Theo's eyes lit up with concern as he realized his straightforwardness, "Oh, not on a date. It's just I don't have any friends here," he explained. 

 "Well, we can't leave you here with no friends," she quipped, extending her hand for his phone.

After exchanging numbers, Lana walked away with a chuckle, leaving Theo standing there with a bemused expression.

As Lana approached her house, her phone began to ring. Pulling it out of her bag, she saw Aria's name flashing on the screen and answered with a smile.

"Big news, Lana!" Aria exclaimed, her excitement palpable through the phone.

Lana listened eagerly as Aria revealed that Speedy Stars had partnered with the McLaren Formula 1 Team for exposure and traction.

"Wow, Aria, that's fantastic news! Congratulations," Lana replied, genuinely thrilled for her friend.

"Thanks, Lana. We won't be announcing the partnership until after they race in Monza next weekend so keep it on the down low. Now, I know your brother is with Ferrari, so if there are any issues with you interacting with McLaren, please let me know," Aria said, her tone considerate.

Lana assured her that it wouldn't be a problem before they bid each other goodbye.

With the call ended, Lana couldn't help but feel excitement at the prospect of working with McLaren. As she settled into her evening yoga session, thoughts of this new project swirled through her mind, filling her with anticipation for what lay ahead. 

As Sunday race day rolled around, Lana decided to invite another guest to her viewing party and dialed up her new friend. After three rings, he picked up, sounding slightly out of breath.

"Hello?" came the voice on the other end.

"Hey Aussie, why are you out of breath?" Lana inquired, leaning against her kitchen counter.

"Just went for a quick jog around the block!" he replied between pants.

"How about a cool down at my place to watch the Dutch Grand Prix with my friend?" Lana smoothly suggested, hoping he shared her enthusiasm for F1.

"Oh, no way! You're into F1? I was gonna watch at home but I'll be there," Theo eagerly accepted, surprising Lana with his enthusiasm.

As Nathalie walked into the kitchen with her arms full, she shot Lana a curious glance upon seeing her on the phone.

Lana waved her off dismissively and replied to Theo, "Perfect, I'll text you the address." Then hung up the phone. 

"Who was that?" Nathalie questioned. Lana explained, "Just a friend I invited to watch the Grand Prix with us," before turning her attention to Nathalie's arms full of bags. "What's in the bags?"

"Outfits I thought you'd like from Milan," Nat explained with a mischievous grin. Lana was taken aback by her friend's thoughtfulness, feeling grateful for her considerate gesture. "I know, I'm the best friend ever," Nathalie boasted.

Before Lana could express her gratitude, the doorbell rang, prompting Nathalie to drop all the bags and rush to answer it. "I got it!" she announced as she made her way to the door.

Amused, Lana chuckled to herself as she picked up the bags, stealing glances at the garments inside.

Nathalie flung the door open, revealing a strikingly handsome man standing on the doorstep, clad in black running shorts and a fitted tee. She couldn't help but tease him, leaning against the doorframe with a playful smirk. "What's up, Workout Ken?" Nodding up at him. 

From the kitchen, Lana stifled a giggle at Nathalie's antics and decided to intervene. "Nat! Let him in!" she called out, prompting Nathalie to gesture for him to enter.

Nathalie gestured with her head inside the house and stepped aside to let the tall man enter. Theo seemed relieved to see Lana and nodded his thanks to Nathalie as he walked past her and into the house. The blonde closed the door behind her and followed Theo over to where Lana was.

"So! An Aussie hey? How'd you climb out from down under and end up over here?" Nat questioned him as they all made their way to the living room.

"Modelling contract," Theo replied, taking a seat on one side of the large couch, "How I met Lana."

"Oh? Model Ken, then," Nat winked at him as she took a seat on the other side of the couch.

Lana, taking a seat in between both, gestured with her head to Nat and explained, "This is Nathalie, my best friend. Don't worry, she doesn't bite," with a little wink of her own.

Nathalie only replied with a biting action towards Theo - Model Ken, before turning her attention toward the TV.

As the F1 intro began, Nathalie made a pointed look at Lana and said, "I swear, Ashford better do well. I put her into my team because of you."

"I'm sure she will, seems like she's got her groove back since the whole Max thing," Lana said, defending the girl she spent a fun night with.

"Oh, you guys also got teams?" Theo beamed, excited about his new friends who enjoy the same sport as him, "I've got Leclerc as my lead driver!"

"Meh, he seems overrated," Lana blandly said shrugging her shoulders as she continued to face the screen.

Nathalie was slightly confused but soon caught onto Lana's little attempt to toy with the newcomer, the blonde decided to play along as well, "Yeah I don't see the hype, waste of a spot on your team if you ask me," she also said blandly, matching Lana's disinterest for her brother.

"You all need to get your priorities straight, he's easily one of the best drivers on the grid," Theo said with confidence, defending the driver. 

As Crofty's voice filled the room, signaling the start of the race, Lana secretly rooted for her "overrated" brother, enjoying the playful banter with her friends.