Fragile Heart

38

Me and Alex reach the tiny restaurant where we're supposed to grab lunch with the others, Alex told me before we left that Lando is meant to be coming so that's horrible.

But I did make sure to hide the hickey, even though people might think it's from Lando if they see it. But I didn't want him to notice it. I just hope he was too drunk to remember anything from last night, so we won't have to talk about it.

Alex and I intertwine our arms as we walk in. I quickly scan the room and spotted the curly-haired boy immediately. He's staring at me, his gaze trailing down my body.

I didn't go for anything fancy. Just threw on a white sundress, straightened my hair, and put on some light makeup. I didn't feel like putting in too much effort. I was honestly too exhausted. But I still wanted to look good, for someone.

I release Alex's arm and make my way over to where everyone is seated at the table.

As I approach the table, I see that it's just Charles, Lando, Carlos, and surprisingly, a girl seated next to him, which I assume is his new girlfriend.

I greet everyone with a hug and say hi to Carlos's girlfriend, Rebecca, who turns out to be a really lovely person.

When I reach Lando, we both exchange awkward glances, and that moment confirms to me that he remembers everything from last night.

I offer him a small smile and take my seat, noticing that he sits down right next to me.

We haven't even had a proper talk since China. The only conversation we had was when we were drunk, and that doesn't really count.

"So, me and Charles were thinking!" Alex begins the conversation with a smile, while Charles places his hand on her leg.

"Maybe! After Miami, we should all fly to Italy early and just spend the weekend together at Charles's villa in Florence! Especially now that Carlos finally has a girlfriend. I think it would be great for all six of us to go on a holiday together!" Alex suggests, her smile radiating happiness.

I look at her, feeling a mixture of  emotions, then I glance at Lando, who is already staring at me.

Fuck, I really need to talk to him, I need to stop avoiding him, we can't just go on a trip together why we aren't even talking to eachother.

I look back at everyone, who are already agreeing to the plan. "Do you think me and Lando can step out quickly? We just need to talk," I suggest with a smile, and they all nod in agreement.I get up and grab Lando's hand, leading him outside to a private area where we can talk.

"Do you not want to go?" He asks me right away and I shake my head. "No, I would love to go, but lan..." I say softly as I grab onto his arm.

"It's just... it's just hard," I stammer, struggling to find the right words. "We're not even dating, so how am I supposed to fake a relationship with you infront of all my friends for a whole week? And especially after last night! I mean, don't get me wrong, obviously it wasn't anyone's fault, that's just the effect of alcohol, right? But I can't do it, Lando. I'm feeling overwhelmed, and oh my gosh, I have a hickey on my neck! Oh gosh, wait, I wasn't meant to say that..."I blurt out the last part quickly, feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment as Lando just stares at me, his expression unreadable.

"I..." he starts, but I put my finger to his lips, silencing him. Then, I lean down and press my forehead to his chest, feeling overwhelmed by everything that's happening."Just let me think over the words I just said," I say softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

I feel his hand land on my lower back, his touch soft and comforting as he begins to caress it gently. Then, he lays his chin on top of my head, a silent gesture of support and understanding.

"We don't have to go if you don't want to," he says softly, his words causing my heart to beat faster in my chest. "We can just go back to Monaco for a bit instead of going to Italy with them."

I feel torn, knowing that going back to Monaco would be the easier option, but also realising that it's not just about the trip. It's about the complicated feelings between us that I've been trying to ignore.

"Lan, I would love to go, but you're just so confusing," I admit, feeling the weight of my words as they hang in the air between us. "Not just you, our whole relationship is just confusing."

He nods in agreement. "Maybe we just have to tell them," he suggests softly.I shake my head, still resting against his chest. The thought of explaining everything to our friends feels overwhelming, and I'm not sure if I'm ready to confront the truth just yet to all of them.

"Not all of them," I reply softly, tightening my arms around him. In this moment, it feels like last night never happened, like we're just back to our normal selves. I'm grateful that Lando didn't bring up last night like I did, and that he didn't mention the part where I blurted out about the hickey.

"I at least need to tell Alex, so I don't have to lie in front of her," I explain, hoping he understands my need for honesty with at least one person.

I'm just not even sure how or when.

"That's fine, as long as you're comfortable, okay?" he replies softly, kissing the top of my head. My cheeks warm up, and my heart feels like it's about to beat out of my chest. How was I just mad at him a couple of days ago, and now all of a sudden I feel like this? It's confusing, but in this moment, all I can focus on is the warmth of his embrace and the gentle reassurance in his words.

"We can go to Italy," I say, smiling up at him. We definitely aren't as awkward anymore, but that doesn't mean I've forgotten what happened in his driver's room in China. I'm still determined to figure out why he punched Liam. However, for now, I push those thoughts aside and focus on the upcoming trip to Italy.

And telling Alex about are fake relationships, one day...

|~~~~~|

A.N- let's just say Italy will be fun.

Alsooo there will be a jump so we are going right to Italy next chapter!!!