LIGHTS OUT - A Lando Norris fanfic

Chapter Ten

Author's Note: Can you tell this photo ^ has been photoshopped by me? lol i just couldn't go through with using a photo with number 4 all over the car and him holding his helmet when I'm writing about him trying to be incognito 😆

Florence walked out of the stark, modern office building, the gentle rustling of leaves blending with the distant hum of people leaving from work. As she approached the agreed meeting spot, a soft breeze tugged playfully at the edges of her coat. Her chestnut hair, pulled into a loose bun, fluttered softly in the breeze, adding a touch of casual elegance to her appearance. 

Lando was already there, leaning casually against the sleek, black coupe, his stance relaxed but unmistakably poised. He was dressed in a simple, well-fitted navy blue jumper that accentuated his athletic build, and dark jeans that blended seamlessly into the shadowy outline of the vehicle. His curly hair, usually hidden under a cap, was tonight left free, giving him a more approachable, off-duty look. His smile, warm and inviting, was the first thing Florence saw as she approached. 

"Hey," Lando greeted her with a relaxed smile as he opened the door for her. "Ready to go?" he asked, his voice smooth and casual, as if their meetings were an ordinary everyday occurrence. Florence felt a jolt of surrealism—she knew him so well, yet not really, she didn't even know he had curly hair until yesterday.

"Hey, yup let's go," she replied as she slid into the passenger seat of the coupe, the interior of which was bathed in the soft orange glow of the dashboard lights. The leather seats were cool against her skin, and she couldn't resist complimenting the car. "Ooh, nice car," she added, trying to sound as casual as he did.

"Thanks, it's a rental. I try to stay under the radar when I'm here for work, so never use my own," Lando explained, turning to her with a playful grin that highlighted the slight dimples in his cheeks.

"Yeah? I suppose that makes sense, you'd obviously have a lot more British fans than anywhere else." 

As the engine purred to life, Florence found herself momentarily lost in thought. After a brief pause, she shook her head, bringing herself back to the present.

"What?" Lando glanced over, as he put his arm over her seat and reversed out, curiosity lining his features. They rolled smoothly down the winding country road, lined with the golden hues of twilight and the silhouettes of ancient trees.

"I still can't believe I'm talking to you, James, in real life, but you're actually Lando. And mainly that there was this huge part of your life you weren't able to talk about before." Florence responded, her hazel eyes reflecting the passing street lights as they began to move.

"Yeah, well I feel like you got to know the important bits first that way," he said, looking over briefly before focusing on the road.

She just hummed in agreement. "Wait so you don't actually live in UK?"

"No, I just come here for work and family now, I live in Monaco," he replied.

"Of course," she said, nodding. "That makes sense...tax does suck," she added with a grin, earning a chuckle from Lando.

"So where can we eat and still keep it low key?" she asked, peering out at the dimly lit shops and quaint cafes that dotted their route.

"Well, I was thinking we grab some takeout and eat in the car?" he suggested hesitantly. "Sorry," he added, apologetically.

"Don't be, eating in the car is fun, although if you're staying in London why don't we just go back to my house?"

"Are you sure?"

Now it was her turn to chuckle. "Uh yeah, you know what, I'm not sure if I trust you enough to invite you over," she replied sarcastically. "You could be dangerous."