From the Past - Lando Norris

Three: Coffee

--Ella's POV--

I spent way too much time trying to figure out what to wear today. Most of the time I work so many late nights that I don't wake up for coffee in the morning. I walk into the cafe hearing the bell over the door jingling. I quickly look around the place and see Lando isn't here yet so I have time to order. It's a cute place. Everything is an off-cream color with plants scattered around the place. The tables have colorful pots with tiny ferns in them. This is what I want my kitchen to look like. I get a mint matcha and sit down at a table in the back corner pulling my phone out. I'm nearly ten minutes early so I get comfortable after getting my drink. I check the schedule and see I don't have work until Wednesday night. The bell ringing above the door makes me lift my head to see see him walking in. He's wearing black jeans, a white Mclaren sweatshirt, and a beanie on top of his head. When he sees me his smile doubles as he walks over.

"I thought I was paying?" he asks seeing my drink.

"Next time," I shrug as he walks over to order. He makes light conversation with the barista as they make him a coffee. I'm surprised he's not getting hot chocolate. He used to hate coffee and would make fun of anyone who drank it. I lean back in my chair as he sits down, "This is insane," I tell him as he nods his head agreeing.

"Seriously, what made you come to Monaco?" he asks.

"I'm a photographer when I'm not working at the club. I got this amazing internship at the model agency up the road but I don't think I'm into the whole fashion scene," I tell him.

"That's amazing. I actually used your photos for my promotion when I made it into Formula Two," he tells me, "My dad still tells me that I fucked up by letting you go".

"I think parents love bringing up people from your past cause my dad does the same," I tell him, "How is your mom? I think the last time I stayed over she told me that we were going to get married," I tell him laughing as he almost choked on his drink. He grabs a napkin and wipes his mouth as he looks at me giggling.

"Our moms were always scheming together. I think we hung out so much because they just wanted to hang out. I guess I'd be the same if I was best friends with my kid's friends' parents," he says as I agree, "How are Josh and Eleanor?" he asks making me clear my throat and take a sip of my drink.

"Well....my dad is doing well he's still got the motorbike business...and my mom actually passed in 2019," I tell him as his smile drops, "She got sick and it happened really fast," I reveal as I lean on the table. He puts his hand on top of mine.

"I'm so sorry. If I'd of known," he says as I shake my head.

"Stop don't be silly. I googled you and it turns out you were a rookie that year. You were very busy. I'm sure Cisca and Adam were very proud," I tell him.

"I don't think I've ever seen them happier than when I was signed to McLaren. I swear time is flying by. I don't know how it's 2024," he sighs as I agree, "I mean it's been what...nine years since we have seen each other," He points out.

"I know. I don't think our younger selves would believe us if we told them we drifted apart. We were always at each other's houses or terrorizing the corner shop by your house," I say laughing as we start going down memory lane. I don't even realize how much time has passed until I see the barista starting to clean up. I check the time and see it's almost noon and we got here around 8:30. He stands up and throws my empty cup out before going outside. I kept wanting to make him laugh just to hear the giggle I used to hear every day. He's the same but completely different.

When I see him in the sunlight I laugh seeing the small scruff on his face, "I didn't think you could grow facial hair," I tease as he scratches at it.

"You don't like it?" he asks.

"No...it looks good," I assure him as I look at the ground as we start walking down the street on the way to my apartment.

"I still can't wrap my head around this. How are you here right now?" he smiles as I adjust my purse on my shoulder looking at his smile, "You should come to my practice this weekend. It's in town and I'd love it if you'd take some pictures," he tells me.

I give him a hesitant look and he stops me at the edge of the sidewalk, "Come on. Wings. It will be like old times and I know my parents would love to see you," he says. The look on his face makes me regret ever making him doubt. It's Lan. My Lan. I can't say no to him.

"Fine," I give in as he smiles, "But only cause I miss your parents," I assure him.

"Of course," he smirks. I shake my head as he takes his keys out, "Do you want a ride?" He asks. My jaw drops seeing his car and he leans against the open door as he raises his eyebrows at me.

"I'm down the street," I tell him pointing to the tall building at the end of the block, "I guess formula one really does pay the big bucks," I tease.

He smiles at his car and I can tell he's really happy, "See you next weekend then," he says as I stand there watching him get into his car. The sound of the engine could blow the entire street away as he waves before driving off leaving me stunned at everything that's happened today.