From the Past - Lando Norris

Five: VIP

--Ella's POV--

Pete and Kelsey drag me to the back room as I finish putting my tray away, "Tell us about McLaren," He says as I lean against the lockers. Kelsey is quickly eating her dinner as she starts her break. Angelo will probably come looking for us in two minutes.

"It was nice. Lando showed me around and I met his teammate," I explain as I fix the laces on my shoes, stretching my back, "I also saw Max again and he was definitely flirting. He followed me on Instagram last night which had me freaking out," I smile.

Kelsey giggles as Peter sprays more cologne on himself, "I looked him up and that guy is fine. I fully support hooking you guys up if they come in again," she says with a mouth full of granola.

"Enough about Max, what's it like having Lando in your life again? Has he texted you since Sunday?" Peter asks as he sits down on the bench in the middle of the room.

I shrug my shoulders and look at my phone with no notifications, "I emailed him the photos but that was on Wednesday after I finished editing them," I say walking towards the door that leads to the main room.

"Girl, it's Saturday night?" she says.

"I know...it's not like I was expecting us to be best friends again. He's busy being all rich and famous," I smile pushing the door open with my butt before turning around. Peter walks out after me and heads toward the bar as I check on my tables. Tonight is retro night so everyone is wearing vintage-style clothing. My favorite was the girl who fully embodied Stevie Nicks. I've never wanted to rifle through someone's closet more in my life.

Angelo pulls me to the side as I'm walking towards the bar and tells me to check on VIP. Apparently, someone is asking for me. I hope it's not one of those old guys from the yacht party last night. They tipped well but their weird comments made me want to shove pens into my ears.

I head towards the back table and low-five Crush as I pass him. He holds the velvet rope up for me letting me slip past. I see a familiar face and smile as Oscar waves me over clearly a couple of drinks in, "My favorite team," I smile as I lean against the table.

Lando is wearing a black snapback making his curls poke out of the front. He's got an all-black outfit on with a white t-shirt coming out from under the jacket, "McLaren loved the photos. They posted them on their Instagram earlier," he says. I pull my phone out of my front pocket and pull up McLaren's page. I smile seeing the photos and my tag in the caption.

"This is so cool. I've had my pictures published before but normally I don't get credit for them," I tell him as his smile doubles, "It was challenging getting you guys to look good," I joke as Oscar puts his hand on his chest with his mouth in an O shape.

I pull my notepad out and ask them what they want to drink, "Can you drink with us? It can be a celebration for your photos," Lando says resting his arm on the back of the booth.

I look at the clock and sadly turn back to him, "Unfortunately, I still have three hours left on the clock," I tell him, "But maybe I can sneak one shot".

"Good"

"I'll be right back"

I walk to the bar smiling to myself as I stop in front of Peter. He looks at me with a look as he tries to read me, "Who's got you all happy?" he asks giving in.

"Lando and Oscar are in VIP. Can I get six shots and then two glasses of jack and coke?" I ask. He looks impressed as Kelsey walks over to give in her orders.

"Her boyfriend is here," he says as she turns to me looking excited.

"I want to meet him," she says as I shake my head putting the drinks on my tray, "Come on. I'll behave. I just want to know who is threatening my title of best friend".

"Nobody can take that title from you. And he's not my boyfriend," I say glaring at Peter. He smiles as he continues shaking the cocktail he's making for Kelsey.

"Grab the platter of pretzels from earlier and follow me," I tell her as she hops up from the chair at the bar and runs behind it. She grabs the tray and follows me towards VIP. Crush lifts the velvet rope again and we walk back seeing the two guys laughing.

"Guys, this is my best friend Kelsey," I introduce as she puts the food down in front of them, "We also had these and I figured you'd want some food with your drinks," I tell them. Oscar thanks us as he takes one and bites into it. His eyes linger on Kelsey for a little longer than they should before turning to Lando.

"Nice to meet you," he says as he takes two shots for him and Oscar. I look around and see that Angelo is on the other side of the club talking with some of his investors. Kelsey looks at me shocked cause I've never had a drink on the job before, but tonight is a celebration. I nudge the other shot in her direction and she picks it up shooting it back, "Wings, got shouted out by McLaren for her photos," he tells her making her nod her head. She turns it to the side a little and mouths the word wings at me with a confused look. The only regret I have is not getting enough photos of him in his helmet. By the time he was prepped in his car, he was pulling out. I got some shots but I didn't get the main part cause I didn't want to get in the way.

"Does this mean she will be invited more?" Kelsey asks as I subtly nudge her side to get her to shut up.

"I still have my offer from Max. Got to keep my options open," I tease.

"Speaking of Max. He wanted me to say hello cause he couldn't come tonight. I think he wants you at McLaren more than we do," he says as I pick up the tray.

"You make me feel so special," I tell him as he drops his head smiling, "We have to get back to work but it was nice seeing you again. Text me when you want more pictures".

"Will do"