DNF - A Formula 1 Story (Lando Norris)

Chapter 14

"And I couldn't find the right words to use, but I knew that you knew." - Wallows

Lando

I'm currently drinking a beer on a lounge chair by the pool while watching Bianca and Morgan play mermaids. Jeremy is barbequeing steaks and vegetables on his outdoor grill. Wallows are playing softly as background noise and if I didn't know we were in Austria I would assume we were in San Diego. It reminds me of the times I visited last year and I love it. It's exactly what I needed after the past few months I've had.

After our talk last night, Bianca and I both feel like we're in a really good spot in our relationship. It killed me to hear what she was saying last night and I hate myself for ever making her feel that way. I have a lot to make up for, even if she says otherwise. I want to make her feel like the most special person in the world, so that's my goal. My plan is that starting today (until she tells me she doesn't want me anymore) I'll spoil the shit out of her. It's a good time to start regardless since it's her birthday week.

My phone goes off with a notification beside me, pulling me from my thoughts. When I pick it up I see it's a message from Lydia.

Lydia: I've secured the goods. You did such a good job, I'm dying!!
Me: Everything looks good?
Lydia: More than good, Lan. She's going to love it all!

I can't help but smile. This morning while Bianca was still asleep I did some online shopping for her birthday gifts. I've been running through ideas for weeks, but since our relationship was up in the air I was holding off on buying anything because I didn't want to make her angry that I bought her something when we weren't "together". Luckily, my personal shopper in Monaco was able to source everything I wanted and Lydia offered to go pick up everything for me since she and Charles flew there last night because she had some appointment later today.

Me: Thank you for picking everything up. I owe you!
Lydia: No you don't. It only took 30 minutes out of my day.
Me: I still owe you. Especially because you're doing more than picking up Bianca's gifts.
Lydia: Speaking of, I spoke to the florist and the bakery this morning. Everything is set to be delivered at their specified times.
Lydia: I've sent all of the evites for both the party and the brunch. Everyone seems to be coming!
Lydia: I'm going to go shopping later for the decorations and fly them out with us tomorrow. Figured it would be easier than buying them there.
Lydia: If you want all of the receipts, Mor has them in her email.
Me: Thank you. You are seriously the best.
Lydia: Anything for you and B. :)

I was so distracted by my texts with Lydia that I didn't realize Bianca and Morgan have gotten out of the pool. It's not until I feel water dripping on me that I look up and see Bianca looking down at me with an annoyed look and I frown, setting my phone down beside me.

"What's wrong, love?" I ask.

"I've been trying to get your attention. Who are you texting?" She asks with a slight accusatory tone and I immediately understand why she seems annoyed.

"Lydia. I ordered something that needed to be picked up in Monaco and she offered to get it for me. She was just letting me know she got it, I promise." I explain and she squeezes her eyes shut in what looks like embarrassment which makes me frown.

"I'm sorry." She says as she sits down on the lounger next to mine, wrapping her body in a towel and silently berating herself.

"Babe, stop. I'm not mad, you have a right to know who I'm texting. The offer to check my phone is still open if you want it, I won't be upset if you do." I tell her, although now thinking about it, I'm not sure I want her checking. One because she'll find out about her party. And two because Sophie did text me only a few days ago. Which reminds me, I still need to tell Bianca about that, but I'm going to wait until after her birthday. No point in ruining her birthday week. But if she wants to check my phone, I will let her.