Art to fall in love with /// Lando Norris

Chapter 5: The Spark Ignites

Cassy woke up the next morning with a sense of euphoria still lingering from the previous night's event. The memory of standing on stage with Lando, surrounded by applause and appreciation, filled her with a warm glow. She stretched, yawning as the morning light streamed into her hotel room.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, interrupting her reverie. It was a text from Lando.

Morning, Cassy! Hope you slept well. If you're up for it, I'd love to show you around London today. Got some cool spots in mind. What do you say?

Cassy couldn't suppress a smile. The prospect of exploring London with Lando was exciting. She quickly typed back.

Morning, Lando! I'd love that. When and where should we meet?

A few moments later, her phone buzzed again.

How about 10 AM at the hotel lobby? We can grab some breakfast first. See you then!

Cassy glanced at the clock—she had a couple of hours to get ready. She hopped out of bed, showered, and picked out a casual yet stylish outfit: a pair of jeans, a comfortable blouse, and a light jacket. After a quick breakfast at the hotel restaurant, she headed to the lobby, her heart fluttering with anticipation.

Lando was already there, waiting with a grin on his face. "Hey, Cassy! Ready for a day of adventure?"

"Absolutely," she replied, her excitement matching his. "Where are we going first?"

"I figured we'd start with a classic London breakfast spot," Lando suggested. "Then, we can hit some of the touristy places and a few of my personal favorites."

They set off, walking through the bustling streets of London. Their first stop was a charming café with a cozy, rustic vibe. Over a delicious breakfast of scones, eggs, and tea, they chatted about everything from their favorite movies to their childhood memories. Cassy found herself opening up to Lando more than she had with anyone in a long time.

After breakfast, they explored some of London's most iconic landmarks. They visited Buckingham Palace, took photos near Big Ben, and strolled through Hyde Park. As they wandered through the city, Cassy couldn't help but notice how easy it was to be around Lando. His friendly demeanor and genuine interest in her made her feel comfortable and at ease.

By early afternoon, they found themselves in a quieter part of the city, away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist spots. Lando led her to a quaint little bookstore tucked away in a side street.

"This place is one of my favorites," Lando said, holding the door open for her. "I come here whenever I need to unwind. It's got a great selection of books and the best hot chocolate in town."

Cassy's eyes lit up as she stepped inside. The bookstore had a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, with shelves lined with books of all genres and comfortable chairs scattered around. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and hot chocolate filled the air.

They spent the next hour browsing through the shelves, occasionally showing each other interesting finds. Cassy picked up a few art books, while Lando gravitated toward a mix of racing memoirs and science fiction novels. They eventually settled in a cozy corner with their chosen books and a couple of steaming mugs of hot chocolate.

As they sipped their drinks, Lando glanced over at Cassy. "So, what's next for you, Cassy? Any big plans after this?"

Cassy thought for a moment. "Well, I want to keep working on my designs and see where this collaboration with McLaren takes me. But beyond that, I'm not sure. Everything has been happening so fast."

"I get that," Lando said, nodding. "It can be overwhelming when things change so quickly. But you've got a real talent, Cassy. I'm sure whatever you decide to do, you'll be amazing at it."

"Thanks, Lando," Cassy replied, feeling a warmth in her chest at his words. "That means a lot coming from you."

They fell into a comfortable silence, both absorbed in their books and the cozy atmosphere. After a while, Lando closed his book and looked at Cassy with a thoughtful expression.

"You know, Cassy," he began slowly, "I've really enjoyed getting to know you. Not just because of your talent, but because of who you are. You're genuine, passionate, and incredibly kind. I feel like we've got something special here."

Cassy's heart skipped a beat. She looked up from her book, meeting Lando's earnest gaze. "I feel the same way, Lando. You've been so supportive and encouraging. I've never felt this comfortable with someone before."

Lando smiled, a hint of nervousness in his eyes. "I don't want to rush things, but I was wondering if you'd like to spend more time together, outside of work. Maybe see where this goes?"

Cassy felt a rush of emotions—excitement, hope, and a little bit of fear. But above all, she felt a deep sense of connection with Lando, one that she didn't want to ignore. She took a deep breath and nodded. "I'd like that, Lando. I'd like that a lot."

Lando's smile widened, relief and happiness evident on his face. "Great. Let's take it one step at a time and see where it leads us."

They spent the rest of the afternoon exploring more of London, their conversation flowing easily as they talked about their hopes and dreams. By the time they returned to the hotel, the sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the city.

As they stood outside the hotel, Lando turned to Cassy, a soft expression on his face. "Thanks for spending the day with me, Cassy. I had a great time."

"Me too, Lando," Cassy replied, feeling a sense of contentment she hadn't felt in a long time. "I'm looking forward to whatever comes next."

They said their goodbyes, and Cassy headed up to her room, her mind buzzing with the events of the day. She felt a sense of anticipation for the future, excited to see where her budding relationship with Lando might lead.

As she lay in bed that night, Cassy couldn't help but smile. Her journey with Lando had started with a simple notebook of designs, but it had grown into something much more profound. She felt a sense of hope and happiness, knowing that she was embarking on a new chapter of her life—one filled with creativity, friendship, and the promise of something more.

With thoughts of Lando and their day together filling her mind, Cassy drifted off to sleep, dreaming of the adventures yet to come.