Art to fall in love with /// Lando Norris

Chapter 13: A Day of Recovery

Cassy awoke to the soft morning light filtering through the blinds, casting gentle shadows on the walls of Lando's guest room. She stretched and rubbed her eyes, feeling a bit more herself but still tired from the previous days' events. The sounds of the city outside were muted, giving the apartment a tranquil atmosphere.

Her phone buzzed on the bedside table, jolting her fully awake. She picked it up to see that Sarah, the McLaren manager and good friend, was calling. Cassy took a deep breath and answered, trying to sound as normal as possible.

"Hey, Sarah," Cassy said, forcing a smile into her voice.

"Cassy! How are you doing? How's work going? Have you come up with any new designs for our merchandise?" Sarah's voice was cheerful and energetic, as usual.

Cassy sighed, her shoulders sagging a bit. "Actually, Sarah, something happened. I—uh—I was in the hospital."

"What? Oh my God, Cassy! What happened? Are you okay?" Sarah's tone shifted instantly to concern.

"I'll be fine. Someone spiked my drink at a club, and my friends had to rush me to the hospital. I'm staying with a friend right now to recover," Cassy explained, trying to keep her voice steady.

Sarah was silent for a moment, absorbing the information. "Cassy, that's terrible. I'm so sorry you had to go through that. Please, take all the time you need to recover. Don't worry about work. We can manage without you for a few weeks."

"Thank you, Sarah. I really appreciate it," Cassy replied, feeling a wave of relief wash over her.

"Just focus on getting better, okay? And if you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out," Sarah said warmly.

"I will. Thanks again, Sarah," Cassy said before ending the call.

As she put her phone down, Cassy sniffed the air, noticing an unusual smell. It took her a moment to identify it: something was burning. She quickly got out of bed, feeling a bit unsteady on her feet, and made her way to the kitchen.

The sight that greeted her was both amusing and endearing. Lando was standing by the stove, looking flustered as he tried to salvage a batch of burnt pancakes. The kitchen was filled with a light haze of smoke.

"Lando, what happened?" Cassy asked, a smile tugging at her lips despite the situation.

Lando turned around, looking sheepish. "I thought I'd make us breakfast, but I guess I'm not as good at this as I thought." He waved a hand to clear some of the smoke, his cheeks slightly pink from embarrassment.

Cassy chuckled softly. "Do you need some help?"

"No, no, I've got this. You should sit down," Lando insisted, moving quickly to pull a chair out for her at the kitchen table.

Cassy took the seat, watching as Lando tossed the burnt pancakes into the trash and started over. This time, he seemed more focused and determined. He grabbed a fresh bowl of batter and poured it into the pan with more care.

While the pancakes cooked, Lando sliced up some fruit and arranged it on a plate. He worked with a sort of nervous energy, clearly wanting to make up for his earlier mistake.

A few minutes later, Lando placed a plate of golden-brown pancakes and a bowl of colorful fruit in front of Cassy. "Here we go. Hopefully, these are better."

"They look perfect," Cassy said, smiling up at him.

They ate breakfast together, the atmosphere light and comfortable. Cassy could tell that Lando was still worried about her, but his efforts to make her feel at home were touching. After they finished eating, Cassy felt a renewed sense of energy.

"I think I'll do something productive today," Cassy announced, pushing her chair back and standing up.

"Like what?" Lando asked, his tone cautious.

"Maybe I'll clean up the apartment a bit. I need to move around," Cassy replied, starting to gather the dishes from the table.

Lando immediately stood up and took the dishes from her hands. "You should rest, Cassy. I can handle the cleaning."

Cassy shook her head. "No, I need to do something. Sitting around all day will drive me crazy."

Lando looked hesitant but finally nodded. "Okay, but I'll be keeping an eye on you."

Cassy laughed. "Deal."

She started with the kitchen, wiping down the counters and washing the dishes. Lando hovered nearby, ready to step in if she needed help. Cassy could feel his eyes on her, and while it was a bit amusing, she appreciated his concern.

As she moved from room to room, tidying up and dusting, Lando followed her, sometimes taking over tasks that required more effort. Cassy felt a mix of gratitude and frustration. She understood why he was worried, but she also wanted to prove that she was capable of taking care of herself.

In the living room, Cassy picked up a pile of magazines and began organizing them on the coffee table. Lando watched her closely, his expression a mix of anxiety and admiration.

"You know, you don't have to do all this," Lando said, stepping closer. "You're supposed to be resting."

"I know," Cassy replied, arranging the magazines neatly. "But keeping busy helps me feel more normal. Besides, your apartment could use a little tidying up."

Lando chuckled. "Fair point. I guess I'm not the best housekeeper."

Cassy smiled at him, feeling a warmth in her chest. "It's okay. You're good at other things."

They continued working together, Lando occasionally stepping in to take over when a task seemed too strenuous for Cassy. She appreciated his help, even if she felt a bit like she was being babysat. By the time they finished, the apartment looked spotless, and Cassy felt a sense of accomplishment.

They collapsed onto the couch, both a bit tired but content. Lando looked over at her, a gentle smile on his face. "You did a great job. The place looks amazing."

"Thanks," Cassy said, leaning back and closing her eyes for a moment. "I needed that."

Lando reached out and took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I'm glad you're feeling better. If you need anything, just let me know, okay?"

Cassy opened her eyes and looked at him, her heart swelling with gratitude. "I will. Thank you, Lando. For everything."

Lando's eyes softened. "You don't have to thank me, Cassy. I'm just glad you're here."

In the late afternoon, Lando suggested they take a walk to get some fresh air. Cassy agreed, eager to stretch her legs and enjoy the beautiful weather. They strolled through the nearby park, the sun shining warmly and the scent of blooming flowers in the air.

As they walked, Lando told her more about his racing career, sharing stories of his triumphs and challenges. Cassy listened intently, fascinated by his passion and dedication. She admired his drive and determination, qualities that mirrored her own in many ways.

When they returned to the apartment, Lando suggested they order takeout for dinner. Cassy agreed, feeling too tired to cook after their busy day. They settled on a cozy evening in, enjoying their meal and watching a movie together.

As the night grew late, Cassy felt a sense of contentment and peace that she hadn't felt in a long time. She knew there were still challenges ahead, but with Lando by her side, she felt ready to face them.

Before heading to bed, Lando walked her to her room, a protective look in his eyes. "If you need anything, just call me, okay? I'll be right here."

Cassy smiled and nodded. "I will. Goodnight, Lando."

"Goodnight, Cassy," he replied, giving her hand one last squeeze before heading to his own room.

As Cassy lay in bed, she reflected on the day. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, she felt hopeful for the future. With the support of her friends and Lando's unwavering care, she knew she could overcome anything.

And as she drifted off to sleep, Cassy felt a sense of gratitude for the unexpected journey she was on—a journey that had brought her closer to the people who mattered most and opened her heart to new possibilities.