LIGHTS OUT - A Lando Norris fanfic

Chapter Eighteen

Author's Note: Mature content warning (just saying it once now, because really the whole book has a mature content warning)

The morning sun bathed the lush greens of the golf course in a golden hue, casting long shadows as Lando, Zak Brown, and Carlos Sainz made their way to the first tee at a prestigious Miami golf club. The air was filled with the crisp scent of freshly cut grass, and the distant murmur of waves crashing against the nearby shore added to the serene backdrop.

As they approached the tee box, Zak clapped Lando on the shoulder with a grin. "Alright, Lando, show us what you've got. Carlos, you ready to lose some balls today?"

Carlos chuckled, adjusting his cap. "We'll see about that, Zak. Lando's been practicing, haven't you?"

Lando shrugged nonchalantly, setting up his ball with precision. "A bit. Let's hope it pays off."

With a smooth swing, Lando sent the ball soaring down the fairway, earning a nod of approval from Zak. As they moved along the course, the conversation turned to lighter topics.

Out of earshot of Zak, Carlos leaned in closer to Lando, his expression curious yet concerned. "Hey mate, how's everything going with Florence?"

Lando glanced around discreetly before replying in a lowered voice. "It's... complicated. We had a good night together after my brother's wedding, but she's hesitant. Afraid of mixing work with romance, you know?"

Carlos nodded understandingly, lining up his shot. "Ah, I see. That can be tricky. But you're hopeful?"

Lando nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, I think she's just trying to protect herself. I get it, but... I really like her, Carlos."

Carlos clapped him on the back supportively. "Just give her time, mate. She'll come around. Sometimes these things take a bit of patience."

As they continued their round, the banter flowed effortlessly, interspersed with good-natured competition and occasional advice on golf swings. The Miami skyline loomed in the distance, a testament to the vibrant city awaiting them for the upcoming Grand Prix.

***

The Miami sun cast a golden hue over the bustling Grand Prix circuit as Florence navigated her way through the throngs of people, her heart racing with anticipation.

It had been just a couple days since she had last seen Lando, since the whirlwind of his brother's wedding had swept them into a brief but unforgettable encounter. She had arrived at the Miami GP with the rest of her team on Tuesday evening, having checked into the Miami Hilton just the night before. The drivers were staying at the same hotel's penthouse suites, but had made their own way there on private jets. Lando had come early to Miami to spend Monday playing golf with Zak.

"Alright, team," Florence called out, her voice cutting through the din of activity. "Let's stick to the plan. Rocket League shoot first, everyone on point."

Lando's gaze lingered on Florence as she spoke, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes. Florence felt a familiar flutter in her chest but quickly focused on her tasks, determined to keep things strictly professional.

The morning began with a shoot for Rocket League, where Lando and Daniel were set to film an ad for the popular game. Florence, in her role as liaison with the sponsor, busied herself with ensuring everything ran smoothly, her marketing team working tirelessly to capture behind-the-scenes footage of the shoot.

When the shoot finally wrapped, Lando seized the opportunity to steal a moment alone with Florence behind the equipment cases.

"Hey there," he whispered, his lips curling into a teasing smile. "Miss me?"