LIGHTS OUT - A Lando Norris fanfic

Chapter Twenty

Piper's airplane descended smoothly into Monaco, the picturesque Mediterranean coastline glistening under the warm evening sun. Florence waited at the the arrivals gate anticipating her friend approaching. She had told Piper she would be taking a separate flight in from Miami due to work delays. A lie Piper seemed to have easily believed.

As she waited Florence's phone buzzed with a message. She glanced at it, a smile playing on her lips as she read Lando's text.

Lando: Hey, sorry again I couldn't come with you to get Piper today and for missing out on the gallery tour tomorrow. I'm so looking forward to meet her!  Would've rearranged things if I could!

Fleur: haha I should be the one apologising, was my idea for you to work with this brand 😆. But don't worry, Charles is excited to show us around.

Lando: You sure you can't keep staying with me though? I was getting used to having you around.

Fleur: Not if we don't want people to get suspicious

Lando: Yeah, I get it. Just miss you, that's all, and as happy as I am for this trip you guys have all organised I'm looking forward to having you back at my place after x

Fleur: Me too 😘

Florence slipped her phone back into her bag as Piper stepped out of the arrivals area, her face lighting up at the sight of her friend.

"Fleur!" Piper called out, waving excitedly.

"Piper, you made it!" Florence exclaimed, rushing forward to hug her. "How was your flight?"

"Long, but I'm just glad to be here," Piper replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

As they caught up a sleek black car pulled up in front of them. The driver stepped out, opening the door with a polite nod. "Mr. Leclerc sent me to pick you up," he said.

Florence and Piper exchanged excited glances before sliding into the plush interior. The drive through Monaco was as breathtaking as they had imagined, the narrow streets winding between elegant buildings and stunning views of the sea. When they arrived at Charles' place, they were greeted by an impressive sight. The apartment was situated on a hillside, offering a panoramic view of the city and the shimmering water beyond.

Charles himself stood at the entrance, a welcoming smile on his face."Welcome to Monaco!" he said, stepping forward to embrace Florence and then shaking hands with Piper. "It's so good to see you both."

The interior of Charles' home was just as impressive as the exterior. Modern yet cozy, with tasteful art pieces adorning the walls and large windows flooding the space with natural light.

He showed them to their rooms, giving them a chance to freshen up before gathering in the living room.

"It's beautiful here," Piper said, her eyes wide with wonder. "Thank you for having us, Charles."

"Of course," Charles replied, leading them to sit down. "I'm glad you could make it, although next time you have to give me more than just a couple days." Charles said, offering her a glass of wine.

"Blame this one, she's too busy curating paintings to go on holiday with me," quipped Florence.

"Oh yea, you work for a gallery in London right?" Charles asked.

Piper smiled, accepting the glass. "Yea, I studied art history and now working at an art gallery in London."

"You have? I enjoy art but now I'm even more excited to be going to the galleries with you, mind if I pick your brain tomorrow?" Charles asked.