𝐁 𝐑 𝐄 𝐀 𝐓 𝐇 𝐄 [lando norris x oc]

𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐲-𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞

"That fucking dickhead." Bridget scoffed as she wrapped the bathrobe tighter around herself. "I swear, give me ten minutes with him, he will not be recognized by the public."

Lilly patted her shoulder. "Aggressive. But she's right, what a cunty thing to say."

The three girls had spent the morning debriefing after they all decided to meet at the suite. Bridge had spent the night at Alexia's AirBnB, and Lilly had returned from Max's hotel room wearing his hoodie, so they all had interesting evenings.

Gabi sipped her water. "Like what does that even mean? What did he expect me to say to that? 'Cool, great!'. Like, huh?" She shook her head. "Maybe I overreacted, I didn't mean to start a fight or anything right before his race, but...."

"You reacted perfectly normal." Bridget assured her. "He's the one who was overreacting. It's not like you were asking him to go public or anything, you just didn't want to be called a fuck-buddy, that's a completely normal thing to want."

Lilly perked up. "Yeah, and you should say that to him! Communication is key--clearly you like him so don't just avoid him."

Gabi hummed, not quite believing her friends nor was she convinced of anything. She decided now would be a good time to confess. 

"I talked to Carter last night."

"Okay, what the fuck, Gabi." Bridget put her phone down and glared at her. 

"Uh what?" Lilly said at the same time. 

Gabi held her hands up in defense. "I didn't call or text him first, he reached out to me. I just picked up the phone, that was it."

"Nah, that's fucked." Bridget tightened her lips in disapproval. "Why can't you stay away from him?"

"I'm with Bridge on this one, he fucked you over so many times I'm surprised you don't have him blocked." Lilly agreed. "That's not a good look with Lando, either. I don't know how I'd feel about my current situationship texting his ex right after we argue. 

Gabi sighed. "I know. But talking to him again felt...fine? I mean, it wasn't flirty or anything, just sort of casual."

Lilly raised her eyebrows. "It always starts casual, though, doesn't it? I mean, look at you and Lando. You guys were casually  texting, and now you're having the relationship talk."

"It's different."

"How many times are you going to keep saying that?" 

Gabi went silent. She knew Bridget was right, and she knew that talking to Carter last night was one of the worst things she could do, but Gabi was a weak person. When faced with such distres last night, she ended up making bad decisions that would most certainly come back to haunt her, especially in the midst of such an arguement with Lando. Gabi would never go back to Carter, their relationship had fallen apart after her album took off and he became wildly protective of her--so much to the point where he would hardly let her leave the house or dress how she wanted. Not only that, but he would constantly criticize her career and make her feel like shit. After she'd finally broken things off, he was incredibly hurt and angry toward her and her friends, but after a few months he kept his distance. Gabi could see why her friends didn't want her talking to him again, but if it was just a friendly, casual conversation then what's the worst that could happen?

"You're probably right." She inhaled and rubbed her dreary eyes--she didn't sleep much last night. "I need to figure this whole thing out."

Bridget nodded. "Yes, you do. We can help, that's what we're here for." She gave Gabi a small smile. "We love you."