The Secret of Us // Oscar Piastri

34

On the flight to Italy, Audrey slept the whole time and Casey and Rowan watched a few of the Monster Inc. movies. Casey was excited for her birthday, but she was also dreading seeing Oscar. Her head had been all over the place with what Lando had said to her, and she just didn't know what to do about him right now.

She really regretted deciding to have her birthday in Italy now, with how she was with Oscar and how Audrey was with Lando. The only plus was that she'd get to celebrate her birthday with George, which she hadn't since they were kids.

It had taken a bit of conniving to get Audrey to come, but Casey felt like it was going to be good for her. Audrey hadn't been able to let loose since everything happened, and now was her chance to. Maybe she could even find someone to get over Lando with

Casey felt like the trip was going to be good for Audrey. She hadn't been able to let loose since everything happened, and now was her chance to. Maybe she could even find someone to get over Lando with. However, it had taken a bit of convincing to get her to come.

"Come on, Audrey." Casey pleased on the end of Audrey's bed. "Everything's already booked and it wouldn't be right to do it without you." She said, her on her friend's shoulder. "I don't want to see him." Audrey told her, her voice soft. "And I promise that you won't have to." Casey said, a sympathetic look on her face. "He's not even going to be there. I uninvited him, and I told George to tell him as much."Audrey looked over her shoulder at Casey's words. "Will there be cake?" She asked. "Yes." Casey chuckled. "But Rowan was in charge of getting it, so watch it be something weird and disgusting." She added. "Heard that!" Rowan's voice sounded from the living room, making both girls chuckle in response. "That's only the party, though." Audrey said, her face more serious now. "What about in the paddock?" She asked. "We'll be in the Mercedes garage and hospitality, he won't get anywhere near you." Casey told her as she squeezed her shoulder, making Audrey smile slightly.

It really wouldn't have felt right to do it without her, so Casey was really happy that she'd decided to come. Even if she was currently making Casey carry her suitcase through the airport. "Casey, hurry up." Audrey called out from in-front of her, making her roll her eyes. "Coming!" She said, trying to not trip over the two suitcases she had in her hands.

"What are we doing tonight?" Rowan asked with a snack in his hand, having already found a vending machine even though they only just landed. "Dinner with George and Carmen." Casey said as they walked out of the airport. "Just how I want to spend a Thursday night." Rowan said, sarcasm dripping off his words.

"I thought you liked my brother?" Casey asked, putting the suitcases into the back of the Uber Audrey had ordered. "It's Italy, I thought we'd be going out drinking or something." He said as they got into the back of the Uber. "You can have wine at dinner?" Casey offered and watched as Rowan rolled his eyes.

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"How's the birthday girl?" George asked, getting up to hug her as soon she reached the table. "It's not my birthday until Sunday." Casey told him with a smile as she pulled away from his embrace. "And we can't wait for your party." Carmen said as Casey sat down at the table. "Neither can I. I'm glad you guys are going to be there this year." Casey told them, looking between her brother and his girlfriend.

"Us too." George said, picking up a menu. "Does this place do pizza?" Rowan asked as he grabbed a menu, making the whole table look at him. "Ro, we're in Italy." Audrey told him. "I'd imagine even the gas stations do pizza."

"Are you coming to Monaco?" George asked Casey, diverting everyones attention away from Rowan. "I wish I could, but I'm in Spain for the tour." Casey answered him. "Not to mention that I want to stay as far away from Lando as possible." Audrey said, making George send her an apologetic smile.