Loves A Thief

29

After setting up my things in Mason's room—our room now—I walk into the living room. Mason is sitting on the couch, texting. I sit down beside him and rest my head on his chest. It feels good to be close to someone who actually cares. I haven't felt this kind of warmth in a long time.

"Who are you texting?" I murmur, tracing little shapes on his chest with my fingers.

"Lando," he says quietly, his fingers gently brushing my arm as he keeps typing. I pull back, confused, and stare at him.

"You're talking again?" I ask, staring at him. He looks up, meets my eyes for a second, and then nods. I haven't told Mason about what happened that night at Lando's apartment—it's a secret I've kept, something that keeps gnawing at me.

"Yeah, he texted me this morning. We've been talking all day," Mason says, still focused on his phone. "He's inviting me to Belgium for the race, and he wants to know if you can come too."

I frown, taken aback. After everything that happened between us, why would Lando want me there?

"Are you sure he really wants me there? Isn't that a little weird?" I ask, frowning. Mason looks at me, then shrugs.

"He does, trust me. He keeps asking if you're coming," he says with a smirk. "And honestly, I want you there too. I want to show everyone my gorgeous girl."

I bite my lip, feeling uneasy. The thought of walking into the paddock with Mason makes my stomach twist. The backlash I've already gotten for moving on too quickly has been brutal. Showing up at the McLaren garage with him? That would just add fuel to the fire.

"But we aren't even dating yet," I say, looking at him. He chuckles, glancing up from his phone.

"Not dating? I thought it was pretty clear. I assumed you knew," he says with a smirk. I shake my head, running my fingers through my hair.

Mason puts his phone down and looks at me with a serious expression. "Well, then, Evie, do you want to be my girlfriend?"

I try to keep a smile, though I'm a bit disappointed. I'd imagined this moment happening in a more special setting—a restaurant, maybe, or at the beach, not here on the couch in a jumper and messy bun. Still, I nod.

"Uh, yes, of course," I reply, forcing a smile. Mason lifts my chin gently and presses his lips to mine, his kiss soft and reassuring. He pulls back, smiling at me before picking up his phone once more.

"So, about the race—are you coming?" he asks, and I nod, though my smile fades.

"Alright, baby," he says with a smirk, pulling me close. He wraps an arm around me and starts caressing my back, his touch warm and comforting.

|~~~~~|

We soon arrive in Belgium, where Lando's family lives. Since his mother is from here, he's spending the weekend at his family home and insisted that Mason and I stay with them as well. Given how our last visit went, I'm already bracing for the awkwardness.

As we stand at the door, Mason's arm wrapped securely around me, I can feel the tension in the air. I take a deep breath, trying to stay positive despite the uneasy situation.

Lando's parents last saw me with him, and now I'm arriving with Mason, who's my actual boyfriend. I'm anxious about how this will unfold.

"Are you sure it's okay for us to stay here? There are hotels closer to the track. Maybe we should stay there instead," I suggest, turning to Mason. He gently pulls me back by the waist and smiles reassuringly.

"Don't worry about it," Mason says with a reassuring grin. "Lando insisted we stay here, and he did invite us to the race."

Before I can respond, the door opens, revealing Cisca.

"Good afternoon!" she greets us with a warm smile. I manage a nervous smile back while Mason gives her a friendly side hug and starts bringing his suitcase inside. I follow suit, but just as I'm about to step further into the house, Cisca gently places a hand on my arm to stop me.

"Don't worry," Cisca says with a sympathetic smile. "Lando told me about what happened and why you broke up. I'm sorry about my silly boy. I hope it's not too uncomfortable for you to stay here."

I take a moment to consider her words before nodding.

"No, of course it's not awkward. It's fine," I reply, even though I'm not entirely convinced. She gives me an understanding nod and steps aside, allowing me to move further into the house.

"You'll be sharing the room upstairs," Cisca explains. "I'm sorry, but you'll need to share a bathroom with Lando. His bedroom is connected through the bathroom that leads to the guest room."

I try to mask my frustration, but it's clear from my expression that I'm dreading this arrangement. I can't help but feel a surge of irritation toward Mason. Why couldn't we have just stayed at a hotel? The last thing I want is to deal with Lando again.