Lando Norris has known Stephania Anderson almost his whole life, but the childhood friends had a rough falling out when she started dating his then teammate. Now four years later, he finds himself back in her life and he has to deal with the feelin...
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48. Almost Love
The sun rose over the luxurious villa in Greece, casting a warm, golden light over the final day of their vacation. The sprawling view of the aegean sea from the villa was breathtaking, yet it did little to lift the heavy mood that had settled over Stephania and Lando. After the awkward interruption from Daniel and George, they had agreed to avoid any further physical entanglements, and their unspoken agreement had transformed into an almost palpable tension between them.
The day had been a test of their resolve. Every glance, every fleeting touch, seemed to carry an undercurrent of longing and frustration. Their eyes frequently met across the room, each one a silent testament to their desire, their mutual yearning. It was as if they were engaged in a game of unspoken communication, each look and gesture laden with meaning that neither could fully articulate.
Despite the breathtaking surroundings and the allure of the sunny paradise they found themselves in, the reality of their situation was inescapable. The end of their vacation loomed like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over their last day together. Tomorrow, they would part ways—Stephania heading to Copenhagen to visit her family, and Lando returning to Woking. They wouldn't see each other again until they were back at work in Zandvoort, where their complicated situation and the mess of their little secret would need to be faced.
Throughout the day, they tried to immerse themselves in the beauty of their surroundings, attempting to ignore the heaviness in their hearts. They engaged in casual conversations with their friends, attempted to enjoy the last of their sun-soaked days, and even took part in some lighthearted activities. Yet, every moment was tinged with the awareness of what was coming—the inevitable conversation that they both knew they had to have.
As evening approached, the villa began to quiet down. Their friends had left to explore one last corner of the island, leaving Stephania and Lando alone with their thoughts. They found themselves on the terrace, the fading light of the sunset casting a warm glow over them. The air was filled with the faint scent of the ocean, but the beauty of the scene did little to alleviate the underlying tension.
Stephania sat on one of the lounge chairs, her gaze fixed on the horizon. Her mind was racing, contemplating the reality of their situation—the impending separation, the complexities of their relationship, and the conversation that awaited them. Lando, leaning against the railing, watched her, his thoughts mirroring hers.
The silence between them was heavy, punctuated only by the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore. Finally, Lando broke the silence, his voice soft but filled with resolve. "We need to talk," he said, his tone carrying the weight of their shared realization.
Stephania looked up at him, her heart sinking at the inevitability of the conversation they had both been dreading. "I know," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "We do."
