Lucky number 4

Him

He is here? In Italy? At the Autodromo Nazionale Monza? I think I'm going to faint. I jump up from the couch, causing a few curious glances from the company I'm with.

I fake a smile. "I'm going to the restroom". Without waiting for a reply, I dodge out of the private area and into the elevators. Once the elevators close, my knees buckle, and I sink towards the floor. I hug my knees to my chest and stare at the message on my phone. He is here.

The elevator pings when I reach the 100th  floor. Getting up I make my way to the restrooms and the privacy of a stall.

I fumble with my phone and the buzzing in my ears.

Rodeo

KAYA OOMEN

He's here

It takes only a few seconds for Menno to respond.

MENNO RHODES

Who?

KAYA OOMEN

My supervisor

MENNO RHODES

Wtf!

What is he doing here?

I sent him a screenshot of the message he sent me.

MENNO RHODES

The guy is a fucking psychopath!

KAYA OOMEN

Men, I'm freaking out

MENNO RHODES

Go outside

I'll be there in 5

I make my way back to the rooftop and search for Lando. He is still with his friends and smiles at something Max is saying. His face drops when our gazes meet. I plaster on my most convincing smile and make my way over to them. Lando's frown only deepens.

"I have to go. A friend will pick me up."

"Did something happen?"

I shake my head. "No nothing to worry about. But I'll call it a night if that's okay."

Lando's expression hardens. "Of course that's okay." I can't decipher his emotions right now, but I don't have the time or state of mind to figure it out. I quickly say goodbye to the others before turning on my heel. The elevators are still open, so I get in without having to wait. When I turn around, I nearly jump out of my skin.

"Lando!" I yell punching him in the chest. "Stop sneaking up on people, it's really not good for their blood pressures."

Lando's jaw tightens. "What's going on?"

I frown at him in disbelief. "Nothing. I'm being picked up, that's why I'm in a bit of a hurry."

"No, something happened. What is it?"

The doors close behind him with nowhere to hide in the small elevator.

I sigh, staring hard at the wall beside his head. "It's personal, I'd rather not say. But nothing is going on. Just a small inconvenience." I try to sound casual, but I'm afraid I'm not being extremely convincing if the look on Lando's face is any indication.

"How personal?"

I frown at his odd question. "What do you mean?"

"What is it that scared you just then? You were fine one second and the next you looked like you had seen a ghost. Something is freaking you out and I want to know what it is."

"Why do you care?"

Why me?

Lando's expression closes up. He holds up his hands in surrender, "Sorry for caring".

I want to say something more, but the elevator doors open again and there in the lobby is Menno waiting for me.

Lando holds open the doors, forcing me to pass him in the smallest part possible. My brain short circuits being this close to him. I don't like the way his presence makes my head spin. Lando's expression seemed dulled. I feel my own face soften for him. He is being nice, and kind and I can only lie to him.

"Thank you for the evening." I say softer than I'd anticipated. "I surprisingly had a good time, and your friends seem very nice too." Lando smiles, but it doesn't reach his eyes. "See you tomorrow?" I ask, raising my shoulder in uncertainty. I hope I didn't ruin the easy-going vibe we had going on just a few minutes ago.

I wait a tense minute before he sighs and nods his head. "Yeah, see you tomorrow." Lando looks at Menno behind me, nods his head and disappears back into the elevator. I watch the doors close before turning to Menno.

"Did you tell him?"

I sigh, shaking my head. "Of course not."

"Let's go" Menno nods, guiding me towards where he parked his car.