Chance Encounter || LANDO NORRIS

06. interesting...

(Friday, less than 24 hours before Lilith meets the drivers in person)

Lilith stretched out on her bed, phone in hand, as she waited for Ian to pick up. It had been a while since they'd last caught up, and she was eager to hear what was going on in his life.

After a few rings, Ian's familiar voice finally came through.

"Lilith! It's been ages. How are you doing?"

The girl grinned, settling into a more comfortable position. "I'm good, just busy with everything, you know? But enough about me. How's life treating you?"

"Oh, you know," Ian started with a playful tone, "same old, same old. Work's a mess, but what's new? How about you? Anything exciting going on?

Lilith bit her lip, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Well, there might be something... interesting."

Ian caught the change in her tone immediately. "Interesting, huh? Spill."

"Okay, but promise you won't freak out."

"I make no promises, spill!"

She laughed, taking a deep breath before continuing. "So, you know how I've been hanging out with Lando and the guys lately, right? Well, I might've... sorta... been spending quite a lot of time with Lando."

There was a brief pause on the other end before Ian's voice came through, sounding a bit more serious. "Wait, are you saying what I think you're saying?"

Lilith hesitated, but then nodded, even though Ian couldn't see her. "I think I like him, Ian. Like, really like him."

The silence that followed was thick with anticipation until Ian finally broke it with a laugh. "Oh my God, Lils! This is huge! You and Lando Norris, huh? I never saw that coming!"

She couldn't help but giggle at his reaction. "I know, right? It's crazy. But he's so different from what I expected. He's sweet, funny, and just... easy to be around."

"I'm not surprised," Ian said, still laughing. "Lando... well, he's definitely more than just a racer."

Lilith's smile softened as she thought about Lando. "Yeah, he really is."

"So, have you two talked about it? Where is this going?"

"Not really," she admitted. "We've spent time together, just hanging out, but we haven't really talked about... us."

Ian made a humming noise, clearly thinking. "You know what? I'm officially shipping this. You two would be so cute together. Just imagine it—'Lilith and Lando: The Dynamic Duo!' I'm already seeing the fan edits!"

Lilith rolled her eyes, but she couldn't deny the warmth spreading through her at Ian's enthusiasm. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Ian. It's still early days."

"Early days, but promising," Ian countered. "Seriously, though, you deserve someone who makes you happy. And if Lando's that guy, then I'm all for it."

Her heart swelled with affection for her best friend. "Thanks, Ian. That means a lot."

"Anytime, Lilith. Just promise you'll keep me updated, okay? I need to know if this ship sets sail!"

She laughed, feeling lighter than she had in days. "I promise. You'll be the first to know. But I do have something else to tell you..."

"Talk to me!!" Ian squealed excitedly into the mic of his phone as Lilith let out a vibrant giggle. 

Lilith bit her lip, holding back a grin. "I'm meeting the drivers tomorrow."

"Wait, what? Like, the drivers? That's a plural. Formula 1?" Ian's voice shot up an octave in excitement.

"Yup, six of them though. We've been chatting for a while now, but tomorrow's the big day."

Ian let out a dramatic gasp. "Lils, you better mention me at least once! I want to be the star of your conversation. And if anyone asks about me, make me sound good. Like, really good."

She laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, don't worry. I already told them you abuse me in your free time."

Ian burst out laughing. "Of course, you did. Gotta keep my reputation intact, huh?"

"Obviously," Lilith teased, her grin widening. "But seriously, Ian, I'm kind of nervous about it. What if it's awkward?"

"It won't be. Just be yourself. They're probably just as excited to meet you as you are to meet them. And who knows, maybe something good will come out of it... especially with a certain British driver?"

Lilith rolled her eyes playfully, though her heart fluttered at the thought. "You're impossible."

"I'm just saying, you never know. But whatever happens, just enjoy it. And make sure you call me right after to tell me everything."

"Deal," she agreed. "But only if you promise to keep me updated."

"Deal," Ian chuckled. "Now go get some sleep, you've got a big day tomorrow."

"Yeah, yeah. Goodnight, Ian."

"Goodnight, Lilith."

As Lilith hung up, she couldn't help but smile. Tomorrow was going to be interesting, to say the least.

She couldn't shake the thought that this was going to be more than just a meet-and-greet.

Something about it felt... different, and she couldn't help but wonder if Lando had anything to do with that. There was something about the way he'd been interacting with her, the way he made her feel seen, that had her heart racing.

Author 🏎💨💨
Tysm for reading this chapter, I hope you enjoyed it, and plz remember to support this book by commenting and voting whenever possible.

I might not be able to post as much bc I have exams coming up soon. But I will try my best to make sure that I can publish once or twice a week.
(Lando bring out in q1 tho!?!? 😕)

Bye loves xx 🤍🤍