Mind the Gap

Chapter 16

landonorris: 😬👍🏼

Lando's POV

It's Saturday morning, and the first thing I notice when I wake up is Ana, lying on her side beside me, fast asleep. Her hair is all over the place, but in that perfect messy way. The sun's creeping through the curtains, casting this soft glow on her face, and she smells like her shower gel—the one I definitely used last night. I grin, pulling her close, inhaling that fresh, floral scent that's becoming a bit of a comfort to me.

I can't feel my heart. 

I shift, wrapping my arm around her waist and pulling her into me. She stirs slightly, but doesn't wake. No rush today. No races, no pressure. Just me and Ana, and it feels perfect.

We've got plans. Lunch with Carlos at his place. It's been a while since we've properly hung out—off the track and without the madness. The best part? Ana's coming with me. She and Carlos haven't spent much time together, so it'll be a good day. A proper race-free Saturday.

We get ready at a chilled pace—no rush. Ana's flicking through her phone while I finish my coffee, looking relaxed but focused. We've got a bit of a drive ahead, about thirty minutes depending on the traffic, but I'm looking forward to catching up with Carlos.

As we drive, Ana tells me about some work updates and how Mia's planning something big for her team. Mia always sounds like a character, and I think I'd like her, just from the way Ana talks about her. The conversation makes the traffic bearable, and before we know it, we pull up at Carlos' place.

His house is classic Carlos—stylish, clean lines, but not too over-the-top. Carlos is already at the door when we arrive, grinning in his usual easygoing way.

"Finally!" he says, pulling me into a quick hug before turning to Ana with that trademark Sainz charm. "Ana, good to see you. Ready for a proper Spanish lunch?"

Ana laughs, already easing into the banter. "I've heard a lot about your cooking. Let's see if it lives up to the hype."

Carlos smirks. "Oh, the pressure's on, but trust me, I won't disappoint. Come on in!"

We head inside and straight to the kitchen, where Carlos and I start prepping lunch. We fall into our usual routine—me chopping, him working the grill. Ana sets the table but joins in on the banter every now and then, laughing at our back-and-forth. It's easy, comfortable—like we've been doing this for ages.

At one point, Carlos glances over at me, his expression shifting slightly. "Lando, we need to talk. About Lucas."

I pause, lowering my voice so Ana doesn't catch on. "What about him?"

Carlos sets down the tongs, lowering his voice. "I've heard things. He's seriously into Ana, more than just a casual thing. This isn't some harmless crush."

I frown, feeling my grip tighten on the knife. "Yeah, I figured. He's been pretty relentless."

Carlos sighs, leaning in a bit closer. "I've got a source, someone close to his circle. Apparently, Lucas has been talking about Ana a lot. Maybe that's why he was beside her all night long few weeks ago 'no?"

I shake my head, trying to control the frustration building inside me. "Great. That's exactly what I didn't want to hear."

Carlos gives me a sympathetic look. "Look, mate, I get it. It's a tough situation. But the jealousy? You've got to keep it in check. What happened last weekend with Lewis? You can't let that happen again. You're not in a race here."

I rub the back of my neck, nodding. "I know. It's just hard not to feel like I'm constantly in competition—even off the track."

Carlos pats my shoulder. "Lando, listen. Ana's with you, not him. That's all that matters. You've won this one already, mate. Trust her, and trust that she knows what she's doing."

I exhale, taking in his words. "Yeah, you're right. I don't want to be that guy who lets jealousy ruin something good."

Carlos grins, picking up the tongs again. "Exactly. And if Lucas tries anything, I'm two friends away from him. We'll deal with him if we have to."

I laugh, feeling the tension ease. "Thanks, mate. Appreciate it."

Just then, Ana walks back into the kitchen, narrowing her eyes playfully. "What are you two whispering about?"

Carlos smirks, flipping a pepper on the grill. "Nothing you need to worry about. Just giving Lando here some brotherly advice."

Ana raises an eyebrow at me. "Advice, huh? Should I be concerned?"

I chuckle, shaking my head. "Nope. All good. Just guy talk."

She looks between the two of us and smirks, clearly not buying it. "Well, since we're on the topic of advice, Carlos, I've got something for you."

Carlos looks intrigued, his eyebrows raised. "Oh? What's that?"

Ana crosses her arms, a playful smile on her lips. "How do you feel about a blind date? I've got someone in mind who's perfect for you."

Carlos gives her a skeptical look, but there's amusement in his eyes. "A blind date? Alright, I'll bite. Who's the unlucky lady?"

Ana laughs, shaking her head. "You'll find out if you say yes."

Carlos chuckles, glancing at me for backup. "Lando, is she setting me up for something here?"

I hold up my hands in surrender. "I'm staying out of this one, mate."

Ana grins. "It's a proper setup, trust me. You'll thank me later."

Carlos smirks, still not entirely convinced but clearly up for the challenge. "Alright, fine. Set it up. But if this goes sideways, I'm holding you responsible."

Ana laughs. "Deal."

Lunch is amazing, like I knew it would be. Carlos is a legend with the grill, and the food is perfect. We spend the afternoon hanging out, catching up on everything from racing to random life stuff. It's been a while since I've had a day like this, just relaxing with no rush, no deadlines. It feels good.

Carlos and Ana hit it off, too. It's easy between them, with plenty of banter and shared stories. I knew they'd get along, but seeing it in real time makes me feel good. Like two important parts of my life are coming together, and it just works.

As we sit on Carlos' patio, the sun dipping lower in the sky, I feel a wave of contentment. Carlos is telling some ridiculous story from our karting days, making Ana laugh, and I just sit back, soaking it all in. No drama, no stress—just good food, good company, and a perfect Saturday.