Behind the Pit Wall: Jamie Albon's Challenge // Lando Norris // F1

Chapter 33: Stubborn Hearts Collide

Lando stared out the window of his apartment, his thoughts consumed by the argument with Jamie earlier that morning. The frustration of their encounter still clung to him, refusing to let go. He couldn't understand why things had gotten so complicated between them. They had always bickered, sure, but it had never been like this—never this intense, never this... painful.

The truth was, Jamie had always been different. She wasn't like the other girls he met—she never fawned over him or let him get away with anything. She called him out on his bullshit and pushed back when he tried to get under her skin. It was frustrating as hell, but it was also why he couldn't just walk away.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair as he pulled out his phone. He needed to talk to someone, and as much as he hated admitting it, Alex was the only one who might understand. He scrolled through his contacts and sent a quick message.

Lando: Hey, mate. I need your help. Jamie's driving me mad, and I don't know how to get through to her.

He hit send and tossed his phone onto the couch, pacing the room as he waited for a reply. It didn't take long for his phone to buzz.

Alex: What happened?

Lando picked up his phone, feeling a surge of relief that Alex hadn't just brushed him off. He quickly typed out a response, explaining the situation—or at least, as much of it as he could fit into a few short sentences.

Lando: We ran into each other this morning, and it turned into an argument. She's ignoring me, and I don't know what to do. I can't just let it go.

There was a pause, and Lando could almost feel Alex thinking on the other end of the line. Then, another message came through.

Alex: We're going apartment hunting today. Rebecca's coming with us, so Jamie will be on her own. Maybe you can catch her then, but be careful, okay? She's still upset.

Lando read the message, a sense of determination settling over him. This was his chance. He didn't want to upset Jamie further, but he couldn't just let her keep ignoring him. He needed to make her see that they had to talk, that they couldn't keep going like this.

Lando: Thanks, Alex. I'll try to catch her. I just want to talk, I promise.

After sending the message, Lando quickly jumped into the shower, hoping it would help clear his head. He needed to be focused, calm, and—most importantly—determined. He couldn't let Jamie slip away from him, not again. He had to find a way to break through her walls, no matter how stubborn she was being.

Meanwhile, Alex and Carlos were getting ready to leave for their apartment hunt. The atmosphere in Carlos's apartment was relaxed, with Rebecca and Jamie chatting in the living room while the boys prepared. Alex joined them, his thoughts lingering on the conversation he'd just had with Lando. He knew Lando wasn't perfect, and he definitely didn't want Jamie to get hurt, but he also knew that things between them couldn't stay like this.

"Rebecca," Alex called out casually, "do you mind coming along with us today? You've got a good eye for this sort of thing."

Rebecca smiled and nodded. "Of course, I'd love to help. What about you, Jamie? Are you coming with us?"

Jamie looked up, considering the offer for a moment. "I'm not sure... I still don't know if I want to move here."

Alex smiled gently, understanding her hesitation. "Don't worry about it. You've got some shopping to do for me anyway, remember?"

Jamie sighed, accepting that Alex was right. "Alright, I'll take care of it. Just don't make any impulsive decisions without me."

Alex chuckled. "I wouldn't dream of it."