Thanks to Norris

parr 24- Dinner

You – POV

The sun was setting over Monaco, casting a warm orange glow over the narrow streets as I started Charles' Ferrari with Josi beside me. She was already rummaging through the glove box like she lived in this car. Typical Josi—comfortable everywhere, even in a multimillion-dollar machine she doesn't own.

Josi: "God, this car still smells like him."

Y/n: "Who?"

She grinned.

Josi: "You know who. Him."

I roll my eyes, flicking the turn signal as we glide out onto the road.

Y/n: "If you mean Charles, you can say it. You've had a crush on him since he was like... sixteen."

Josi: "And I'm still not over it. But also, you live with him for the weekend, sooo I don't know if that's weird or a dream come true."

Y/n: "Please stop talking."

We both laugh. But somewhere inside, I was still mentally preparing myself for tonight. The fact that he—Lando—would be there, made my stomach twist. I didn't invite him. I didn't want him there. But he somehow always found his way into rooms I was trying to breathe freely in.

We pulled up to the restaurant. Max was already waiting outside, leaning against the wall in a hoodie and cap, looking like every F1 fanboy that didn't want to be recognized in public. And next to him, of course, was Lando.

They both spotted us. Josi squealed and waved, unbothered. I, on the other hand, sighed so hard I fogged up the window.

Josi: "Come on. Max looks excited. Lando... looks like he's trying to act normal and failing."

Y/n: "Wow. Your observation skills are still terrifying."

We stepped out of the car. Max immediately walked over and hugged both of us like it had been years. Lando kept his distance until Josi opened her arms toward him.

Josi: "Landooo. Long time no see, troublemaker."

He smiled softly and hugged her.

Lando: "Still taller than me, huh?"

Josi: "Still lying to girls about your height, huh?"

They both laughed.

I stood by the passenger side door, arms crossed, not sure if I was annoyed or impressed by how naturally they picked up where they left off. Max walked over to me.

Max: "Still not talking?"

Y/n: "Still not talking about it."

He gave me that 'fair enough' look and threw his arm over my shoulder as we walked into the restaurant.

Inside, it was quiet—low lights, wine glasses clinking softly, white linen everything. The hostess knew our names and walked us straight to a cozy table by the window.

I sat between Max and Josi. Lando ended up across from me. Of course.

We ordered drinks and food. Small talk started flowing. Josi was doing most of the talking, telling the boys about her modeling trip to Tokyo and a wardrobe malfunction in Paris.

Lando was laughing, genuinely, and looking at her the way I hated. Like she was a safe version of me.

Y/n: "Max, didn't you say you had some new sim setup at home?"