How Did It End? - Lando Norris

Part 26 - It's just for Audrey

"But I only saw you once in December
I'm still confused"

Lando Norris' POV:

As the birthday party started winding down, I knew my time here was up. Audrey was getting sleepy, and the energy of the day had left us all a little exhausted. I stayed as long as I could, lingering for every extra second with my daughter, but eventually, I knew I had to leave. I bent down, pressing a gentle kiss to her little forehead, feeling that same ache I always felt when I had to say goodbye. She didn't want to let go of my finger, and it nearly broke me, but I managed a smile for her, promising I'd see her soon. Even if I had no idea when that would actually be.

I stood up and walked over to Lily, the words I'd practiced running through my head again. "Thanks for today, Lily. It was... it was really good to see her like this. I'll find a hotel for the night—"

But before I could finish, Lily surprised me. "You don't have to go," she said, her voice a little hesitant, like she wasn't sure she wanted to say it. "You can stay here. It'd be better for Audrey, you know, to have more time with you. Since... since you don't get to see each other as often now."

For a moment, I was too stunned to respond. My first instinct was to read into it, to think maybe this meant something more. But before I could get carried away, she shut it down with that familiar edge in her voice. "Don't think this means I'm forgiving you, Lando. It's not that. I just... I want her to have time with you. Don't make more of this than it is."

Her words stung, a reminder of just how deep the rift between us still was, but I nodded, swallowing down my disappointment. "I get it, Lily. I won't read into it. It's just for Audrey, I know."

She gave a small nod, crossing her arms over her chest like she was putting up a shield between us. It felt like I was standing on thin ice, every step cautious, knowing how easily it could crack. But even with the tension hanging between us, I couldn't help but be grateful. It was another chance, no matter how small, to be here for my daughter. And right now, that was more than I could have hoped for.

I grabbed my bag from near the door and followed Lily inside, past the remnants of the birthday celebration. It felt surreal to be in this space with her again, in this house that was not our home. But as I glanced over at Audrey, snuggled up on the couch with her sleepy eyes, I reminded myself that tonight, it wasn't about Lily and me. It was about the little girl who still held both our hearts, even if we'd managed to break each other's.

Lily Lawton's POV:

As the house quieted down after the party, I found myself standing by the kitchen counter, staring at nothing in particular. My mind was a mess of thoughts, tangled and jumbled, but one kept coming back again and again. Had I done the right thing by letting Lando stay the night? Had I done the right thing... with any of this?

I thought of Audrey, her face lighting up when she saw Lando walk in earlier, her small arms reaching out toward him like he was her whole world. And, in some ways, I guess he was. They have this bond that's so natural, like she's just drawn to him. And no matter what I might feel toward him, I can't deny that seeing her smile like that—it did something to me.

Then, my thoughts drifted to Elliot. Kind, patient Elliot, who always knew just what to say to make me feel lighter, who had been this unexpected source of comfort when I needed it most. We've been taking things slow, careful not to rush, but I can feel him falling for me more each time we're together. And I think I'm starting to let myself feel something for him too.

But as I watched Lando with Audrey today, I felt this sharp pang of doubt. It wasn't just about him, it was about what this would mean for her. Right now, she's a baby, and her world is as simple as a warm hug and a familiar face. But one day, she'll be old enough to understand. Old enough to ask questions. Will she resent me for moving on? For letting someone else into her life when her dad is right there?