Dear Lando - Book Two

𝟷𝟻 ♡ Saturn

Saturn By SZA

Arriving at the airport, the soft hum of engines and rolling luggage surrounded them as Lando pulled into the long-term parking. He hopped out of the car, quickly moving to the trunk to retrieve their bags. Lana did the same, though her mind was already elsewhere—partly dreading the long travel day, partly bracing herself for the awkwardness that was sure to unfold. As Lando passed her suitcase over, he organized his own with a practiced ease.

Without much preamble, the two began their walk toward the departure gates. They moved in sync, though the unspoken tension between them lingered. As they approached the terminal, Lando turned toward her, his voice cutting through the cool morning air. "Let me take your bags for you."

Lana hesitated for a moment, not expecting the offer. It wasn't as though he'd been particularly chivalrous up to this point. "Oh, uh, thank you," she replied, handing him the suitcase.

Lando took it from her, his expression neutral. "Well, it looks better if I do," he added almost as an afterthought, his tone matter-of-fact.

Lana's smile faltered. Right. Because this is all for show, she reminded herself. "Right," she nodded, though the acknowledgment tasted bitter on her tongue. It was easy to forget the nature of their relationship in fleeting moments like these, but then the reminder always came crashing back in, unceremonious and blunt.

As they walked through the bustling airport, the departure boards overhead flashing with flights heading to all corners of the globe, Lana's chest tightened. She had a sudden sinking feeling—like a stone dropping into the pit of her stomach. Her worst fears materialized as her gaze caught sight of two familiar figures standing near the private gate.

Carlos and Gianna.

Her heart sank. Of course, she thought. It wasn't enough that she had to deal with awkward small talk with Lando for hours on end—no, fate had decided to throw in her two least favorite people for good measure. Stuck on a plane with Carlos and his new girlfriend for 14 hours? Could this day get any worse?

Feeling the need to compose herself, she abruptly blurted out, "I'm going to grab a coffee first. I'll meet you over there."

Lando turned to her, a flicker of confusion crossing his face at her sudden departure, but he nodded. "Okay," he replied simply, watching as she quickly walked away.

Lana practically power-walked through the airport, her nerves buzzing with frustration. She needed a breather, if only for a moment. Standing in line at the small airport café, she inhaled deeply, trying to calm herself. As she shuffled forward, a familiar voice pulled her from her thoughts.

"Lana?"

She turned to find Azalea standing behind her in line, offering a friendly smile. It was a relief to see a familiar and somewhat friendly face in the sea of tension. "Azalea, hey!" Lana greeted warmly.

Azalea glanced around, curiosity etched across her features. "Are you flying to Singapore with us? I didn't see Charles' name on the list," she inquired politely.

Lana let out a breath, relieved to talk to someone who wasn't immediately connected to all the awkwardness swirling in her life. "I am, and thank goodness you are too," she said, her voice filled with a genuine sense of relief. She continued, "No, Charles flew down early for some reason. I'm here with Lando." Her voice quieted slightly as she mentioned Lando's name, nervous about Azalea's reaction.

Azalea raised a brow, slightly surprised. "Oh, I didn't know you and Lando were close," she mused, reading the slight tension on Lana's face. "Wait, are you two... together?"