From the Past - Lando Norris

Thirty-Seven: A Week

When we pull up on our bikes the Norris family meets us outside. Adam walks over smiling as my dad takes his helmet off, "Long time no see old man," he says as my dad wraps him in a hug.

"You're still a year older," he says breaking away to hug Cisca. She rubs his back pulling away to get a good look at him, "it's been too long," he says. I look at Lando and can see the nerves in his body language. I walk over and smile up at him.

"It will be okay," I whisper. He lightly smiles back as my dad walks over. My dad holds his hand out and I slightly furrow my eyebrow at the lack of hug. My dad shakes his hand for a split second before pulling him in for a hug.

My heart beat slow down as my dad smiles, "How have you been son?" He asks looking at Lando for the first time in years....in person at least.

"Good.....really good," he says as he leads my father inside. I watch them from behind as they catch up. My dad asks about Formula One as I help Cisca in the kitchen.

She holds a spoon out for me to taste and I groan, "I've missed your home cooking," I whisper, "Please teach me how to make something. I'm hopeless in the kitchen."

I watch as she rips out a piece in her cookbook and hands it to me, "I've got it memorized and it's easy to make. Call me if you have any questions about it," she tells me.

I stare at the directions before looking up at her, "Thanks C."

I look around the kitchen of their new house, "I was looking at old photos today," I tell her. She turns her head to show she's listening as she adds more ingredients to her dish, "Do you remember the snowstorm where we all had a snowball fight," I start.

"And we ran inside 'cause we were all freezing our asses off," she laughs, "I swore we would never get warm. Then you and Lando made a fort," she grins.

"That fort could have won awards," I joke as she nods her head, "Are you sure there isn't anything I can help with?" I ask. She motions towards the cabinet with the plates and I happily walk towards it. Every once in a while I glance into the kitchen seeing the guys still having a good time.

"Honey, why are you so nervous?" She asks as I grab silverware from the drawer, "Lando was freaking out too," she adds.

"I'm fine...and Lando is always weird," I laugh.

I set the table and we call the guys in. Lando is laughing at something his father said. His smile is brighter whenever he's home. I think he secretly misses being around his parents but doesn't want to admit it. His mother tells me to sit as she brings over the plate of chicken. I sit beside Lando and he lightly grazes his hand over my thigh. I can tell he's still nervous about telling our parents but he seems more excited.

As we all fill our plates with the amazing food Adam holds up his glass of wine, "I just want to appreciate us being here together again. To Eleanor," he says making me smile as I look at my father.

"To Eleanor," he repeats in a softer tone. I take a small sip of my wine. Halfway through the dinner, I glance at Lando. It's now or never. Lando clears his throat and everyone looks at him. I can see the gears spinning in his head and I begin to panic.

"Lando and I are dating," I ramble out causing them all the freeze. Cisca starts laughing and is soon joined by Adam as they see the look on our faces.

I look at my father and he wipes his face with his napkin, "I thought you were saying that Peter kid?" He asks confused.

"The situation is complicated," Lando says, "McLaren had her sign a contract saying she wouldn't date someone from McLaren," he tells them.