From the Past - Lando Norris

Thirty-Eight: consoling

The previous night ended in a blur. My dad and I drove home and thank god we took the bikes so we didn't have to speak. I've been holed up in my room all day trying to figure out what to say to him. I've been lying saying I'm doing work or editing pictures. I know eventually I'll have to go downstairs. He knocks on the door again and I can smell food. I tell him to come in and spin around in my desk chair, "I was hoping we could talk and not waste anymore of your trip home," he says setting the plate down. It's his famous Pot Pie he learned how to make after mom died. He was always a miserable cook but this he nailed. 

"Dad," I sigh not knowing where to start, "You trashed all over my relationship last night. How did you expect me to react?" I ask him. He sits on the edge of my bed and looks at the floor as he tries to find the words to say.

"I was caught off guard. I know you had a crush on him as kids," He starts making me groan as I blush with embarrassment, "Listen. I'm just saying. Are you sure you've thought this out fully? I know deep down he's a great kid but he's not always the best at making decisions," He says.

"Are you saying I'm one of those bad decisions he's made?" I ask making him look up at me.

"You know that's not what I meant. I just don't want to see you get hurt again. You've been through a lot and this job is good for you. I see the posts online and you haven't smiled like that in a while," He explains leaning forward. He takes my hands in his as he forces me to look at him, "I love you and I love Lando but you can't fault me for being worried."

I nod my head knowing he's right. Any protective father would do the same I just hate that he has a valid reason to be worried, "Did you know mom sewed a Black Swallotail butterfly design into Lando's first helmet?" I ask him. He looks at the shadow box of a pinned one on my wall. 

"Sounds like something she would do," he says with a soft smile, "How did you find this out?" he asks amusement written on his features. I tell him the story and he seemed shocked to find out that Lando has the design on all his helmets. He even asked me about the first time Lando and I saw each other again. I know he's still hesitant but the effort he's making to be okay with it is enough for now. There's a knock on the door when we are walking downstairs. We decided to watch a movie tonight. I put my empty plate in the sink as my dad opened the door.

An out-of-breath Lando is standing at the door. His hair is in messy curls. He's wearing black sweatpants and a t-shirt with the McLaren logo in the corner. He looks like he just got out of the shower and had to rush over here, "Listen, sir. I respect you and I understand why you're not fully on board but I love her," Landor rambles barging into my house. I stand there shocked in the kitchen as he stands in front of my father. He closes the door and stares at Lando like he's insane, "You two are close and I want your blessing to date her and the last thing I would want to do is come between you. So," he says as my dad starts smiling. He softly chuckles rubbing the back of his neck and then he notices me with wide eyes.

"Will you just sit down and take a breather," my dad says as Lando looks between us again, "You have my blessing. Just don't fuck it up," He states. My dad never curses so both of our faces are wide-eyed and giddy as Lando finally takes a deep breath, "Are you staying the night?" he asks. 

"If that's alright with you?" he asks. My dad just sighs like the old man he is and walks into the living room as we look at each other. I start giggling and he walks over smiling. He picks me up sitting me on the counter standing between my legs. I cup his cheeks, "What are you laughing at?" he whispers.

"That was very little house on the prairie of you. Oh please sir will you please let me love your daughter," I tease faking a terrible country accent. He shuts me up with a kiss and runs his hands up my thighs putting them on my waist, "very romantic, don't get me wrong," I whisper as he tells me to shut up through the kiss. 

I pull away blushing and he smirks, "We should go into the living room before my dad makes back his blessing," I whisper. He nods his head helping me off the counter.