From the Past - Lando Norris

Forty-Three: Change

I look at Lando as he walks into my apartment and he has a knowing look, "What did they say?" He asks. I was called into a meeting with management for breaking the contract I signed. It's been keeping me up at night knowing there was a high likelihood of me losing my job. Lan sits beside me on the couch trying to gauge what's going on.

"As of 9:34 am this morning I am no longer an employee of McLaren," I tell him. His eyes slightly widen showing the heartbreak of his actions. He sighs moving closer pushing a strand of hair from my face.

"I'm so sorry," he whispers seeing the small smile on my face, "I fucked up. I shouldn't have kissed you after my win," he starts to ramble. I chuckle shaking my head.

"I don't regret a single moment," I tell him, "I'm happy all of your friends know and we don't have to hide anymore."

His hand pulls me closer by my waist pulling me onto his lap as I rest my hands on his shoulders, "Always the optimist," he smiles letting his fingers caress the skin under my shirt, "That's why I love you."

"I love you too"

I can still see a hint of guilt in his eyes making me wish I could convince him I'm okay, "I have more news."

The guilt turns to confusion as I lean down connecting our lips. His hand sneaks up my back pressing me closer to him before he pulls back, "What else?"

"As of 11: 56 am I am an official employee of Ferrari," I grin. His eyes slightly widen at the speed of which I found a new job, "Charles called me cause he knew I had my meeting and said he talked to the team."

He looks conflicted like he's proud of my new job but hates that it's not with McLaren anymore, "That's amazing love," he whispers pulling me back with his finger on my chin pressing a simple kiss to my lips.

I pull out the Ferrari hat from behind the couch putting it on, "How does it look?" I ask.

"Like the wrong team," he frowns, "I like my girl in papaya colors."

I lean closer ghosting my lips over his, "I can post you on all my socials now. Show the world who my favorite driver really is," I smirk.

A knock on the door hours later makes me groan as Lando giggles from the bathroom. He leans against the door frame brushing his teeth. I sit up and look at him, "Who do you think it is?" I ask sitting up still naked from moments before. I roll out of bed putting on Lando's shirt and my underwear. I walk to the door looking out of the peep hole.

"Osc?" I question opening the door. He narrows his eyes at me and crosses his arms, "What?" I ask with a laugh.

He walks past me and sees the Ferrari hat on the table, "Why did I find out about your job change from Charles?" He asks. Lando walks out shirtless with ruffled hair, "Seriously. I'm one of your best friends...and this is how I find out."

"I'm sorry. It happened earlier this morning. And then we lost track of time. I meant to call you," I assure him, "and this doesn't mean you won't see me anymore."

He flicks the Ferrari hat off the table making Lando laugh, "McLaren is still your favorite right?" He asks. I sigh walking to my room to put pants on. I hear the guys talking when I'm in there seeing the small McLaren merch I've collected from working there.

I pick up a small sushi plushie that someone threw at Lando smiling. He gave it to me cause he didn't want to wake up to it everyday. Carlos also got one. The guys are still talking about my job transfer as I walk back.

"I'm excited to work with Carlos and Charles more," I smile sitting close to Lando. He wraps his arms around me pulling my back into his chest.

Oscar rolls his eyes, "I cannot believe we are losing the best photographer we have ever had because you two are in love or whatever," he sasses making us both laugh.