The Finish Line Kiss - Lando Norris

✦˚₊‧⁺˖ chapter 12 ˖⁺‧₊˚✦

⊹★⋆💋｡°⋆✮🏎️✮⊹★🏁⋆｡ °⋆

The plane touched down smoothly, and Zoe jolted awake, her neck stiff from sleeping in an awkward position. She adjusted her sunglasses, shielding her eyes from the bright sunlight streaming through the window as the flight attendant announced their arrival in Lisbon.

She groaned softly, still feeling the remnants of her hangover, though the nap had helped. As the passengers began gathering their belongings, Zoe pulled out her phone to check her messages. There were a few from Shira, a couple from her team about logistics, and... a photo from Lando?

landoooo⁴

landoooo⁴
wheels down safely?

#z
landed

#z
barely alive

#z
why are you even awake this early?

landoooo⁴
because some of us are athletes and have discipline.

#z
😴

#z
bye.

She slid her phone into her pocket and stood to grab her carry-on, throwing on a hoodie to stay lowkey. By the time she made it to baggage claim, a small crowd of fans had already spotted her.

"Zoe! Over here!" one of them called, holding up one of her albums for her to sign.

She hesitated for a second, glancing at her security team, but the warmth in their smiles broke through her fatigue. Zoe walked over, signing the album and taking a couple of selfies with the fans.

"You're amazing," one of them gushed, their voice trembling slightly.

Zoe managed a tired but genuine smile. "Thank you for coming out. I can't wait to see you at the show!"

Once she finished, her team ushered her toward the waiting car. The air outside was hot and smelled faintly of sea salt, a reminder that she was far from London's chilly embrace.

Inside the car, her assistant, Mia, handed her a coffee. "Rough night?"

"Rough morning," Zoe corrected, taking a grateful sip. "What's the schedule look like?"

"You've got soundcheck later this afternoon, but nothing urgent before that," Mia replied, scrolling through her iPad. "We're heading straight to the hotel so you can rest a bit."

"Bless you," Zoe muttered, leaning back against the seat.

As the car sped through Lisbon's vibrant streets, Zoe couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement beneath her exhaustion. She loved the energy of new cities, the promise of a crowd ready to sing along with her, and the chaos of touring life.

This was her world, and even with a lingering headache, she wouldn't trade it for anything.

The car pulled up to the hotel, a sleek, modern building with floor-to-ceiling windows that reflected the bright Portuguese sun. As soon as they stopped, Zoe's team sprang into action, unloading her luggage and coordinating with the hotel staff. She adjusted her sunglasses, pulling her hoodie tighter to shield herself from the few paparazzi lingering outside.

The lobby was bustling with activity, but Zoe barely registered it. She signed a quick check-in form while Mia handled the details, and moments later, they were whisked up to her suite.