The Finish Line Kiss - Lando Norris

✦˚₊‧⁺˖ chapter 13 ˖⁺‧₊˚✦

⊹★⋆💋｡°⋆✮🏎️✮⊹★🏁⋆｡ °⋆

Zoe sat cross-legged on her hotel bed, her notebook resting against her knee. A steaming cup of tea sat untouched on the nightstand, and her guitar leaned against the wall, waiting for her fingers to bring it to life. The notebook was filled with scattered lines and melodies, the remnants of inspiration sparked by her stroll through Portugal's winding streets earlier. The vibrant colors, the ocean breeze, the energy of the people—everything had been a spark for her creativity.

She scribbled a few more lines about the golden sunset she'd seen and hummed softly to herself when her phone buzzed beside her. It was Mia.

"Hey, girl!" Mia's cheerful voice filled the room when Zoe picked up.

"Hey, Mia! What's up?" Zoe replied, twirling her pen between her fingers.

"So, there's this event tonight," Mia began, her excitement palpable even through the phone. "It's a big one—kind of like a charity gala but with a really chill vibe. I thought of you immediately. Would you want to come? Lots of cool people will be there, and it's a great networking opportunity too."

Zoe hesitated, glancing at her scattered notebook and guitar. She had planned to spend the evening fine-tuning the ideas buzzing in her head, but Mia's offer sounded tempting.

"Do I have to wear something fancy?" Zoe teased, though she already knew the answer.

"Obviously!" Mia laughed. "But don't worry, I've got you covered. I'll send over a stylist if you need one. Come on, it'll be fun! Plus, you've been working nonstop—you deserve a little glam night out."

Zoe smiled, appreciating Mia's enthusiasm. "Okay, okay, you've convinced me. What time should I be ready?"

"Perfect!" Mia cheered. "I'll pick you up at seven. Get ready to have an amazing night!"

After they hung up, Zoe set her phone down and looked at her notebook one last time. The lines she had written could wait. Tonight, she'd step out of her creative bubble and into the world Mia was inviting her to. It wasn't her usual scene, but maybe that was exactly what she needed.

By the time seven rolled around, Zoe was transformed. The stylist Mia had sent over worked wonder. Zoe wore a sleek black gown that hugged her figure in all the right places, paired with silver heels and minimal jewelry. Her hair was styled in loose waves, framing her face perfectly, and her makeup was soft yet glamorous, with a pop of color on her lips. She stared at herself in the mirror for a moment, barely recognizing the woman staring back.

A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. She grabbed her clutch and opened the door to find Mia standing there, looking equally stunning in a shimmering emerald dress.

"You look incredible!" Mia exclaimed, giving Zoe a once-over.

"Look who's talking," Zoe replied with a grin, stepping out into the hallway.

The ride to the event was filled with laughter and chatter. Mia caught Zoe up on some of the buzz surrounding the night, from the big names attending to the potential performances. It was clear Mia was excited, and her enthusiasm was contagious.

When they arrived, Zoe took a deep breath as she stepped out of the car. The venue was breathtaking: a grand hall with tall arched ceilings, lit up by sparkling chandeliers. The entrance was lined with photographers, their cameras flashing as they captured every arrival. Zoe wasn't new to the spotlight, but it still made her heart race a little as she posed beside Mia for a few pictures before heading inside.