GIMME!GIMME! | Lando Norris

Nine ✨

The sky had turned dark as Lando pulled up in front of Isabela's apartment building, a clear reminder that the day was finally coming to an end. Isabela hesitated slightly before reaching for the car door handle—on one hand, she felt like she just wanted to be alone, but on the other, the idea of inviting him over didn't sound so bad.

"Izzy," Lando said, glancing at her. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah, it's just been a really long day," she replied with a tired smile.

"Then let's end it on a good note," he said, his grin contagious. "What's for dinner?"

Her eyes widened in surprise. "Are you inviting yourself over?"

"I mean, I did give you a ride," he quipped. "And I'm starving."

"Fine. But don't expect anything fancy." Isabela laughed, shaking her head. "Here, these are the keys to the garage. I'm heading in now so I can get started on dinner."

As their hands brushed, her breath hitched. The touch lingered just a moment too long to be accidental, leaving her with a flutter in her chest. She quickly pulled away, mumbling a quick "I'll be in the kitchen'' before heading inside.

Once inside, she kicked off her shoes, hanging her jacket and bag on the rack near the door. She exhaled deeply, letting the day's tension melt away as she walked into the kitchen. Deciding to stick with something simple—pasta—she began gathering ingredients.

The sound of the garage door opening signaled Lando's arrival. Moments later, he appeared in the kitchen doorway, leaning against the frame."So, what's on the menu?" he asked, settling on a stool by the counter, watching her move around the small space with ease.

"Pasta," she said, pulling out ingredients. "It's quick and easy, and I don't have the energy for anything complicated tonight."

"Perfect," he said, resting his chin on his hand. "Do you need any help?"

"No, I think I can manage," she smiled at him. "Besides, I'd rather not have you mess up my perfectly organized spice rack."

He rolled his eyes, laughing, and they quickly fell into an easy rhythm of conversation. As the pasta boiled, Lando decided to tease her about her overly organized kitchen, and she retaliated by bringing up the fact that he was the most unorganized person she had ever met. Their banter made Isabela feel something she hadn't felt in a while—normal.

For the brief twenty minutes the food was cooking, Isabela didn't think about her fight with Ema, her mother's wedding, or the awful day she'd had. She felt normal and relaxed, something she barely ever felt anymore.

As the food finished cooking, they sat at her small dining table, piling their plates with the creamy pasta.

"This is amazing," Lando said after his first bite. "You've been holding out on me, Fontes."

"It's just pasta," she said, laughing.

"It's not just pasta. It's your pasta," he insisted, making her laugh even more.

"Just don't let John know I've been feeding you food outside your meal plan," she joked. "I'm pretty sure I'd be a dead woman walking."

"Don't worry, I don't kiss and tell," he winked at her mischievously.

They fell into a comfortable silence while eating, but Isabela could see that Lando was holding back from asking her something. He kept opening his mouth as if to say something and then immediately stopping himself.

"Penny for your thoughts?" she asked, and Lando seemed startled, like he'd been caught. "Come on, I know you want to say something. It's okay, I won't be mad."