The Finish Line Kiss - Lando Norris

✦˚₊‧⁺˖ chapter 21 ˖⁺‧₊˚✦

⊹★⋆💋｡°⋆✮🏎️✮⊹★🏁⋆｡ °⋆

Zoe stood in front of her mirror, carefully fixing her eyeliner while humming one of her new songs under her breath. Her excitement was undeniable, but there was a bittersweet edge to it. These were the last shows of her tour, and though she couldn't wait to perform in her hometown, the end of something this big always left her feeling a little hollow.

She glanced over at Shira, who was lounging on the couch, scrolling on her phone. "Hey, who's coming to the shows, by the way?" Zoe asked, her tone casual as she continued getting ready.

Shira looked up and grinned. "Matt and Charlie will be at all three, of course. You couldn't keep them away if you tried."

Zoe laughed softly, her heart warming at the thought of her friends. "Of course they will. I'll bet Charlie's already planning his snacks for each night."

Shira smirked. "Probably. And for the final show, some of the Formula 1 guys are coming."

Zoe froze for a moment, her eyeliner pen hovering over her hand. "Wait... what?"

"Well, not all of them, but a good number," Shira teased. "Carlos, Oscar, Alex... And, um, you-know-who, probably."

Zoe's chest tightened briefly at the mention of Lando, but she quickly pushed it aside. This was her time, her show. She wasn't going to let anything dull her shine tonight.

"I'll deal with that later," she said with a shrug, refocusing on the mirror. "Tonight, it's just me, the stage, and London. Let's make it count."

As the hours ticked closer to showtime, Zoe busied herself with sound checks and last-minute tweaks, trying to focus on the moment instead of the whirlwind of thoughts in her head. The crew buzzed around her, setting up lights and testing equipment. Shira stuck close by, cracking jokes and keeping the mood light, though Zoe could sense she was keeping a watchful eye on her.

Backstage, Matt and Charlie arrived, bringing their usual chaotic energy. "Ready to rock Wembley, Merritt?" Matt teased, holding up a bag of popcorn.

"Popcorn?" Zoe laughed, raising an eyebrow. "We're not at a movie premiere."

Charlie grinned and nudged Matt. "It's for the pre-show nerves. You know, emotional support snacks."

Zoe couldn't help but laugh. "You two are ridiculous. But thanks for being here."

"Wouldn't miss it," Charlie said sincerely, his tone softening. "You've worked so hard for this."

Zoe smiled, genuinely touched, and gave them both a quick hug. "You guys are the best."

The buzz of adrenaline started to kick in as showtime neared. Dressed in a sparkling outfit that caught the light in all the right ways, Zoe stood in the wings, gripping her microphone tightly. She could hear the crowd chanting her name, their energy already infectious.

Shira came up behind her, adjusting a strand of Zoe's hair. "Remember, you're Zoe Merritt. You're going to kill it out there."

Zoe nodded, her nerves melting into determination. "Thanks, Shira. I've got this."

As the intro music started and the lights dimmed, she stepped onto the stage to a deafening roar of applause. The sight of the sold-out crowd took her breath away, and for a moment, all her worries vanished. This was her homecoming, her grand finale. Nothing else mattered but the music.

The first song flowed effortlessly, her voice strong and clear as she connected with the audience. By the time she reached the chorus of her second song, she was in her element, letting the music wash over her. This was where she belonged—where she felt most alive.