The Finish Line Kiss - Lando Norris

✦˚₊‧⁺˖ chapter 23 ˖⁺‧₊˚✦

⊹★⋆💋｡°⋆✮🏎️✮⊹★🏁⋆｡ °⋆

Zoe stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her earrings as Call Out My Name pulsed through the speakers in her apartment. Shira danced around the room, holding a mascara wand like a microphone, belting out lyrics while trying to keep her hand steady enough to do her makeup. The energy was electric, like the aftermath of a storm that had left nothing but exhilaration in its wake.

Zoe glanced at herself in the mirror, giving her outfit a once-over. She was wearing a sleek, deep emerald dress that shimmered faintly under the dim lighting of her room. Her hair was styled effortlessly, framing her glowing face. "What do you think?" she asked, turning to Shira, striking a mock runway pose.

Shira gasped, dropping her pretend microphone act. "You look like you're about to headline the Weeknd's show, not just go out for drinks. Absolute fire."

Zoe laughed, rolling her eyes but feeling the boost of confidence. "Okay, okay, you win the hype game. Now hurry up! We can't be late."

As the beat shifted into Can't Feel My Face, Shira did an impromptu twirl, her dress flaring out dramatically as she sang louder, completely unbothered by time. Zoe joined in, the two laughing so hard they nearly stumbled over the couch. For the first time in what felt like forever, Zoe felt light. The weight of the last month seemed to lift, just for tonight, as the music filled every corner of the room.

"Shot before we leave?" Shira asked, grinning mischievously, pulling out two glasses and a bottle from the kitchen counter.

Zoe raised an eyebrow but smirked. "Twist my arm, why don't you?"

The clink of glasses and their shared laughter set the tone for the night. Whatever awaited them, Zoe was ready to face it head-on, one song, one laugh, and one moment at a time.

Zoe slipped on her black heels, their soft click against the wooden floor sending a little thrill through her. She grabbed her sleek black coat, draping it over her shoulders as she glanced at Shira, who was still adjusting her lipstick in the hallway mirror.

"Come on, diva, we're going to miss our Uber," Zoe teased, grabbing her small purse from the counter.

Shira capped her lipstick and turned dramatically, offering Zoe her arm. "Lead the way"

Zoe looped her arm through Shira's, her purse dangling in her free hand. They stepped out of the apartment, the cool evening air greeting them as they walked briskly to the curb. Zoe glanced up at the glittering London skyline, her heart swelling with a strange mix of nostalgia and excitement. Tonight felt different, like a fresh chapter waiting to be written.

"You think we'll behave tonight?" Shira joked as they slid into the waiting car.

Zoe smirked. "Not a chance."

"This feels like one of those nights, doesn't it?" Shira whispered, her tone playful.

Zoe laughed softly. "The kind where you wake up wondering how you ended up singing karaoke at 2 a.m.? Yeah, it does."

Shira nudged her. "Don't give me ideas, superstar."

They reached the elevator, Zoe pressing the button as the doors slid open with a quiet ding. As they stepped inside, Zoe glanced at Shira and smiled. "Whatever happens tonight, I'm just glad we're doing it together."

Shira squeezed her arm affectionately. "Always, babe."

The doors closed, and the two descended into the glowing night of London, ready for whatever adventure awaited them.