Dear Lando - Book Two

𝟹𝟾 ♡ Love Lies

Love Lies By Khalid, Normani

The music was already thumping by the time Daniel and the rest of the crew managed to drag Lando out of his post-race debrief and into a sleek Las Vegas nightclub. The bass was heavy, the lights were dimmed with neon hues, and the crowd was buzzing with energy.

"Mate, you just won a crazy race, and you're standing here like you've lost your wallet," Daniel teased, slinging an arm over Lando's shoulders as they made their way to the VIP section. "Where's Lana, by the way? Saw her at the track earlier, looking like a total smoke show in that dress."

Lando felt his stomach knot at the mention of her name. Not wanting to raise any suspicions, he played it cool. "She wasn't feeling well," he lied, grabbing a drink from a passing tray. "Headed back to the hotel to rest."

Daniel raised a brow, skeptical. "You sure? Seemed fine to me when I saw her."

"Yeah, well," Lando muttered, taking a sip of his drink to avoid meeting Daniel's eyes. "She didn't want to push it."

"Shame," Daniel said with a shrug. "She was turning heads in that dress. Bet you loved that, huh?"

Lando forced a laugh, but his mind was already spiraling. What dress? He hadn't even seen her before the race, let alone noticed what she was wearing. But Daniel's comment planted a seed in his mind, and he made a mental note to find the pictures that were undoubtedly taken of her.

Hours later, the VIP section was a chaotic swirl of laughter, drinks, and music. Lando sat slouched on a plush sofa, a half-empty cocktail in his hand and a foggy haze settling over his thoughts. The alcohol hit him hard, and while everyone else celebrated his victory, he was consumed by the weight of his own emotions.

Everything felt off. The joy of winning, the high of the podium—it all felt hollow without Lana there. And then there was the picture he'd found after a quick scroll through social media, the one of her walking through the paddock in a sleek black dress that clung to her frame just right. She looked... stunning. Effortless.

And the fact that she'd left before the race ended, before his win—it gnawed at him.

"Oi, Norris!" Daniel called, handing him another drink. "Why so glum? You're the man of the hour."

Lando shook his head, forcing a grin as he raised his glass. "I'm good," he slurred, though his voice lacked conviction.

But the truth was, he wasn't good. Not even close. Between everything with Molly and now Lana leaving without a word, he felt like the walls were closing in. He downed his drink, the alcohol burning as it went down, but it did little to dull the ache in his chest.

"You're not good," Max Fewtrell muttered, leaning in closer. "What's going on, mate?"

Lando didn't answer, just shook his head and let out a humorless laugh. "Might've messed everything up," he mumbled to himself.

Max frowned, patting his shoulder but letting it slide. The night wore on, but for Lando, it was all a blur of lights, drinks, and half-hearted smiles. Even surrounded by people, he felt completely alone.

The hotel room was quiet, the hum of the air conditioning the only sound as Lana flipped through a magazine, half-paying attention. The weekend had been draining, and she was grateful for the stillness. But just as she was about to turn in for the night, a knock sounded at the door.

Lana frowned, setting the magazine aside as she got up. She wasn't expecting anyone. When she opened the door, her eyes widened in surprise.

Standing there, held up by a visibly amused Daniel and Max Fewtrell, was none other than a very drunk Lando. His head lolled slightly, his tousled curls sticking up in every direction, and a dopey grin plastered across his flushed face.

"I believe this belongs to you," Daniel announced dramatically, nodding toward the disheveled driver.

"Lost his room key," Max added with a shrug, his tone tinged with exasperation but a hint of fondness.

Lana raised a brow but didn't protest. "Alright, just... put him on the bed," she said, stepping aside to let them in.

Daniel and Max maneuvered Lando inside, half-dragging and half-carrying him to the bed. As they laid him down, Daniel turned to her, his expression shifting slightly. "How you feeling, by the way?"

Lana blinked, confused by the sudden question. "Good... I guess? Why?"

Daniel studied her for a moment, then nodded as if satisfied. "Just checking. Night, Lana."

Max shot her a quick smile before the two made their exit. Lana thanked them and called out, "Get to your rooms safe!" before closing the door.

When she turned around, her heart skipped a beat. Lando was no longer on the bed.

"Lando?" she called, a hint of panic creeping into her voice.

"Lana!" his voice came from the corner of the room. He stumbled into view, his face lighting up as if he hadn't seen her in years. "I missed you. Why did you leave early?" His words slurred slightly, but the sincerity was unmistakable.

Lana felt her cheeks warm. She stepped forward, placing a steadying hand on his arm. "Let's get you back to bed, yeah?" she said gently, guiding him to the edge of the mattress.

She knelt to remove his shoes, his half-hearted protests falling on deaf ears. Grabbing a bottle of water from the mini-fridge, she handed it to him and coaxed him to drink. Once he'd had a few sips, she sat beside him, intending to keep an eye on him until he fell asleep.

But before she could settle, Lando shifted, his head finding its way to her lap. Lana froze for a moment, startled by the sudden intimacy. His curls brushed against her hand as he sighed contentedly.

"You didn't answer my question," he murmured, his voice softer now.

Lana hesitated, her fingers hovering over his hair before gently resting there. "I didn't want to rain on your parade," she admitted quietly. "But I'm so happy you won, Lando. You deserved it."

He smiled faintly, his eyes half-closed. "I'm happy too... but I wish you'd been there."

They sat in silence for a while, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air. Finally, Lando's voice broke the quiet. "I'm glad you came," he whispered, his words barely audible before sleep claimed him.

Lana looked down at him, her heart squeezing at the sight of him so vulnerable, so unguarded. Absentmindedly, her fingers began to play with his curls.

"Oh, Lando," she whispered, her voice soft as she watched his peaceful face. And for the first time that night, she let herself feel just how much he meant to her.