Dear Lando - Book Two

𝟺𝟸 ♡ Stargazing

Stargazing By Myles Smith

Lana stepped out of the shower, the hot water having done little to wash away the weight in her chest. Wrapping a towel around herself, she caught her reflection in the foggy mirror. Her eyes were puffy, her skin blotchy, but for the first time in days, she looked slightly more like herself.

The sharp sound of the doorbell startled her, her heart immediately lurching with a flicker of hope. What if it's him? She barely managed to throw on a robe before rushing to the door.

When she opened it, the doorway was empty. Her heart sank. But then her eyes dropped, and there it was—a single red rose resting atop a folded note. Her fingers trembled as she bent down to pick it up.

Unfolding the note, she read:

Lana,
I'm sorry. For everything. Allow me to show you how much. Collect the rest of your bouquet on your way to the marina. I'll be waiting.
-L

A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. The marina, she thought. Her curiosity and lingering feelings nudged her forward. She quickly changed into something simple but flattering, grabbed her bag, and headed out.

As Lana made her way down the familiar streets of Monaco, the rose in her hand felt like a lifeline. She rounded a corner and nearly collided with Nathalie, who was casually leaning against a lamppost.

"Where are you off to in such a hurry?" Nat asked, a sly grin spreading across her face. Before Lana could answer, Nat produced another red rose from behind her back and handed it to her.

"Let me guess," Nat teased. "You've been scavenged?"

Lana laughed, her cheeks coloring slightly as she accepted the rose. "Something like that."

Nat winked, stepping aside to let her pass. "Keep going. You don't want to be late."

Lana continued down the street, her heart picking up speed with each step. Near the little café where she and Lando had shared so many moments, Theo was lounging casually on a bench. He stood when he saw her, holding out yet another rose.

"Guess this belongs to you," he said, his grin playful.

"You're in on this too?" Lana asked, though she wasn't surprised.

"Of course," Theo said, stepping aside with a mock bow. "Now hurry up. Someone's waiting."

As the marina came into view, she spotted Max Fewtrell leaning casually against a railing. He spotted her and straightened, holding a rose between his fingers like a cigarette.

"Figured I'd hang onto this for you," he said, offering it with an exaggerated flourish.

Lana rolled her eyes, though she couldn't hide her smile as she accepted the rose. "Thanks, Max."

"Don't mention it. Go get your bouquet," he said with a nudge of his chin toward the water.

Finally, as she descended the last few steps to the marina, her heart was pounding. And there he was.

Lando stood at the edge of the dock, dressed simply but perfectly, a soft evening breeze tousling his curls. In his hands was the final rose, completing the bouquet she now carried.

He stepped forward, meeting her halfway.

Lana took the final steps toward Lando, her bouquet complete in her arms. The weight of the roses matched the whirlwind of emotions swirling in her chest—hope, apprehension, and something that felt dangerously close to relief.

Lando held out the last rose, his expression soft but serious. "This one's for you," he said quietly, his voice steady despite the storm in his eyes.

She accepted it, her fingers brushing against his. "Thanks," she whispered, her gaze flicking to the ground before meeting his again.

There was a moment of silence between them, filled only by the sound of the gentle waves lapping against the marina. Lando was the first to speak, his tone resolute yet vulnerable.

"Lana, I need you to know something," he began, his words deliberate. "Molly... she means nothing to me. She was—" He paused, searching for the right words. "She was a rebound. A stupid, messy rebound after Azalea. And it was only for a couple of weeks. I don't even know why I let it happen. Maybe I was trying to prove something to myself, or maybe I was just being an idiot. But I swear to you, she's not part of my life. Not in any way that matters."

Lana held his gaze, her grip tightening slightly on the bouquet. "Lando..." she started, unsure of how to respond.

But he didn't let her finish. Instead, he reached into his bag and pulled out a familiar, well-worn leather-bound journal. He extended it toward her, his hands steady despite the significance of the gesture.

"This is yours," he said, his voice softer now. "I mean... it's mine. But I want you to have it."

Lana blinked, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Lando, I can't take that. That's private."

He smiled faintly, shaking his head. "That's the point. I want you to know everything about me—all the things I was too scared to say out loud. All the stuff I've kept locked up, thinking it was easier that way. But it's not. Not with you."

She hesitated, her fingers brushing the edge of the journal but not taking it. "I don't know if I can read it. It feels... invasive."

"I'm giving it to you because I trust you," Lando said earnestly. "You don't have to read it, not if you're not ready. But it's yours now. Take it, hold onto it, whatever you need. I just... I need you to know there's no part of me I want to keep from you."

Lana swallowed hard, her heart aching at the sincerity in his voice. Slowly, she took the journal, cradling it alongside the bouquet of roses. "I don't know what to say," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

"You don't have to say anything," he assured her. "And you don't have to forgive me, not now, not until you're ready. Take your time, Red."

She almost smiled at the nickname, but the weight of the moment kept her grounded. "Okay," she said softly, her gaze flicking between him and the journal. "Thank you."

They stood there for a moment longer, the air between them heavy with unspoken words. Finally, Lando took a step back, his hands in his pockets. "I'll see you when you're ready," he said, his voice carrying a quiet resolve.

Lana nodded, clutching the journal and the roses as she watched him turn and walk away.