Tangled in Trophies- Lando Norris

42. Flights

The morning was brisk as Evangeline stood on her doorstep, tugging her jacket closer around her shoulders. She was waiting for what lando had described as the "girl magnet" to pull into view. Although her and his opinions of what cars can pull girls were most likely on different ends of the spectrum.

After a few minutes a sleek black McLaren pulled up the street, gleaming in the weak sunlight that peaked through London's cloudy sky. She smirked to herself as the car came to a smooth stop in front of her, and Lando leaned over to pop the door open.

"Chauffeur's here," he said, grinning up at her. His sunglasses sat low on his nose, his curls slightly mussed in that effortlessly put-together way.

"Chauffeur? Hardly," she teased, sliding into the passenger seat. "This feels more like a midlife crisis car than a proper taxi."

"Ouch," Lando said, mock-offended as he pulled away from the curb. "You realize this is your ride to the airport, right? Should've called a cab."

"I could've driven myself, after all I do have a nice Ferrari sat in my garage" she said airily. "But I thought I'd humor you. It's not every day a girl gets picked up by a McLaren driver in an actual McLaren."

He laughed, glancing at her as he shifted gears. "Fair point. Just don't get used to it—I've got a reputation to maintain."

"Oh, of course," she said, leaning back in her seat with a smirk. "Wouldn't want people thinking you're a gentleman."

The car hummed along the motorway as their banter flowed easily. They teased each other about everything—her tendency to zone out while practicing tennis, his obsession with perfecting his sim racing laps.

"You're really not that intimidating, you know," she said at one point, resting her chin on her hand as she looked over at him.

Lando raised a brow. "Not intimidating? I race at over 200 miles an hour for a living."

"Exactly," she said with a grin. "You're just a speed-obsessed adrenaline junkie. Terrifying."

"Yeah, well," he said, feigning seriousness, "remind me not to watch one of your matches again. I've never been more stressed than when you were down two sets last time."

"Admit it, you're a fan now," she teased.

He rolled his eyes but smiled. "You wish."

When they reached the private terminal, Evangeline stepped out and grabbed her small suitcase from the boot. Lando followed, his sunglasses now perched firmly in his curls as he handed off his luggage to the waiting attendant.

The jet was sleek and luxurious, all polished interiors and plush leather seating. Evangeline hadn't flown private often, and she still found the experience slightly surreal.

As they settled in, Evangeline leaned back in her seat, her gaze sweeping over the empty cabin.

"Not bad, Norris," she said. "You've really gone all out."

He shrugged, a casual grin tugging at his lips. "Only the best."

Their banter was cut short when Oscar boarded, his backpack slung casually over one shoulder.

"Hey, mate," Oscar said, nodding at Lando before glancing curiously at Evangeline. "Didn't know we were bringing extra company."

"Evangeline's joining us for PR reasons Clara thought it would be good publicity," Lando said smoothly, his tone shifting from casual to professional in an instant.

Her brows furrowed slightly, but she didn't let it show. Instead, she gave Oscar a polite smile. "Nice to see you again."

"Likewise," Oscar said with a friendly nod as he took his seat across from them.