Thanks to Norris

part 35- another dinner

Tuesday Evening – Baku, Azerbaijan

After landing and unpacking just enough to pretend you were settled, you and Lewis decided to make the most of your evening — maybe wander Baku's Old City, grab coffee, do something low-key before race prep kicked in full swing.

Until Toto called.

Lewis answered with his usual calm professionalism, but the moment he hung up, he turned to you with a look that screamed "plot twist."

Lewis: "Change of plans. We're having dinner with Toto tonight. Some official team thing, fancy restaurant."

You (groaning): "I literally didn't pack anything dressy."

Lewis: "Neither did I. Guess we're shopping. Again."

1 hour later — Baku Mall

You and Lewis walked into a high-end boutique like you were on a mission. The sales assistants didn't know who to help first — both of you throwing off major "We're important and slightly chaotic" energy.

Lewis held up a blazer.

Lewis: "This says 'Toto can't fire me for underdressing,' right?"

You (holding a satin dress): "This says 'I'm here because I have to be, but I'll still look better than Lando,' right?"

Lewis cracked up.

Of course, you had to document the chaos. You both posted mirror selfies with armfuls of clothes and the same caption:

@yourusername: "When you both don't have a partner so your teammate needs to help you pick an outfit 🤝"
@lewishamilton: "Styling each other out of desperation ✨"

The fans went feral.

Fan1: "Divorced couple energy and I LOVE IT"
Fan2: "Lewis playing boyfriend, best friend, stylist AND therapist??"
Fan3: "Not Y/N shading Lando in the caption 😭"
Fan4: "These two are a buddy movie waiting to happen"
Fan5: "Lewis and Y/N slaying Baku before they even race"

8:15 PM – Hotel, Baku

Back at the hotel, you got ready in your room. The new dress fit like a dream — elegant but effortless. Hair done, heels on, makeup just enough to say yes, I can behave in public.

The chauffeur arrived on time, and as expected, Lewis was already in the car looking unfairly good.

Lewis (smiling): "You clean up well."

You: "You're lucky we're friends or I'd accuse you of trying to upstage me."

8:45 PM – Outside the Restaurant

As the car pulled up, flashbulbs immediately started popping. You opened your door to step out—only to pause when you saw who was already standing on the sidewalk.

Toto. Zak Brown. And... Lando.

Your eye roll was instant. Lewis leaned in toward you, smirking as he got out behind you.

Lewis (low voice): "Plot twist: it's dinner and a soap opera."

You (smiling for the cameras): "If I throw a breadstick at him mid-starter, pretend you didn't see it."