Thanks to Norris

part 78- goodnight mom

The night had mellowed into that comfortable, hazy blur that only comes after hours of dancing, too many drinks, and laughter shared between people who'd risked everything just hours earlier. The music was slower now, lower in the background. The sweaty chaos of the dance floor had thinned into scattered conversations, half-empty glasses, and shoes kicked off beneath tables.

You leaned against the bar next to Lewis, sipping water now, cheeks still flushed from dancing. His eyes were on you — amused, knowing.

"You two think you're subtle?" he asked, smirking into his drink.

You blinked, trying too hard to play dumb. "Who?"

"Don't insult me," he said, glancing toward the far side of the room.

You followed his line of sight.

Lando. Laughing with Charles and George, but his eyes flicked to you every couple of minutes like a bad habit he couldn't shake.

Lewis didn't push further. He just grinned, shook his head, and clinked his glass against yours. "Be careful. Or don't. But stop pretending no one's noticed."

You didn't answer. Because deep down, you already knew.

Twenty Minutes Later —

The night had wound down. Everyone had gathered their jackets, pulled out phones, asked for Ubers, traded tired hugs.

"Alright, I'm calling it," George said with a yawn, slinging an arm around Mick. "See you all next week."

Carlos clapped your shoulder. "Good race," he said meaningfully, tone just light enough to sound casual — but the raised eyebrow told you he'd seen everything.

Charles gave you a look too. Not teasing. Not judgy. Just quiet understanding. "See you tomorrow," he said, voice low.

One by one, they left.

Until it was just you and Lando.

Still pretending.

You grabbed your coat, turned to the few still lingering by the exit.

"I'm heading back to the hotel," you announced. "Alone."

"Sure you are," Mick said, grinning.

"We believe you," George added, with the most sarcastic tone he could muster.

Lando — just behind you — stretched casually, hands in his pockets. "Yeah, same here. Alone."

The room burst out laughing.

"No, but really," you insisted. "We are."

Lewis just raised a brow and muttered, "You two are worse actors than Netflix drivers."

You rolled your eyes, cheeks hot, and mumbled a rushed "Goodnight" before slipping out the door, heart pounding.

Two minutes later, you waited under the quiet glow of the hotel awning, cold air brushing your skin.

And then he was there.

No cameras. No jokes. Just Lando.

He didn't say anything.

He just walked up beside you, quiet and sure, like he always belonged there.

You glanced at him.

He was smiling.

You didn't have to say a word.

Because everyone had known the truth all along.
And now?

You didn't care.