Phone Swap » Lando Norris

Liv Di Costa

Song » Something About You by Hayden James (ODESZA remix)

Monday. It was the day after the Grand Prix. It was tough, but a good workday with revenue to be proud of. Fans of the sport stopped by for a coffee on their way to the track, or when they were going home. And the weather was great, a lot of tourists stopped by for a coffee or tea and rest.

Liv was tired after the weekend. Seeing a lot of people, making coffees all the time, working under pressure was asking a lot of energy. She preferred to say home and lay in the garden with music and doing nothing. That was the plan she moved to Monday, but she got asked to work for a colleague who was calling in sick. Liv was too polite to say no, so she said yes and worked the whole shift.

"Excuse me, sir, we are closing in ten minutes," Liv said to a man who was sitting behind a laptop at the long table.

The man quickly took off his headphones, he heard someone talk, but he didn't hear what was being said. "Sorry?"

Liv's heart skipped a beat. "Lando..."

"Liv," he said. "I didn't quite hear you, sorry."

Her cheeks started to heat up. "We...uhm...we are going to close in ten," she stammered.

"Yes. Of course. Give me five," Lando smiled.

"Brilliant, thanks."

"I had no idea you worked here," he said when she wanted to turn away. She stopped her turn and looked at him. "This is one of the best coffees I had."

"Thanks," she said. Why is he following me? "Lando..."

He locked his eyes with hers. "I know it seems weird. I really had no idea you worked here, and I absolutely didn't come here on purpose," he claimed on a trustworthy tone.

Liv tightened her jaw and looked outside. Lando's eyes fell on the golden earrings she was wearing, it matched well with her dark hair.

"I know," she softly said, not so sure if he spoke the truth. "It's just...odd. First at your work, then my college and now my work." Her eyes found his again. "I will bring you the bill," she changed the subject so she could leave him. This time it worked, she left him behind and got to the tablet to print out his bill.

Lando got left behind. His eyebrows were slightly squeezed together, not knowing what he did wrong. Why did it seem like he did something wrong to her? Liv avoided eye contact and acted curtly.

"Liv," Lando said when she dropped off his bill.

"No," she sneered. His eyes widened. "Sorry, I..." She closed her eyes and let the moment sink it. This came out way harsher than she wanted. "Sorry, I didn't mean it that way. What do you want from me?"

All the air got sucked out of Lando's lungs, he didn't see that coming. "I thought it would be nice to get to know you, but never mind. Can I pay with card?" He mumbled, annoyed.

"Sorry...I..." She swallowed hard. "Of course," she whispered and walked to the counter to picked up the cash machine.

Arthur was cleaning up the coffee machine and his eyes and looked at his employee; she was blushing and had tears in her eyes. He glimpsed at the man at the table, he wasn't familiar. What was going on between those two?

"Two coffees and one water. Nine pounds and fifteen pence, please," she informed Lando.

"Can you make it fifteen, please?"

"Thank you very much," she said quietly and prepared the machine for the payment. She looked away when Lando was paying. It somehow got Liv badly how he was acting so harsh on her, she wasn't the kindest as well, but it somehow hurt her. After the two beeps of the machine, Liv turned back. "Thank you."

Lando nodded and saved all his stuff on his laptop. In the corner of his eye, he could still see Liv standing next to him. It was annoying and too much for him.

"A copy of your card," she muttered and placed the paying bill on the table.

"Liv," Lando spoke and looked at her. "Let's have a coffee together one day, to start over again. Just me and you, coffee and something to eat." His eyes sparkled hope. "One time and then you can decide if it was fun or not. If not, you will not hear a single word from me ever again." The look on her face softened, and a small smile came alive on her face. "I'm Lando Norris," he introduced himself again and pulled out his hand.

The look on her face wasn't hard to read; hesitating. She deeply inhaled. Should I do it? But what if he is a freak or what if he thinks I'm weird? Her hand reached for his hand, and she wrapped her fingers around it. "Liv Di Costa."

"That's a yes?"

"Yes," she said and tried to hide her smile. The unbelieved look on his face was everything, it was a surprise to him.

He giggled. "You will not regret it, I promise." He let go of her hand. "Nice to meet you, Liv Di Costa."

"Nice to meet you too, Lando Norris."

Arthur cleared his throat what took the attention of Liv and Lando. "Is he bothering you? I can send him away if you want to," he softly spoke to Liv and pointed at the exit behind him.

"No, no, everything is fine," Liv spoke. Lando looked at Liv while she was convincing the man everything was fine, it made him smile to see her blush, it was cute. "Just a misunderstanding, nothing more."

Arthur looked suspicious at Lando and nodded slowly, something about him was bothering, especially after he saw Liv slightly upset. "We are closing in five," he reminded Lando and walked back to the counter. 

"Sorry that was my boss. I have to help with closing." She grabbed the cup from the table and smiled.

"Yes, of course."

She walked back to the counter and followed the cleaning list. Liv made sure the sitting area was clean and ready for the next day while Arthur made sure all the machines were clean. Liv took off her apron and redid her low bun.

"How about tomorrow?"

A shock went through her body, and she quickly faced Lando. "Sorry," she whispered. "Tomorrow sounds good."

"Cool. Text me your address, I will pick you up."

"I will."

Lando placed his backpack on his back. "See you tomorrow, Liv."

"See you tomorrow, Lando." She folded the cleaning cloth and placed it on the table. "Have a nice evening," she wished him.

Lando walked towards the exit and looked over his shoulder. "You too." He opened the door and left the cafe.

Liv let out a breath and watched him until he left her sight. She bit her lip and smiled. Could she call this a meet-up? A meet-up with Lando Norris? He managed to let her say yes. What was going to wear, and what could she expect?

"Who was that?" Arthur asked.

"No one." He raised his eyebrows. "Lando, someone I know," she gave in.

He nodded, impressed. "Hmm-hmm. That looked not so...positive?"

"It's a long story."

"Fine. But if he is an arse, tell me, okay? You are one of my best baristas, and I know you the best, I consider you as my little sister. So if he is acting like a douche, let me know," he told her and closed the bar.

"I will," she promised him.

"Good. Now, go home and enjoy your night off. I will close myself," he smiled.