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You stood there, mouth slightly open, just staring at lando. You cleared your throat as soon as you noticed your expression and shook your head slightly in disbelief. In your head, you kept repeating: treat him like a normal person. This thought obviously wasn’t working because you haven’t said anything in over a minute of standing here. Finally, you said something. “What are you doing here?”

“Getting dinner.” He shrugged. Your eyes glanced towards the man he was with. Max Fewtrell. His best friend. You did notice it was him at first because your mind just stopped working when you saw lando. Max seemed confused. The sort of confusion that says ‘I have no idea what’s going on right now’. You looked over at Lando again. People like Lando don’t come to dingos for dinner. “At dingos?” You asked, genuinely confused.

Lando grinned. “Is there something wrong with dingos?” He asked. You farrowed your eyebrows and a small, amused smile appeared on your lips. “It’s dingos.” You replied. “Is there something wrong with dingos?” He repeated. Max glanced between the two of you like he was watching a tennis match. He obviously didn’t know who I was or Lando why Lando insisted on coming to Dingos for dinner.

You let out a short laugh and shook your head, glancing towards where Hannah was standing at the front. She was watching the interaction from afar with a deeply confused expression. Honestly, fair enough. How exactly were you supposed to explain this? You looked back at the two boys who looked completely out of place in Dingos. Their clothes alone probably cost more than your monthly rent. You bit your lip to stop yourself from smiling. “Can I get you guys started with drinks?”

“Coke, please.” Max said. You smiled softly and nodded before looking over at Lando. Lando smirked and leaned back into his seat. “Do you guys have vodka cranberry’s?” You let out a scoff and shook her head, trying to hide the smile on your face. Max finally puts two and two together and starts laughing to himself softly.

“I can see what I can do for you, Lando.” You said, smiling. He smiled back at you, dimples showing. “Thank you.” You scribbled down the drinks before heading towards the bar. You were only a few steps away when you heard Max speak up. “That her?” You tried very not to listen. “Yeah.” Lando replied. “The girl from the pub?” “Yeah.” There was a brief pause while max looks over his shoulder to look at you putting their orders in.

“So that’s why we’re here.” Lando looked down at the menu, trying and failing to hide his smile. “Maybe.” Max let out a laugh. “You drove forty minutes for a burger.” Lando laughed. “Dingos does a decent burger.” He argued. “You don’t even like burgers that much.” Lando opened his mouth and closed it again, his smile turning sheepish. “Exactly.” Max said.

Max looked over his shoulder once again, watching you talk to the bartender as he prepared their drinks. “She is cute, though.” He said, looking back at Lando. Lando looked over at the bar and his smile softened. “Yeah.” He said softly. “Yeah?” Max asked. “Yeah.” Lando replied.

You eventually came back with their drinks. “Coke Zero, and a…vodka cranberry.” You said placing them down in front of them. “Thanks.” “Thank you” They said in unison. “Have you decided on what to eat, or do you need a few more minutes?” You asked. Max immediately closed his menu. “I’ll have the bacon cheeseburger and chips.” You nodded and scribbled it down. “Good choice.”

You looked over at Lando and he was still going over the menu. “Need a few more minutes?” You asked politely. “Nah, I’ll have whatever your favourite thing is.” You blinked. “Sorry?” You asked in shock. “Your favourite thing.” He repeated. You let out a nervous laugh and shook your head. “I can’t do that.”

“Why not?” He asked. “Because if you don’t like it, you’ll blame me.” You argued. “I won’t.” “You will.” “I won’t, I promise.” You stared at him for a few seconds before finally giving up. “Alright…I’ll give you my favourite.” You said, reluctantly. “Thank you.” He said before taking a sip of his drink. You took both menus and walked to out the order in with the chefs.

The second you pushed through the swinging doors, Hannah was waiting for you. “Oh no.” You said while putting the menus down. “Oh yes.” She said. “Who are they?” She asked. “No one.” You said, because you had bigger problems. Like what the fuck to give lando to eat. You had no favourites. It was dingos for crying out loud.

“No one?” She asked, looking out the small window on the doors to see Lando glancing towards them. “They’re cute, though.” Not listening to a word Hannah was saying you finally put in a BBQ bacon cheeseburger with loaded fries. It’s what you always get from the chef when going home late. Chef Fennel never tells the manager about it. He just makes sure you go home full.

You look over at Hannah, realising she said something. “Huh?” You asked. She was about to repeat whatever she had said until the manager, KJ, came in. “It’s pumping out there! Get back to work. Y/N, I seated you with tables 20, 23 and 25.” He said. “Yes, sir.” You said and grabbed some menus and immediately got to work.

As you worked around the tables, you couldn’t help but notice lando always watching. Not in a creepy way. In a way he was just watching. It was a busy night. Tables full, food orders, drinks to be refilled but your eyes always drifted off to Lando. “Table 16!” The ding of the bell came from the kitchen ready with their food.

You quickly walked through the tables to collect their plates of food. Then you walked towards their table. “A bacon cheeseburger with chips…” You said, placing the plate in front of Max. “Thank you” “And a bqq bacon cheeseburger with loaded fries.” You placed the plate in front of Lando. He smiled and glanced down at the burger. “Looks good.” He said. “Your favourite?” “Best in dingos.” You shrugged. “Enjoy.” You said with a smile.

You were about to walk away and let them enjoy their food when the sound of Lando’s voice stopped you in your tracks. “Wait—I, uh…” You turned back around immediately. “Yeah?” “How are the girls?” Max’s eyes darted between the two of you before he took a bite of his burger. For a second, you just stared. Not because of the question. Because he remembered. The two drunk girls he’d met for all of ten minutes.

“Oh.” A small smile appeared on your face. “Yeah. They’re good.” “Yeah?” You nodded. “Very hungover this morning, but good.” That earned a laugh from him. “I can imagine.” Your smile lingered for a moment. Then it faded slightly. Because you suddenly remembered that Naomi was halfway to Spain by now. And Chloe would be gone when you got home from work.

“Yeah…” you said quietly. Something in your expression must have changed. Because Lando noticed immediately. His smile softened. “Everything alright?” Your heart did an annoying little flip. You looked away first. “Yeah.” You weren’t sure why that felt like a lie. “Enjoy your burgers,” you said quickly. Then you turned and walked away before either of them could say anything else. As soon as you reached the next table, you risked a glance over your shoulder. Lando was still watching.

The night continued on and the pub started to turn quiet. Lando and Max were still there. In their booth, just talking to each other. They were your only table left, so you were leaning a giant the wall next to another waiter, Chase. Chase was two years older than you and in the same university. You were pretty sure he was gay, but he had never said anything before, so you never brought it up.

Chase was complaining about how his mum wanted him to come home immediately because she missed him. “I just want to be free, you know?” He said. “It’s my third year of university and she does it every year.” He shook his head. “The lads and I had so many plans but she booked my ticket home already so I can’t even go anymore.”

You looked over at him with a sympathetic expression. “That sucks.” Chase let out a dramatic sigh and folded his arms. “I know it’s sweet that she misses me, but I’m twenty two. At some point she has to let me be an adult.” You nodded along, but if you were being honest, you didn’t completely understand. You’d only turned nineteen a few months ago. Most days, you still felt sixteen. Like you were pretending to know what you were doing and hoping nobody noticed.

University had helped. Living away from home had helped. Not talking to your parents for a year had helped. But there were still moments when you stood in the laundry aisle staring at detergent bottles or called Naomi into the kitchen because you couldn’t figure out why the oven was making a weird noise. Adult felt like a title everyone else had earned. Not you. Not yet.

“You’re looking at me like I’m insane,” Chase said. Your attention snapped back to him. “A little bit.” “A little bit?” “You get upset because your mum wants to see you.” “She wants me home for three months.” You shrugged. “I don’t know. Sounds nice.” Chase stared at you for a second. Then his expression softened slightly. He knew about your parent situation, seemed like he only remembered about it now. “Oh.” He said quietly. “Right.” He knew enough about you not to ask questions.

“I’m going to go check on my table.” You said softly before walking off towards Lando and Max. You put on your polite smile as you reached them. “How was the food?” You asked as you gathered their empty plates. “Delicious.” Max said. “I could see why it was your favourite.” Lando smiled up at you. “Im glad you liked it.” You said stacking the plates carefully in your arms.

You adjusted the plates in your arms. “Well, can I get you guys anything else?” “Just the bill, please,” Max said. Something in your chest sank slightly. Oh. Right. They were leaving. “Of course.” You gave them a small smile. “I’ll go get that for you.” You turned and headed towards the till before either of them could notice the strange feeling settling in your chest. It was ridiculous. They were customers. Customers left. That was generally how restaurants worked.

Still, as you printed the receipt, you found yourself taking longer than necessary. “You alright?” Hannah asked, appearing beside you. “Fine.” You said. “Y/N.” She pushed. “I’m fine.” You repeated, sternly. You grabbed the receipt before she could continue. You walked back towards table sixteen. By the time you arrived, Max was already reaching for his wallet.

You placed the bill on the table. “Will that be cash or card?” You asked. “Card,” Max said. “Alright, I’ll be back with the card machine now.” You said before walking off. For some reason, your feet felt heavier than they had all night. Which was stupid. You grabbed the card machine from behind the till and headed back over to the table.

You grabbed the slip to put in the total to see the tip they gave you. 50% tip. Your expression faded and you looked between them. “Hey, I uh- I think you made a mistake.” You said. “Here.” You pointed at the new total on the slip. Max glanced at it before looking at Lando. Lando looked at it before looking at Max. Neither of them seemed concerned. “Nope,” Max said.

You blinked. “No? Guys thats…” You looked down at the receipt again. “That’s a lot of money.” Lando shrugged. “You gave us good service.” You couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped you. “Still.” “Keep it,” Max said. Your eyes flicked between them again. For a moment, you didn’t know what to say. That tip was nearly half of what you’d make on some shifts.

“Thank you,” you said quietly. The teasing smile on Lando’s face softened slightly. “You’re welcome.” Something fluttered awkwardly in your chest. You looked down at the receipt before typing the total in and passing max the card machine. The machine beeped a second later. Approved. You took it back and tucked the receipt beneath your notepad.

“Thank you,” you said quietly. The teasing smile on Lando’s face softened slightly. “You’re welcome.” Something fluttered awkwardly in your chest. You looked down at the receipt before typing the total in and passing Max the card machine. A few seconds later, the payment went through. Approved.

You took the machine back and tucked it under your arm. “Well…” you said softly. There it was again. That funny feeling. The one that told you this was probably goodbye. “Thanks for coming in.” “Thank you for serving us,” Max replied. Youu smiled. “Have a safe trip home.” Max stood up first, grabbing his jacket from beside him. Lando followed a second later. The booth suddenly looked a lot emptier. You hated that you noticed.

“See you around, Y/N.” Your eyes immediately snapped to Lando. See you around. Not goodbye. See you around. A smile tugged at the corner of your lips. “Yeah.” You weren’t sure why your heart was beating so fast. “You too.” For a second, neither of you looked away. Then Max cleared his throat dramatically “Right.” Both of you immediately looked at him. Lando glanced back at you once more. “Bye, Y/N.” You nodded. “Bye.” You watched as they left the pub. Lando didn’t leave without one last glance over his shoulder. Then they were gone. The door swung shut behind them.

The next morning, you woke up with the worst hangover of your life. The sun was blaring into your eyes and you could hear loud noises coming from the kitchen. You groaned as you sat up and reached for your phone. 11:00am. You flopped down back into bed after realising today is the day.

Sure, you were all celebrating last night, but it was also a goodbye. Chloe’s boyfriend was coming to pick her up while you were at work tonight to start their backpacking trip they have been planning for months. Naomi was going back to her family. Her sister was coming to fetch her at 12:00 and you weren’t going to see either of them until next semester.

Wait, 12:00? Fuck, it’s 11:00 right now. You only have an hour left with Naomi. You got out a bed and realised you were still in your clothes from last night. You groaned from the pounding in your head and walked out your room to see Naomi’s bags at the front door and her rummaging through the kitchen drawers.

She looked like nothing ever happened last night. Beautiful, in fact. She’s always beautiful. Chloe is probably still in bed knowing she has the whole day still to pack. “What are you looking for, Nai?” You asked in a very hungover, very tired tone. “The good scissors.” She replied.

You wandered deeper into the kitchen to sit on one of the stools, running a hand over your face. “We have good scissors?” You asked. Just then, Chloe came into the kitchen groaning. She was still wearing her clothes from last night. It makes you feel a bit better rather than feeling bad Naomi looks so put together.

Naomi always looks out together though. Sometimes you aren’t sure how you and Chloe became best friends with Naomi, but you’re both glad you did. Naomi was the best thing that could’ve happened. Chloe plops on the stool next to you. “You’re being so loud.” She whined.

“I’m literally just opening a drawer.” Naomi said, stopping in her tracks to look at the both of you. “Exactly.” Chloe replied. Naomi rolled her eyes. “You two are pathetic.” She said, then continued looking for the scissors. Your gaze drifted towards the bags waiting for Naomi at the front door and suddenly, the reality of it hit you.

I’m Naomi would be gone in the next hour. Chloe would be gone by tonight and it’s just going to be you. Alone. For three months. Chloe noticed the shift in you immediately. “Hey, we’ll be back before you know it.” She said in a gentle voice, letting her hand drift onto your back to rub it softly. Naomi turns around again to see you upset. “Y/N, you’re going to wish we were gone longer. Trust me.” That brought out a small, sad chuckle out of you as tears filled your eyes.

“I know.” You said, voice breaking slightly. Both of them immediately started reaching out for you. “Don’t cry, you’re going to make me cry.” Naomi mumbles into your hair. All three of you are now embraced in a tight group hug as tears slipped from all of your faces.

“Okay, okay!” you said, letting out a soft, embarrassed laugh as you pulled away from the hug. “I should go shower and look decent before your sister comes to fetch you.” You glanced over at Naomi before turning to Chloe. “And you should too. You reek of tequila.” Chloe let out a laugh. “Alright, alright.”

The shower was exactly what you needed. Hot water poured over your shoulders as you stood there, eyes closed, trying to wash away the headache that had taken up permanent residence behind your eyes. For a few minutes, it worked. You thought about Naomi leaving. Then Chloe. Then work tonight. Then the mountain of university assignments waiting for you next semester. Normal things. The things that actually mattered.

Unfortunately, your brain had other plans. Without warning, a familiar pair of blue eyes appeared in your mind. You groaned. “No.” The water continued running. You thought about the way he’d laughed in the car. The way he’d somehow understood when you didn’t want to talk about something. The way he’d carried Chloe up the stairs like she weighed absolutely nothing. You groaned again.

This was ridiculous. You’d met him once. For a few hours. That was it. By tomorrow, he’d probably have forgotten your name. Out the shower, wrapped in a towel, you walked to your bedroom. You closed the door behind you and flopped onto your bed. You hated this. Having to act like nothing was going to change when everything is changing. The two people you need most in life are leaving you for three whole months.

You huffed as you got back up and started to get dressed. Just in something casual. You had to get ready for work later anyways. You grabbed a pair of sweatpants and an oversized t shirt. Under the t shirt you just wore a sports bra. You sat on the edge of your bed once dressed and leaned to out your socks on. You glanced at your nightstand, seeing the time on the alarm clock.

11:47. Thirteen minutes until Naomi was leaving. You stood up and walked out your room to the lounge. Chloe had also showered and put PJs back on. She was sitting on the couch next to Naomi while she was on the phone with her sister. “Okay…yeah, well I’m ready.” Naomi murmured over the phone. “Alright…see you soon.” She said, then hung up.

You sat down on the stool next to them and glanced at Naomi. “She’ll be here in the next five minutes.” She said. She was excited. Of course she would be, but she was toning it down, knowing you were upset she was leaving. You took a deep breath in and out and broke the eye contact. “You guys will call me, yeah? And update me on anything that happens?” You asked.

“Of course, Y/N.” “Always.” They both replied simultaneously. You smiled at them sadly and glanced at the bags again. “Plus, we still need to talk about last night.” Naomi said, smirking. Your head snaps back to them. “Last night?” you ask, trying to act oblivious.

“Lando fucking Norris, Y/N.” Chloe said. “It’s not every day we can tell people a famous formula one driver helped us back home.” She said, getting more comfortable on the couch. “And he was definitely into you.” She added which Naomi hummed in agreement. “Lando Norris? Into me? I think he was just being nice, Chlo.” You said.

“Nah, the way he kept calling you ‘love’ and the lingering eye contact in the car last night doesn’t scream just being nice to me.” Naomi said. You should your head and let out a nervous laugh. “He calls everyone love.” You argued. “Hmmm yeah, believe what you want to, babe.” Naomi said, leaning back into the couch.

“It’s feminine intuition, Y/N. He was one hundred percent into you.” Chloe said. You were about to say something, argue with them, when Naomi’s phone rang. She answered it and quickly hung up. “My sister’s outside.” She said in a sad voice. All three of you got up reluctantly and walked to the door. You each took a bag of Naomi’s and walked out the apartment building.

Naomi’s sister, Camilla, was standing outside her car, ready to pick Naomi up and head to the airport. Chloe and you helped carry the last of Naomi’s bags downstairs before squeezing everything into the boot. Camilla chatted away happily while Naomi double-checked she hadn’t forgotten anything.

Then suddenly there was nothing left to pack. Nothing left to carry. Nothing left to do. It was time. Naomi looked between you and Chloe. “Oh.” “Yeah,” Chloe replied quietly. For a moment, nobody moved. Then Naomi pulled Chloe into a hug. A second later, you joined in. “I’m going to miss you idiots,” Naomi mumbled. You felt your throat tighten. “Don’t make this worse.”

Eventually, Camilla gently reminded everyone they had a flight to catch. Naomi climbed into the car and rolled down the window. “Love you!” “Love you too!” you and Chloe shouted back. The car pulled away. You stood there watching until it disappeared around the corner. The street suddenly felt a lot quieter. You looked over at Chloe with a heavy heart. “I can’t believe you’re leaving me too.”

“You’ll survive.” She said, pulling you into her arms. You leaned into her shoulder. For a moment, the sadness eased. Just a little. “Come on,” she said, nudging you towards the building. “Let’s go upstairs before you start crying again.”

The rest of the afternoon, you help Chloe pack her final things. Your heart feels like it broken into a million pieces knowing you’re not going to see them for months. You look at the tile on your phone, 5pm. You needed to be at work at 6. Chloe’s boyfriend was coming to pick her up at 8. You’d still be at work at that time, so you’d have to say goodbye earlier.

Chloe sat in your room on your bed as you got ready for work. Your uniform was simple. A very, very tight black short sleeve shirt that showed more cleavage you would want paired with a very short black skirt. A bit revealing, but that’s the way Dingos worked. Your manager thought the more skin the waitresses would show, the more money the drunk old men would spend. It’s unfortunate to say it was true.

You and Chloe spoke about nonsense while you did your makeup and hair. She then brought up Lando, again. It was crazy. Meeting someone you idolised and then dropping you off at home. It felt unreal, but you knew he’d probably forget about you. Forget about Naomi and Chloe. He was Lando Norris. Why would he remember you?

Eventually, you had to start heading off to work. You and Chloe embraced at the front door and you lingered for much longer than you wanted to. “Call me whenever, yeah?” You said. “I will, Y/N. I promise. Now go or else you’re going to be late.” She replied. You quickly hugged her again before walking out the front door.

You walked out the apartment building, trying to distract yourself with other thoughts, but all you could think about was how lonely you’re going to be for the next 3 months. Two bus rides later, you finally got to Dingos. You walked in and the pub was already pumping with drunk uni boys and old men. Of course.

You groaned, walking into the back to set your things down and put your apron on. You smiled as a greeting to the chefs and your co workers until the hostess, Hannah, walked over to you. She was a beautiful, blonde 4th year university student. She intimidated you at first, but after working at dingos for over a year with her, she became your work best friend.

“Hey, Y/N.” She said with a perfect smile. “Hey” you replied, tightening your apron. “Two lads came in earlier asking to be served by you.” She said, leaning against the wall. “Oh?” You asked looking up at her. She shrugged “Told them you only clock in at 6 and they said they’d wait. Table 16.” She said.

You farrowed your eyebrows and tried to look out the small window on the door to glance at who could possibly wanting to be served by you. You looked back at Hannah and nodded. “Alright.” You sighed and started to walk out the back and towards the table.

You had to say the same thing to every table. ‘Hey guys, I’m Y/N and I’ll be your lucky server for tonight. Is there anything I can get you started with?’ It was engraved into your head at your point. Repeating it over and over and over would do that to you. You grabbed your notepad from your apron pocket and approached table sixteen without really looking up.

The music was too loud. Your head was already in pain, like the hungover was here while you were still drunk. Your eyes felt heavy and you overall just need some fresh air. Originally, you came to celebrate with your best friends, Naomi and Chloe. First year exams were finally over. You were free. All the drinking and dancing just got to you.

“I’ll be back!” You yelled over the music blasting through the pub. Naomi looked at you with a worried expression “Are you okay?!” She asked, before stuffing her face with more cold fries we forgot we ordered earlier. “Yeah, I just need some fresh air. Don’t worry, I’ll be five minutes!” You said, now making your way through the tight crowd to get outside.

Your head was pounding as you finally got outside. You sat on the edge of the curb, pulling the hem of your skirt down because it had ridden up. You thought you’d be happy. Exams were over. Vacations were set, but something felt off. Naomi was going back to Spain to spend time with her family. Chloe was going to backpack around the world with her boyfriend, Sam. And you? You were doing nothing.

No family to go home to besides your older brother, but his wife recently had a baby and you thought there would be just too much happening in one house if you were to visit. You had a falling out with your parents due to university and what you wanted to study. It was your dream to become a formula one sports reporter. It was a shame your parents didn’t believe in you.

They said it was unrealistic. Explained how hard it is to get into that industry. You knew that. Of course you knew that, but couldn’t you at least try? After lots of arguments between the three of you, you eventually left. Packed up your things, got a waitress job at the pub near your university and started living with Naomi and Chloe.

Now a whole year has passed with no contact. Jayden was still in contact with them. Their golden child. Their favourite. So it was always awkward meeting with him anyways, so it’s a good thing not to make plans with him, you thought.

Your eyes fluttered shut as you look a deep breath in and out of the cool London night air. This was supposed to be a fun night, you reminded yourself. So you stood back up again, smoothed out your skirt, and started to walk back into the club. Everything was going to be okay. You will figure it out, right?

You weren’t really focusing on where you were walking, just trying to get back to the booth Naomi and Chloe were at. So it was just inevitable to run into someone. You ran into this tall, muscular man who had been, unfortunately, holding a cranberry redbull in his hand that spilt all over your white shirt and his salmon coloured button up.

“Oh my gosh, I am so so sorry!” You immediately started saying, feeling terrible, not even realising who you ran into. “I wasn’t looking where I was going, I’m so sorry.” You repeated, while grabbing tissues to try and wipe his shirt clean. You weren’t even worried about your own. “Don’t worry, love.” The low, English voice responded. “The washing machine exists for a reason, yeah?”

You finally looked up at the man’s face and lo and behold, it was Lando Norris. The Lando Norris. Your mouth instantly turns dry and you suddenly have no more words to say. He grabbed his own napkin to humour you, wiping down your own shirt. “It won’t stain, don’t worry.”

“Oh…” you said softly, trying not to internally freak out. Don’t say it, don’t say it, don’t say it. “You’re Lando Norris.” You had to say it. A small but disappointing smile appears on his face. Was he wanting to not get recognised? He was Lando Norris, I’m sure he’d get recognised in a Tesco’s for crying out loud.

“Yeah, that’s me.” He said in a softly, probably noticing the fact that you’re a little star struck. “Sorry…I uh-” You started to say, but no words came out. “Formula one, am I right?” The second the sentence left your mouth, you grimaced. What was that? “I’m sorry. I- you know what? Have a great rest of your night. Before you could embarrass yourself any further, you slipped past him. Your shoulders brushed briefly as you squeezed through the crowded pub.

You eventually found yourself back at the booth where Naomi and Chloe were sitting at. Dropping into your seat, you buried your face in your hands. “What happened?” Naomi asked immediately. “You were only gone for, like, five minutes.” Chloe said. You lifted your head just enough to look at them.

“I spilt cranberry redbull over Lando Norris.” For a moment, neither Naomi nor Chloe said anything. Then “You what?” Chloe nearly shouted. Naomi stared at you. “No. Start from the beginning.” “There isn’t a beginning,” you groaned. “I walked into him. The drink went everywhere. I apologised. He was nice about it.”“And?” “And then I realised he was Lando Norris.” Both of them immediately dropped their heads onto the table.

“Oh, no,” Naomi muttered. “Oh, yes.” “What did you say?” You considered lying. Unfortunately, your face gave you away. “What did you say?” Chloe repeated, already laughing. “I panicked.” “What. Did. You. Say?” You squeezed your eyes shut. “I said, ‘Formula One, am I right?’” The booth erupted. Chloe nearly fell off her chair laughing. Naomi looked like she was struggling to breathe. “I hate both of you,” you informed them.

“You love Lando Norris, Y/N! And the first thing you thought to say was ‘Formula one, am I right?’” Chloe wheezed. “I panicked! You know how I get! I start just blurting out things. I’m lucky I ended the conversation before I started telling him my whole life story.” You said, before taking a large sip of your drink. “True dat, sister.” Naomi chirped.

Eventually the night had to come to an end. You had all drunk way too much, and everyone in the pub could see that as you attempted to gather your things and walk out the pub. You were on your phone, attempting to call an uber while the three of you stumbled outside. “Stupid fucking phone.” I mumbled under your breath as it switches off again.

“You should just get a new phone.” Chloe slurs, saying it like it’s the easiest thing ever. It was for her. Both Naomi and Chloe came from wealthy family’s. They knew you didn’t, but not specifics. You never really wanted to talk about it. “I don’t need a new phone.” You said in a matter in fact tone. “My one is perfe- oh fuck this fucking phone!” You groaned as it switched off again.

“Hiya, love.” I familiar voice said. All three of you looked up to see Lando Norris standing there, the stain still on his shirt obviously. Naomi and Chloe giggle in their own little corner, leaving Lando and you to chat. “Everything alright?” He asked, glancing over your shoulder to meet Naomi and Chloe’s eyes which leads to even more giggles.

You looked up at him, so obviously drunk. “Yes everything is perfect, thank you.” You slurred a few words as you spoke. “I’m trying to call an uber but my phone isn’t working.” You said looking down at your phone in your hand. “Don’t worry, I can give you guys a lift.”

Your eyes met his again and you immediately shook your head. “Stranger danger. I have a rape whistle! Don’t attempt anything, Norris.” You said, taking a step back. That made him let out a soft chuckle. “I’m not going to try anything, love. I’m trying to save you from the men back there that really, really want to.” He nods towards a few guys checking Naomi, Chloe and you out.

You cleared your throat softly and looked at Naomi and Chloe before looking at lando for the last time. “We don’t live far…” you said softly “if you don’t mind, I think we’d appreciate a lift back home.” He smiled gently, his soft dimples appearing. “I don’t mind at all.”

The walk to his car was awkward, to say the least. Naomi and Chloe being the giggle shits they are, just following Lando like lost puppies and Lando just making sure none of you lose balance before you get there. His car was nice. A black, sleek McLaren. Absolutely gorgeous. The sight of it made you almost sober up.

Lando opened the back door for Naomi and Chloe to get in and you just admired the car some more. “What model is this?” You asked. Lando glanced over at you, a little surprised. “The 750S.” You let out a low whistle. “God, that’s pretty.” Lando walked to the passenger door and opened it for you, gesturing for you to get inside.

You sit down and put your seatbelt on as lando shuts the door and walked to the drivers seat. You were touching every part of the car. It was so soft and velvety. Lando sat down and put his own seatbelt on glancing and you touching everything. “What’s your name, love?”

You tore your attention away from the dashboard long enough to look at him. “Hm?” “Your name,” Lando repeated, fighting back a smile. “Do you have one?” “Oh.” You blinked. “Y/N.” “Y/N.” He repeated with a small nod before turning his body to the back seat to look at Naomi and Chloe. “What about you two pretty girls?”

Naomi and Chloe both giggle. “Naomi.” “Chloe.” They both say. “It’s very nice to meet all three of you, Naomi, Chloe and…” Lando glances at you, almost admiring the way you’re fascinated with the car. “Y/N.” Your head snapped towards him. “Hm?” He smiled gently, shaking his head. “Nothing, love.” There was a short pause as he started the car and pulled out into the road, the city lights sliding across the windshield “So,” he said casually, glancing at you again, “what’s your address?” He pulled out his phone and opened maps

You blinked at him. “Oh, right.” Your voice dropped a little “Yeah… we live not far. Shoreditch, it’s uh- number nine Willowgate mews.” You said before admiring the car again. “Yeah, not too far from here.” He replied, still very aware of how fascinating you seem.

Lando started the car and started driving to the apartment. You glanced over at him, noticing little details like the stubble on his jawline, a few beauty marks behind his ear and the way his veins pop out in his hands which are gripping the steering wheel. You looked over your shoulder to see Naomi and Chloe out of it. Fast asleep. Classic them.

You cleared your throat softly before speaking up. “So do you have to pay for these cars? Or is it, like, a gift from McLaren?” You asked, genuinely curious. Lando glanced at you with a small, amused smile. “Bit of both.” He replied, focusing on the road again. “Oh?” You asked, clearly not satisfied with the answer.

He let out a quiet laugh “Yeah. Bit of sponsorship, bit of personal choice. Depends on the deal.” You tilted your head slightly. “So you could technically just… get a different one if you wanted?” You asked. “I could.” He replied.

You looked out the window, watching the city lights blur together. It made you realise how different your lives were. Lando drove a McLaren worth more than you could probably earn in years. He travelled the world for a living. Millions of people knew his name. Tomorrow he’d wake up and go back to a life you could barely imagine. Meanwhile, your phone only worked when it felt like it. A small smile tugged at your lips. The difference should’ve felt strange. Instead, sitting in the passenger seat while he drove you home, it felt oddly normal.

Lando glanced over at you, noticing the small smile on your lips. It made him smile softly. “What do you do, Y/N?” He asked out of curiosity. You looked over at him, “Oh, I uh- well I’m still in university. Just finished my first year, actually.” You start to explain. “But I work as a waitress at Dingos.”

Lando hummed thoughtfully “Dingos? That pub near the football field?” He asked. You grimaced, knowing the reputation of the place. “Yeah…it’s part time though. Keeps the bills paid.” For a moment Lando was quiet. Not an awkward quiet, just thoughtful.

“What are you studying in uni?” He asked, changing the subject. You were immediately grateful for it. Talking about your job at Dingos with Lando Norris felt strangely embarrassing. Not because there was anything wrong with it, but because it was hard to explain sticky tables, drunk customers, and minimum wage while sitting in a McLaren worth more than you’d ever seen in your bank account.

You hesitated slightly, unsure whether to tell the formula one driver sitting next to you that you dream to be a formula one journalist. You clear your throat softly before speaking up. “Sports journalism.” You answered. “Really?” He asked, glancing over at you before looking at the road again.

A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “What sport?” He asked. You immediately regretted answering the first question. You let out soft chuckle. I mix of embarrassment and nervousness. “Let’s not worry about that.” You replied. “Oh, now I’m definitely curious.” He said, glancing over at you.

You looked out the window dramatically. “I think it’s probably not going to work out anyway.” His eyebrows lifted, looking back at the road. He had stopped at a red light before looking back at you. “That’s not a real answer.” He said. You shrugged. “I’m probably going to live off my dingo’s paycheques for the rest of my life.”

For a moment, the car was quiet. He tilted his head and studied your expression. “That’s a bit dramatic, don’t you think?” You let out a small laugh, but it sounded forced even to your own ears. “Maybe.” The answer hung there. For a second, you thought he was going to ask more questions. Instead, he just nodded. “Fair enough.”

The rest of the drive passed comfortably. The radio played quietly in the background while London drifted by outside the windows. Every now and then one of you would make a comment about something random, but mostly you sat in companionable silence. Before long, the familiar buildings of Shoreditch appeared.

“Number nine, right?” Lando asked. You nodded “Yeah. That’s us.” He pulled up outside Willowgate Mews and put the car into park. The second you looked into the back seat, you groaned. Naomi was asleep against the window. Chloe was somehow asleep on top of Naomi. “Absolutely useless,” you muttered. A laugh escaped Lando. “Need a hand?”

With Lando’s help, you somehow managed to get Naomi and Chloe out of the car and into the building. The journey up to the apartment was mostly made up of stumbling, shushing drunk girls, and trying not to drop anyone down the stairs. By the time you finally unlocked the front door, you were exhausted.

The apartment wasn’t anything special. It was small and a little cluttered, with books stacked on side tables, blankets draped over the sofa, and more plants than any one apartment probably needed. Some looked healthy. Others were clearly hanging on for dear life. It wasn’t modern. It wasn’t particularly stylish. It was just lived in.

Lando lingered by the doorway for a moment, taking it all in. It felt strangely different from anywhere he’d expected you to live. “Thank you,” you said quietly, finally looking up at him. “For the lift. And… this.” You gestured vaguely towards Naomi and Chloe, who had already collapsed onto the couch.

A small smile appeared on his face. “Anytime, love.” For some reason, that made your stomach do a funny little flip. Your palms suddenly turned sweaty and your cheeks turned a pretty shade of pink. You cleared your throat softly. “Well goodnight, then, Lando.” He smiled, and lingered at the door for a moment.