Just Another Message Lost in Your Inbox {LN4 FanFiction}

15

"Well, uhm, yes," she shrugs nonchalantly, as if it's the most obvious thing in the world. Then, without missing a beat, she grabs Oscar's arm and starts filling him in on her plans, pulling him out the door.

I shake my head at her antics, but then Lando stands up and extends his hand toward me with a playful smile.

"Miss, will you spend the day with Mr. Number 4?" he asks, his tone teasing but sincere.

I can't help but smile back, feeling a rush of warmth in my chest. "Of course, sir." I take his hand, and together, we head out into the New York afternoon, ready for whatever Cadey has planned—or at least ready to see where the day takes us.

–

The four of us had an amazing day exploring the city yesterday, and now, Cadey and I are driving Lando and Oscar back to the airport for their flight back to Las Vegas.

Oscar's up front with Cadey, while Lando sits beside me in the back. He keeps giving me these little glances, his smile never fading. It's a quiet, peaceful ride, but it feels like there's so much unsaid between us. I can't help but think about everything—how much has changed in such a short time, and how hard it is to wrap my head around it.

We pull up to the airport and park at the drop-off zone. Everyone gets out of the car, and we exchange hugs and goodbyes. Lando pulls me into a tight embrace.

"Remember to let me know what you've decided," he whispers softly in my ear, his breath warm against my skin. He places a gentle kiss on my cheek. "I'll see you soon, love."

I nod, a soft, reassuring smile on my lips. He gives me one last look before he walks into the airport with Oscar, and I watch them disappear inside.

On the way back to my apartment, Cadey's got this huge grin on her face.

"What are you grinning about?" I ask, feeling a little suspicious.

She doesn't respond immediately, just continues grinning like a Cheshire cat. After a long pause, she finally bursts out, "I can't believe my bestie is dating Lando Norris. Ah, this is so exciting!"

I quickly shut her down. "We are not dating, Cadey."

She whips her head around to look at me in disbelief. "Wait, what? He didn't—?"

"No," I cut her off. "I said no before he could even ask. We're just going to be friends for now. He's okay with that."

Cadey stares at me, wide-eyed, processing what I just said. The next fifteen minutes of the car ride are eerily quiet, her silence speaking volumes. I can tell she's struggling to make sense of it, but I'm relieved that we're on the same page. I know she's just trying to be supportive, but I need time to figure things out. Time to understand what I really want.

The rest of the ride passes in comfortable, if quiet, silence.

–

The flight from NYC to Las Vegas is only six hours, but it feels like an eternity, especially with everything running through my mind. We left on Friday, arriving late in the evening, and now here I am, in the city of bright lights and high stakes, and I'm still trying to figure out what to do about the job opportunity Lando mentioned.

I haven't told Cadey about it yet. I'm still weighing the pros and cons, unsure of what would be the best decision. I figure maybe it's time to get her opinion on it—she always knows how to see things from a different angle.

In the taxi ride to the hotel, I tap her on the arm.

"Cadey, I need your advice on something."

She glances over at me, curious. "Sure, what's going on?"

"Well, here's the thing..." I hesitate, unsure of how to put it into words. "Lando said a position opened up on the marketing team with them, and he said if I want it, he can set it up..."

Before I can finish, Cadey cuts me off, her excitement clear in her voice.

"You should definitely take it, without a doubt."

I feel the weight of the situation sink in. "But you know I'll have to move away and travel with the team, right?" I say, the reality of it hitting me hard.

Cadey pauses, and I see the sadness flash across her face. She's been my best friend for so long, and I know how much this will affect her too.

"You know what, Skye," she says, her voice steady but soft. "You've wanted to work for a car company for as long as I've known you. I'll be the best supporter in your corner if you decide to take it. I know it'll be hard, but it's not like I won't see you ever again." She smiles, trying to reassure me, but I can see the concern in her eyes.

I squeeze her hand. "You really are the bestest friend in the whole wide world," I say, my voice thick with gratitude.

–

On Sunday morning, Cadey and I arrive at the race track early. The buzz of the crowd, the revving of engines—it's all so surreal.

Ping!

Lando: Hey love. I left your passes with the security office. They'll tell you where to go to get to the garage. See you later. x

I smile, tapping Cadey on the shoulder to show her the message. I walk up to the gate, but the security officer doesn't seem like he's expecting us. He gives me a cold look as I approach.

"Excuse me, we're here to pick up our passes..." I begin.

He looks down at me, unimpressed. "Sorry, you can't get in without a pass."

Confused, I try again. "Yes, sir, I understand. I'm just asking where we can get our pass..."

He interrupts me, his tone harsh. "Ma'am, if you don't leave, I will have to escort you away from the gate."

I turn around, frustrated, and walk back to Cadey.

"This guy is not listening to me," I say, exasperated.

I pull out my phone and text Lando quickly.

Skye: Hey. The security is being rude and not listening to me. I can't even ask a question. Sorry to worry you. Not sure what to do?

Moments later, I spot the security guard talking into his walkie talkie. His demeanor shifts, and he walks over to us.

"My apologies for being rude, Miss. Please go through and collect your passes at the office. Then head down towards the track, turn left, and the McLaren garage will be on your left."

I nod, relieved. "Thank you."

"Come on, Cadey. Let's go," I say, and we head toward the office.

We collect our passes, now officially guests of Lando. Cadey admires her pass, grinning. "So fancy," she says, holding it up like it's a VIP ticket to a dream world.

We walk down the path, turning left. I spot Lando in the distance, talking to what I assume is Zak, the McLaren CEO. As soon as Lando sees us, his face lights up, and he jogs over.

He wraps me in a hug, lifting me slightly off the ground. "You made it," he says, his voice full of warmth.