Max groans, leaning against the wall. “Mate, you seriously need to chill.”

I shoot him a look, wiping my hands on a towel after my last sim session. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You always whine when I can’t hang out because I’m with Pietra.”

I scoff. “I don’t whine.”

He raises an eyebrow. “Oh, really? ‘Oh Max, you’ve changed! Remember when we used to-” He mimics my voice dramatically.

“First of all, I don’t sound like that.” “You do.”

I chuck the towel at him, but he dodges, grinning. “It’s just-” I sigh. “We used to do stuff all the time, and now you’re always with her.”

“That’s what happens when you have a girlfriend.” He shrugs. “You’d know if you actually gave someone a chance.”

I scoff. “I don’t need a girlfriend, Max.”

Max smirks. “Fine. But you do need a night out. No racing, no whining. Just..fun.”

I narrow my eyes. “Define ‘fun.’” “A date.” I laugh. “Not happening.” “Hear me out. A blind date.”

That makes me pause. “A what?” “No pressure, no expectations. Just go, have a drink, talk to someone new.” I shake my head. “Absolutely not.” “Come on, Lando.” He presses. “Worst case, it’s awkward. Best case..who knows?”

I hesitate. “Who set this up?” “Pietra.” I groan. “Of course.”

Max grins. “Mate, just say yes.” I exhale sharply. “Fine. One drink. That’s it.”

A few days later, I step into the bar, exhaling slowly. Max gave me barely any details. “You’ll know when you see her.” Not helpful.

I scan the room. Then, near the window, I spot her. She sits alone, fingers tracing the rim of her glass, lost in thought. Confident, yet..soft. Like she doesn’t need to stand out to be noticed.

A mix of nerves and curiosity settles in my chest as I walk toward her. She doesn’t see me at first so I clear my throat. “Uh..hey.”

Her gaze lifts, meeting mine and for a second, I forget what I was about to say.

Then, quickly, I find my voice. “I’m Lando.” I offer a small, slightly nervous smile. “I think I’m supposed to be meeting you.”