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'No'
He stared at his screen in disappointment. The 'No' staring back at him. Taunting.
He was not surprised. He had expected this answer since it's all Lando had been answering with whenever Carlos asked if he was free.
Lando was avoiding him.
The cold shoulder started last year, but it wasn't as obvious as it is right now. They had some good moments, which made him think he is overthinking.
He avoided him on the paddock and only greeted him like an old acquaintance would, barely responding to his texts—only giving one-word dry responses—and turned down his invitation to play golf, citing this or that reason.
It had gotten to the point that even his friends noticed. His friends, who by default, had also become Lando's friends. And they too were getting the cold shoulder.
'Are you two fighting?' They were having drinks at a bar when one of his friends asked.
Carlos, knowing fully well who he was asking about, feigned ignorance.
'Who?'
'You and Lando.'
'No' was his simple answer, and something in his tone stopped them from asking further questions.
...
The season was going better than expected. Williams was regularly getting into points, and he was pretty hopeful they'll bag a podium or two before the year ends.
Alex was great. They got along well. Alex was chill, nice, minded his business, and always had a bright smile on his face.
Carlos was grateful to have him. He really was. It was nice to have someone who he could feel comfortable around, someone who actually enjoyed his company. Carlos was mindful of getting attached, though. Which was a... struggle because he gets attached very easily, and it never end well for him. It hadn't for his last two teammates. And although he had expected Charles and him to drift apart, he never expected this to happen to him and Lando.
He thought they were locked in for life. that they would officially become best friends once they retire and grow old together. He thought Lando adored him, just like he adored Lando. But he was wrong, apparently.
Lando had found new friends. He was always around Max, Oscar, Lewis, George, and surprisingly, Charles. Carlos thought they didn't get along, especially in the four years he and Charles were teammates. But guess he was wrong about that too.
Everyone in his friends circle noticed the change, but they were nice enough to not comment. Well, except Teto.
'He is a glory hunter.'
He said out of nowhere as they were sitting in Williams hospitality.
'What?' Carlos asked, puzzled.
'Lando.'
'What do you mean?'
'I mean. He is the type of friend who leaves you once they get successful. He is a championship contender, and you're fighting for points. He is always around people from top teams.'
Carlos laughed and told him he is ridiculous. But as time went by, Teto's theory seemed more and more plausible.
Now that he thinks about it, the shift in Lando's attitude started since he announced his contract with Williams. He didn't want to believe this. It was ridiculous. Lando wasn't like that. He knew Lando.
'Do you?' his mind would whisper.
He should just ask Lando. Send him a long text. Tell him whatever he is feeling; ask him if he did something wrong. But his pride wouldn't let him. He had drafted a text many times, but it was all it was. A draft. He was sure he didn't do anything to make Lando act like this. He would know if he did. Plus, the change was gradual, not sudden.
...
The pain in his heart slowly turned into resentment, and he stopped putting in efforts. He stopped going over to say hi when they crossed paths in the paddock, stopped inviting him to hang out (which was always declined), stopped texting him, and just ignored his existence like Lando ignored his.
...
Things became easier after that. Once he had convinced himself Lando was just a 'glory hunter' who only played the perfect friend role because Carlos was in a top team, and the Carlando hype, it was easier to move on.
...
They asked him who his closest friends on the grid were in one of those stupid promo videos, and Carlos decided to put an end to the Carlando thing once and for all.
'I don't have a close friend on the grid. I have a father, Fernando.'
The interviewer laughed. charmed, as always.
'So you aren't close to anyone besides Fernando?'
'I get along with almost everyone on the grid. Especially my teammate Alex, my fellow GPDA director George, and Max. But I don't have any close friends on the grid.
....
That night, he received a text. It was Lando.
'Hey mate. How are you? It's been so long since we had a proper conversation. We need to catch up. Are you free tomorrow?'
Carlos almost laughed out loud. The audacity! The fucking audacity!
He contemplated leaving him on seen but decided to be pettier and replied with the same one-word answer Lando had been blessing him with all these months.
'No'