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Alex was certain that it would take less than five minutes to steal the chips that were sitting untouched on George’s plate. He might be able to distract him by pointing out the window if a nice car came by, or—
“I saw the new video with Amelia that just came out,” George remarked, dabbing at his mouth with his napkin.
“Oh really?” Alex grinned. “What’d you think of it?”
“I’m your best friend, huh?”
“I said from F1.”
“So I’m not actually your best friend?” George pointed accusingly at the giggling Thai. “All those years I spent taking ridiculous videos and photos of you count for nothing?”
“No, I think I’m closer to Lando and Carlos, actually,” Alex mused.
“I’m telling your mum. She’s going to kick you out of Christmas and invite me instead.”
Alex burst out laughing, wiping tears away from his eyes. “You’re such a diva, Georgie. Resorting to going to the parents as soon as I take the mick out of you.”
“If I remember correctly,” George rebutted smugly. “You said that you’re the biggest diva in Formula 1. Pot, meet kettle.”
“George Russell. You watched the entire video?”
“You didn’t for me?”
Alex didn’t answer, wincing guiltily. “Well, y’know, I was really busy, and it was pretty long. I meant to, really, but it didn’t work out.”
"I could tell." George reached over and nicked Alex's lemonade before he could stop him. "Maybe I could give you a pointer or two on how to teach people. So next time, you’re not sat there watching as the car is full-speed reversed down a hill."
Alex yanked the drink back, glaring. "Hey, excuse me! I taught her plenty!”
“Mhm, such as what?”
“How to honk the horn. Turn on the windshield wipers. All sorts of things.”
“Yeah, how not to drive like a granny and look cool. As if that’s the most important thing a driver must know.”
“At least I didn’t have to stick my head out the window for a breather,” Alex laughed.
“Please, we’re both pretty. No need to stoop so low,” George scoffed.
“You’re pretty. I’m handsome. There’s a difference.”
“There’s no difference; they’re both synonyms for good-looking!”
“You’re lashing out with unnecessary anger and borderline violence,” Alex sang.
“Stop. No, really, I’m sure there’s no lexical difference between pretty and handsome. I’ll literally research and make a presentation for you.”
“I'd really rather not. I think sitting through one of your PowerPoints is the equivalent of getting force-fed a curry."
"I like curries."
"A Thai curry. You're far too white and British for a proper Thai curry."
"Did I ever tell you that your mum once tried to feed me Thai curry when I came over for dinner?"
"When I wasn't there," Alex grumbled.
George ignored him. "She didn't even put that many chilies in it because she was worried that I couldn't eat it. Didn't matter, my mouth got set on fire anyway. I'm sure my PowerPoints aren't that bad."
"Sure. If that helps you sleep better at night."
"You know what though, after we bought that fancy memory foam pillow, I've slept a lot better."
"Really?" Alex hummed. "I thought they were a scam. Expensive things for rich people to muck about with."
"No, no, they work quite well. I sleep like a baby now."
"How do they work? Like maybe the foam absorbs your memories during your sleep so you don't get nightmares."
"What?"
"Yeah, the foam absorbs the—"
"I heard you the first time, thanks."
"Have you been getting nightmares since you bought the pillow?"
"Well, no, but—"
"See!" Alex's face lit up. "Can we go buy a memory foam pillow for me after lunch?"
"Yes, of course we can go,” George sighed, pulling out his wallet. “I'll pay and everything."
Alex beamed. "Did I ever tell you I love you? Because I love you.”
“Alex, please,” George snorted. “Your love cannot be bought with a bloody pillow.”
“George swore!” Alex gasped. “Is the world exploding?”
“Shut up.” George placed down a few neatly folded banknotes. “C’mon, let’s go buy your pillow.”
He stood up, brushing invisible lint off his pants before offering his hand to Alex. As they left the cafe, there was only one thought that went through Alex’s head.
He never did get around to stealing George’s chips.