𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀 𝐗 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄!

SPINNIN'
𝟏𝟕. 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞

The next morning, sunlight filtered softly through the cabin windows, casting a warm glow on the cozy living room where the group had gathered for breakfast. The air smelled of freshly brewed coffee and the faint hint of pancakes on the stove. Christmas Eve had finally arrived, and the excitement was tangible in the air.

Gianna stretched and yawned as she joined the others at the table, settling into her seat with a content sigh. Lando was already there, sipping his coffee, looking a little more rested than he had the night before. His smile was easy, but there was still a hint of fatigue in his eyes.

"Morning," Gianna greeted, her voice still soft with sleep.

"Morning," Lando replied, his gaze warm as it landed on her. "How'd you sleep?"

"Better, thanks," she said, her lips curling into a faint smile. "How about you?"

He gave a lazy shrug. "Better. Could've used more sleep, but I'm good."

The others were already deep in conversation, Max and Oliver discussing the best trails for skiing, while Pietra and Martin were talking about their plans for the day. Tom was pouring another cup of coffee, and Gianna couldn't help but feel the buzz of Christmas excitement in the air.

"So," Pietra spoke up, catching Gianna's attention as she sat across from her, "Lando and the boys are planning to ski today, but what about us?"

Gianna raised an eyebrow, glancing over at Lando, who was looking at her with a playful grin. "What are you thinking?" she asked Pietra.

"Well, it's Christmas Eve," Pietra said with a glint in her eye. "How about a girls' day? Shopping in town, hot chocolate, maybe some Christmas markets... Just us girls, no boys allowed."

Gianna couldn't help but smile. "That sounds perfect."

Lando, overhearing, smirked. "Guess I'll have to survive without you today, then."

Gianna shot him a teasing look. "I'm sure you'll manage. We're giving you the day off."

"You better not do too much damage to the credit card," Lando replied, leaning back in his chair with a playful wink. "I'm not footing the bill for all those gifts."

"Don't worry, we'll be using my card," Gianna said, her voice full of mischief.

"I'm counting on you," Lando said, shaking his head, though his grin never left his face.

Pietra leaned in closer to Gianna, her tone conspiratorial. "So, we're all set for a fun day?"

Gianna nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely. Let's make it one to remember."

As breakfast continued, the group slowly finished up their meals, talking excitedly about the day ahead. The boys were getting ready to hit the slopes, eager to enjoy some fresh powder, while the girls were already making plans for their day in town.

"Alright, I think we're all set," Max said, standing up and slinging his skis over his shoulder. "We'll be back by dinner. Don't get into too much trouble without us."

"Promise," Pietra teased. "Have fun skiing, boys. Don't break anything."

With that, the group split up, the boys heading out the door to the slopes while Gianna and Pietra gathered their things for their girls' day out. The energy in the cabin felt different now—lighter, filled with anticipation for the day's adventures.

As Gianna stood up to grab her jacket, she glanced over at Lando, catching his eye. There was a softness between them, a quiet understanding in the way they looked at each other, as if the warmth of the holiday season had somehow brought them even closer.

"See you later," Gianna said, her voice gentle.

Lando smiled. "Have fun. Don't let Pietra drag you into too many stores."

Gianna laughed, feeling her heart flutter a little at his easygoing tone. "We'll be fine. You just focus on skiing, okay?"

"Deal," Lando replied with a wink, before turning to join the others outside.

As Gianna zipped up her jacket and followed Pietra out the door, she couldn't help but feel the excitement building for the day ahead. It was Christmas Eve, and everything felt just right.

The day passed by in a joyful blur as Gianna and Pietra wandered through the town, visiting charming little shops with Christmas decorations in the windows, the air crisp and festive with the promise of the holiday. The streets were lined with twinkling lights, and the Christmas market was bustling with people browsing handmade crafts, sipping mulled wine, and enjoying the warm glow of the season. Gianna couldn't help but smile as she took it all in, the excitement and cheer of the day making her feel lighthearted and free.

As they strolled from one shop to the next, Pietra chatted about everything and nothing, picking out little trinkets for the people she loved, but it wasn't long before their conversation turned a bit deeper. They paused in front of a booth selling scarves and mittens, and Pietra turned to Gianna with a thoughtful look.

"So, how are things with you and Lando?" she asked, her voice gentle but curious. "I've noticed... something's different between you two. In a good way, I think."

Gianna felt a small flutter in her chest at the mention of Lando. She smiled softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah. It's been... interesting, I guess. I mean, we're not exactly where we used to be, but it feels different. In a good way. It's like we've learned to just be with each other again."

Pietra raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "That sounds promising. I think it's easy to forget how much time can change things. People too."

"I know, right?" Gianna said, her tone thoughtful. "I think we both needed space, but also time to see things differently. It's not all perfect, but... it feels better. Like we're not trying to fix everything anymore."

Pietra smiled, her eyes warm. "That's really nice to hear. I've always thought you two were good together, even when it was messy. Sometimes people just need to figure out how to get back to the basics."

Gianna laughed quietly, shaking her head. "Yeah, we've definitely had our fair share of messy moments. But I think we're finally getting to a place where we're okay with those moments, if that makes sense. We don't have to hide from them."

Pietra nodded, her expression softening. "That's real growth. And honestly, I think it takes a lot of courage to go through that, especially with someone you care about. It's not always easy to be vulnerable."

Gianna's smile widened, a little more shy now. "Yeah, it's still a bit of a challenge, but I'm trying."

As they continued to walk, the afternoon sun started to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows along the cobblestone streets. They decided to make their way to the spa that Pietra had suggested earlier. The warmth of the spa would be the perfect way to unwind after a day of shopping and exploring.

Once inside the spa, the atmosphere was calm and soothing, the soft hum of the water, the aroma of essential oils, and the dim lighting creating a peaceful haven. They were led to a private room where they could relax and unwind, and the two of them sank into the warm water with a sigh, letting the heat seep into their tired muscles.

"This is heaven," Gianna murmured, sinking lower into the water.

Pietra chuckled softly beside her. "Right? I swear, every time I come here, I never want to leave."

They sat in silence for a moment, letting the calm wash over them, before Pietra broke it again with a more serious tone.

"So, how do you really feel about where things are with Lando?" she asked quietly, glancing at Gianna. "You know, now that you're in this space of figuring things out."

Gianna exhaled slowly, her eyes half-closed as she thought about her response. "I think... I think I'm scared sometimes. We've been through so much, and it's hard not to think that maybe we're just setting ourselves up for more heartbreak. But then, I also feel this... pull. Like I'm meant to try again. Not because it's easy, but because there's something between us that still feels worth fighting for."

Pietra's voice was soft, but understanding. "I think that's the hardest part. The uncertainty. But you're right—sometimes, when something is worth fighting for, it's okay to be scared. You can't really know how things will turn out, but you can know how you feel."

Gianna nodded slowly, taking a deep breath. "Yeah. And I guess I'm learning that maybe we don't need to have all the answers right away. Sometimes just being together in the moment is enough."

Pietra smiled, her eyes kind. "I think that's a really beautiful way to look at it. It sounds like you're both finding a way to be open with each other, and that's huge."

Gianna's lips curved upward at her words. "I hope so. I really do. I just want to be honest with him, and with myself."

Pietra nodded in agreement. "And that's what matters most. You're on the right track."

The conversation shifted, and the two of them relaxed into the warm, soothing water, the quiet hum of the spa surrounding them. As the evening wore on, they both felt a sense of contentment, knowing that whatever the future held, they were both moving forward—whether it was with the people they cared about or just with themselves.

When the time came to leave the spa, they emerged feeling light, refreshed, and ready to face whatever Christmas Eve had in store for them. Gianna couldn't help but feel a sense of peace, knowing that despite the uncertainties, she was exactly where she needed to be.

After a relaxing day at the spa, Gianna and Pietra returned to the cabin, the faint chill of the crisp winter air still clinging to their coats as they stepped inside. The warmth of the fire in the living room greeted them, and the scent of pine mixed with the comforting aroma of the wood stove.

"Alright," Pietra said, shrugging off her jacket, "let's make this Christmas Eve dinner something to remember."

Gianna smiled and followed her into the kitchen, tossing her bag onto the chair by the door. They began pulling ingredients from the cupboards, gathering everything needed for their meal. The silence between them was peaceful, but as Gianna began chopping vegetables, her thoughts drifted.

Pietra noticed the quietness and looked over at her. "Something on your mind?"

Gianna paused, knife in hand, and looked up. "Yeah, just... life, you know?" She shrugged lightly, as if unsure how to even explain. "I feel like things have been moving so fast lately. Not just with... everything going on around me, but my own life, too."

Pietra nodded, leaning against the counter. "I get that. It's easy to get caught up in the rush, especially when things are changing. Sometimes, it feels like you're just... reacting, instead of living."

Gianna let out a soft laugh, more to herself than anyone. "Exactly. It's like I wake up and it's already a new day, and I've barely had time to process the one before it."

"Yeah, I feel like that sometimes," Pietra said. "You get stuck in this cycle, trying to keep up, and you forget to actually live. To enjoy the small moments."

Gianna paused, glancing at the clock. "I think that's why I like coming up here, actually. It's a chance to slow down, you know? To just breathe. I forget that sometimes back home."

"I think we all need that," Pietra replied, her voice softer. "A place where we can reset, even for just a little while."

Gianna smiled, feeling lighter as the conversation turned to more reflective thoughts. "I've been thinking a lot about what really makes me happy. Like, what I want from life—not just what's expected of me. Sometimes I get so focused on what I'm supposed to be doing that I forget to stop and think about what I actually want."

Pietra raised an eyebrow. "And what is it you want, if you don't mind me asking?"

Gianna hesitated, her hands stilling for a moment. She looked around the kitchen, taking in the quiet and the soft hum of the house. "I think I want to take more risks. Not just with the big stuff, but in everyday life. Being more spontaneous. Doing things that make me feel alive, even if they don't always make sense."

Pietra smiled warmly, her tone understanding. "I think that's a great goal. Sometimes the best things in life are the ones that don't fit the plan."

Gianna grinned, picking up the knife again and resuming her task. "I think you're right. It's just a little hard to let go of the control sometimes."

The door creaked open, and the sounds of boots clattering against the floor reached them from the hallway. Gianna glanced over, and Pietra gave a knowing look.

"Looks like the boys are back," Pietra said, and they both turned toward the entrance.

As the door swung open, the boys walked in, laughing and shaking the snow off their boots. Max was the first to speak, grinning widely. "You didn't start without us, did you?"

Gianna's face lit up, the sense of peace from their conversation lingering as she turned to face him. "Not yet. Dinner's coming along, though."

Lando entered the room, his cheeks flushed from the cold and his jacket hanging loosely from his shoulders. He caught Gianna's eye and gave her a small smile, as if sensing the warmth in the air that had nothing to do with the fire.

"Good day?" he asked softly, his voice low, but not without its usual lightness.

Gianna nodded, her smile staying in place as she answered. "It was perfect. Just what we needed."

The moment lingered for a moment, the steady rhythm of the boys settling in, the quiet comfort of their shared space filling the cabin. As they all began to work together on dinner, the earlier conversation with Pietra left Gianna with a quiet sense of clarity, her thoughts more centered now. She was starting to realize that life wasn't just about the hustle. It was about these moments—small, quiet, and real. And, for the first time in a while, she was beginning to feel ready to truly embrace them.

As the evening settled in, the group gathered around the warmth of the fireplace, a soft glow lighting up the room. The sound of crackling wood filled the silence as they each found a seat, cozy blankets thrown over their laps, the excitement of Christmas Eve lingering in the air. Wrapped gifts sat between them, some big, some small, all ready to be opened.

Lando settled into the couch next to Gianna, their legs brushing lightly as he adjusted his sweater, a smile tugging at his lips. The fire flickered across his face, casting shadows that made the moment feel all the more intimate.

"Alright, I think it's time," Max said, his grin mischievous as he looked at the pile of gifts. "Who's going first?"

Gianna reached for a small, carefully wrapped box and handed it to Lando, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "You should open mine first," she said, her voice light. "I think you'll like it."

Lando raised an eyebrow in curiosity, his hands carefully unwrapping the gift. When he pulled the paper away and opened the box, his eyes widened in surprise. Inside was a vintage watch, a model he'd been talking about for months, one that he'd always wanted but never seemed to pull the trigger on buying.

"Gianna... you—" Lando started, his voice filled with genuine surprise. He lifted the watch from the box, his fingers grazing the surface like it was something more valuable than just an object. "This is... incredible."

Gianna smiled, her heart warming at his reaction. "I remembered you saying how much you loved it, and I thought... well, you deserve it."

Lando's eyes softened as he looked at her, a warmth in his expression. "This is way too much, but I love it. Thank you."

As the others opened their gifts, the group fell into a quiet rhythm of laughter and playful teasing, the holiday spirit wrapping them all in its embrace. The evening was peaceful, full of moments that felt a little more special simply because they were shared together.

Later, after dinner had been cleared and the house had quieted down, Lando and Gianna found themselves stepping outside, the crisp winter air greeting them as they pulled their jackets tighter. They sat down on the outdoor lounge under the soft glow of the heater, the warm mist rising around them, blending with the cold, starry night sky.

Gianna leaned back against the chair, her eyes tracing the stars above, the silence between them comfortable but not empty. Lando sat beside her, his hand resting on the back of his chair, his gaze drifting between her and the sky.

"You know," Lando said quietly, breaking the silence, "I never get tired of this. The snow, the quiet, just... being here."

Gianna nodded, her eyes soft as she looked at him. "It feels different this year. Peaceful. Maybe it's the snow, maybe it's just... everything slowing down for a bit."

"I like it," Lando agreed, his voice low but steady. "Everything feels more... real, when you're not rushing around all the time."

There was a pause, the world feeling still around them, save for the occasional sound of the wind in the trees. Gianna took a deep breath, the cold air biting at her skin but grounding her in the moment.

"You ever think about what you really want, Lando?" she asked, her voice thoughtful. "Like, beyond the racing, the career, all of it? Just... you?"

He turned slightly toward her, his expression soft as he met her gaze. "Yeah, I think about it sometimes. I think I want more of this. More time to just... breathe. I guess that's part of why I like coming here. It feels like everything is more real when we're not caught up in the noise of everything else."

Gianna smiled, feeling the warmth of the moment wrap around her, even as the night air remained crisp. "I get that. It's nice to have a place where things feel simple, even if just for a while."

Lando's gaze lingered on her for a moment, his eyes thoughtful. "You're a lot more grounded than people think, you know that?"

Gianna chuckled softly, her fingers brushing the side of her coat. "Maybe. I just... try to take things one step at a time, you know? I'm not great at it, but I try."

Lando nodded slowly, his gaze softening as he watched her. "I think that's the right way to go about it. And hey, sometimes it's nice not to have all the answers. Just... being in the moment."

They sat there together, the silence comfortable now, the sound of the crackling heater the only noise between them. As the night stretched on, they stayed close, sharing quiet moments, the warmth of the fire and the heater a perfect match for the peace that surrounded them.

And for that moment, with the stars above them and the fire flickering beside them, everything felt perfectly in place.

Under the dim glow of the outdoor heater, Gianna and Lando sat in a comfortable silence, the cool night air contrasting with the warmth surrounding them.

Lando leaned slightly toward her, his presence drawing her closer without effort. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, the world around them seemed to quiet, the air thick with unspoken understanding.

Gianna didn't pull away, and neither did Lando. Slowly, he closed the distance between them, his hand resting lightly on her knee. The first touch of his lips was soft, almost hesitant, but it didn't take long before the kiss deepened, a quiet connection that felt like it had been waiting for this moment to happen.

Her hand instinctively reached up to the side of his face, fingers brushing his jaw as the kiss became more deliberate, the world outside of their little bubble disappearing. Time felt as if it had stopped for those few moments, leaving only the feeling of the kiss, the warmth of his lips against hers, and the steady thrum of their hearts.

When they finally broke apart, their eyes lingered on each other, neither of them rushing to say anything. The stillness between them was enough, the quiet shared in the flicker of the heater and the night sky.

#AUTHORSNOTE

I'm so excited for the holidays, normally I don't really feel the spirit but this year I do!

Don't be a silent reader I love to see your thoughts, and thanks for reading!

J