𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀 𝐗 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄!

SPINNIN'
𝟏𝟖. 𝐔𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬

The next day was quiet, the soft glow of sunlight reflecting off the snow-covered ground outside. The house stirred lazily, the hum of coffee brewing and the occasional murmur of conversation breaking the stillness.

Gianna came down the stairs wrapped in a warm cardigan, her socks sliding slightly on the wooden floor. She immediately noticed Lando in the corner of the living room, sitting near the window with a mug of tea cradled in his hands. He was staring outside, his expression distant, a furrow in his brow that hadn't been there the day before.

"Morning," she said softly, approaching him.

Lando glanced up briefly, offering a faint smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Morning."

She didn't press him, simply sitting down on the arm of the chair next to him. For a moment, they sat in silence, the soft crackle of the fire the only sound between them.

"You feeling okay?" she asked after a while, her voice gentle.

He shrugged, his gaze returning to the window. "Just one of those days, I guess."

Gianna studied him for a moment, her fingers brushing lightly against the back of his chair. "Want me to leave you be?"

He shook his head almost immediately. "No... it's fine. You can stay."

The rest of the house eventually came to life. Max and Tom were making a racket in the kitchen, debating the best way to flip pancakes, while Pietra and Oliver were planning another board game tournament. Gianna stayed near Lando, her quiet presence seeming to offer him a small bit of comfort even if he didn't say it out loud.

By mid-morning, Pietra convinced Gianna to help with baking cookies. Gianna hesitated but turned to Lando. "You sure you don't want to come help?"

He gave a small shake of his head. "I'll just... hang here for a bit."

Gianna didn't push him. She leaned down briefly, her hand resting lightly on his shoulder. "If you need anything, just let me know, okay?"

He nodded, and she followed Pietra into the kitchen, glancing back once to see him still staring out the window, lost in thought.

The day passed quietly. The others laughed and played games, the smell of cookies and mulled wine filling the air, but Lando remained subdued. He joined them briefly for lunch but didn't say much, retreating back to the couch soon after.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Gianna found him again, still in his spot by the window, his mug long since empty. She brought over a fresh cup of tea and set it down in front of him before settling into the chair opposite.

"You don't have to say anything," she said quietly, her voice steady. "But I'm here."

Lando glanced at her, his eyes softening slightly. He nodded, his lips tugging into a faint, grateful smile. "Thanks, darling."

They stayed like that for a while, the warmth of the fire wrapping around them, no need for conversation. The rest of the house buzzed with quiet excitement as they prepared for the evening ahead, but in their little corner, time seemed to move slower, the silence between them heavy but not uncomfortable.

Though Lando's mood didn't lift that day, Gianna never strayed far, her presence steady, a quiet reassurance that he wasn't alone.

Later in the afternoon, after the cookies were done and the house was filled with the soft hum of Christmas music, Gianna grabbed her coat and scarf, needing some fresh air. As she was heading for the door, Pietra appeared, bundling up in her own coat.

"Mind if I join you?" Pietra asked with a smile.

"Not at all," Gianna replied, holding the door open for her.

The two stepped out into the crisp winter air, their boots crunching against the fresh layer of snow as they made their way down a winding path near the cabin. The trees around them were dusted with frost, and the world felt still, save for the occasional chirp of birds or the distant rustle of branches in the breeze.

For a while, they walked in companionable silence, their breath visible in the chilly air. Pietra was the first to break it.

"Lando seemed quiet today," she said gently, glancing over at Gianna.

Gianna sighed, adjusting her scarf. "Yeah, he has been. I tried to get him to talk earlier, but he just brushed it off. I didn't want to push."

Pietra nodded thoughtfully. "He has his moments. You know, he's not the type to lean on people when he's feeling low. He's stubborn like that."

"Max said the same thing," Gianna said, smiling faintly. "I just... I don't know. I feel like I should be doing more, but I don't want to overwhelm him either."

"Sometimes just being there is enough," Pietra said, her voice steady. "You don't always have to have the right words or a solution. Just remind him he's not alone."

Gianna looked down at her boots, her pace slowing. "It's hard seeing him like that. He's always been the one who lifts everyone else up."

Pietra reached over and squeezed her arm. "That's exactly why he needs people like you in his life. You're grounded, Gi. You make things steady for him when he can't do it for himself."

Gianna smiled, feeling the tension in her chest ease slightly. "Thanks, Pietra. I needed to hear that."

The two women continued walking, the path curving gently through the woods and opening up to a small frozen pond. They stopped there, watching the sunlight reflect off the ice in soft patterns.

"So, what about you?" Gianna asked, nudging Pietra playfully. "How's Max been? Still as dramatic as ever?"

Pietra laughed, rolling her eyes. "Oh, absolutely. But you know, he's Max. Under all the sarcasm, he's a big softie. Sometimes too soft."

Gianna grinned. "I can't imagine him being too soft about anything."

"Oh, trust me," Pietra said with a smirk. "He acts like he's all tough, but the man cried over a Christmas commercial last week."

Gianna burst out laughing, the sound echoing through the stillness. "I wish I'd seen that."

"It was adorable," Pietra admitted, her tone warm. "But don't tell him I said that. He'll never let it go."

They lingered by the pond for a little while longer before heading back to the cabin, the walk having brought a sense of calm to both of them. As they approached the house, the golden glow of the fireplace flickered through the windows, and Gianna felt a small smile tug at her lips.

Sometimes, she thought, it was the quiet moments like these that made everything else feel just a little bit easier.

The dining table was filled with warmth and laughter as the group gathered for dinner that evening. The food was laid out in a casual spread, with everyone reaching across one another for second helpings of roast vegetables, mashed potatoes, and the perfectly baked salmon that Pietra had insisted on making.

Max leaned back in his chair, swirling his glass of wine with a satisfied grin. "Alright, I've been meaning to ask—what's the plan for New Year's? Because if we're doing it right, it's going to top every party we've ever thrown."

Pietra raised an eyebrow. "Every party? That's ambitious, Max."

Gianna laughed, resting her elbow on the table. "I don't know. I seem to remember a certain New Year's party two years ago that ended with Martin passing out in the bathtub."

"Correction," Martin interjected with a grin. "I was taking a nap in the bathtub."

"You were clutching a bottle of champagne like it was your lifeline," Lando said, finally chiming in from his spot beside Gianna. His voice was quieter than usual, but the faint smile on his lips showed he was easing into the evening.

Oliver shook his head, laughing. "That wasn't even the worst part. The worst part was Max trying to pull off his so-called 'midnight fireworks' show and nearly setting the garden shed on fire."

"Hey!" Max said, holding up his hands defensively. "It wasn't my fault. No one told me that sparklers and dry leaves don't mix."

Pietra groaned, covering her face. "How do I keep forgetting that I'm dating a walking disaster?"

"Because you secretly love it," Max shot back with a wink.

As the table erupted into laughter, Gianna glanced around at her friends, the memories of past years weaving a comforting thread through the conversation. She caught Lando's gaze and smiled, nudging him lightly with her elbow. "You were the DJ that year, weren't you?"

Lando chuckled softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yeah, but only because Max thought it was a good idea to leave the playlist to me at the last minute. Half the songs were just car engine sounds from my YouTube history."

"Wait, that's why it sounded like a racetrack halfway through the night?" Tom said, laughing.

"Exactly," Lando said with mock seriousness. "I stand by my choices. It added ambiance."

Gianna shook her head, smiling as she leaned back in her chair. "Well, we definitely need a proper playlist this time. Something we can actually dance to, not... whatever that was."

"I'll handle the music," Oliver said confidently, raising his glass. "I promise it'll be fire."

"Fire, as in you'll also set something on fire?" Martin quipped, earning a round of laughter.

"Alright, alright," Pietra said, waving a hand. "Let's focus. Are we hosting at someone's place, or are we doing something else?"

Max leaned forward, his grin widening. "What if we did it here? We've got the space, the view, and the perfect excuse to keep things cozy."

Everyone murmured their agreement, and Gianna found herself nodding along. "I like that idea. Big parties are fun, but something smaller, with just us... that feels right."

Lando glanced at her, his expression soft. "Yeah. That does sound nice."

The conversation shifted to logistics—who would bring what, how they'd decorate, and, of course, Max's insistence on some kind of "safe" fireworks display. The table buzzed with energy, and even Lando seemed to brighten as the plans took shape.

By the time dessert was served, the group was full of ideas and already laughing about how chaotic the night would inevitably become. Yet, beneath the teasing and the plans, there was an unmistakable sense of closeness—a feeling that, no matter what, they were all in it together.

The evening had grown quieter after dinner, the lively chatter and laughter from earlier giving way to a more subdued atmosphere. Most of the group had settled into their own activities around the cabin. Max and Oliver were locked in a heated game of cards, their banter punctuated by the occasional groan of defeat. Pietra had curled up on the couch with a blanket, scrolling through her phone, while Martin and Tom debated over which Christmas movie to put on.

Gianna, however, had retreated to a quieter corner of the living room, a thick woolen blanket draped over her legs as she sat in an armchair by the window. A book rested in her hands, the soft lamplight casting a warm glow over the pages. The snow outside glittered under the moonlight, a serene backdrop to the coziness inside.

She turned a page, her attention absorbed by the story, but every now and then, her gaze drifted to the fire crackling softly in the hearth. The rhythm of the flames was calming, and she found herself smiling faintly, grateful for the simple peace of the moment.

"Good book?"

The voice startled her slightly, and she looked up to see Lando leaning casually against the doorframe, his hands tucked into the pockets of his hoodie. His hair was slightly messy, and he looked more relaxed than he had earlier in the day.

"Yeah," she said, holding up the cover with a small smile. "It's one of those easy holiday reads. Perfect for nights like this."

Lando stepped closer, his movements unhurried. "Mind if I join you? The card game is getting... intense."

Gianna chuckled, glancing over at Max and Oliver, who were now arguing over a supposed rule violation. "Yeah, I can see that. Sit down before they drag you into it."

He took the seat on the other side of the small table, his long legs stretching out as he sank into the chair. For a moment, neither of them said anything, the quiet companionship between them feeling effortless.

Lando's gaze wandered to the book in her hands. "What's it about?"

She shrugged lightly. "It's a cheesy romance. Girl moves to a small town, meets the brooding but secretly sweet guy. You know the trope."

"Let me guess," Lando said, his lips curving into a faint smirk. "They argue a lot at first, but by the end, they're madly in love."

"Exactly," she said, laughing softly. "And somehow, it's still entertaining every time."

"Must be a good writer," he teased, his tone light.

"Or maybe I just like a predictable happy ending," she countered, her smile lingering.

They fell into a comfortable silence again, the firelight flickering between them. Gianna turned her attention back to her book, but she could feel Lando's presence, steady and warm, across from her. It was the kind of moment that didn't need words—just the quiet understanding of two people content to share the same space.

As the evening stretched on, Gianna's eyelids grew heavier, and the words on the page began to blur. She glanced over at Lando, who had leaned his head back against the chair, his eyes closed but his breathing still too even for sleep.

She smiled softly, pulling her blanket tighter around her. Maybe, she thought, sometimes the best kind of peace came from moments like these—quiet, unspoken, and shared.

Her eyes opened softly, returning her gaze to the book in her hands.

Gianna shifted slightly in her chair, careful not to disturb the calm that had settled over the room. The fire crackled softly in the background, its warmth enveloping her like a cocoon. She glanced out the window, the snow still falling in soft flurries, and felt the stillness of the evening settle into her chest.

Lando opened his eyes after a while, catching her gaze. "You look peaceful," he said quietly, his voice barely louder than the fire.

She tilted her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. "I think it's just this place. There's something about being tucked away from everything—it makes it easier to breathe."

He nodded slowly, his eyes thoughtful as they drifted back to the fire. "Yeah, I get that. It's... nice. Not having to think about anything else for a bit."

Gianna closed her book and set it aside, folding her legs beneath her as she leaned into the chair's armrest. "I feel like you've been in your head a lot today," she said gently. "You okay?"

Lando hesitated, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of his sleeve. "I guess I've just been feeling a little... off. No real reason, just one of those days, you know?"

She nodded, understanding. "Those days happen."

He glanced at her, his expression softening. "Thanks for not pushing."

"You don't have to say anything if you don't want to," she said, her voice light but sincere. "I'm just here."

He smiled faintly, the corners of his lips twitching up. "You're good at that."

"Good at what?"

"Just... being there. You don't make it feel heavy."

Gianna's cheeks warmed slightly, and she shrugged, trying to brush off the compliment. "I think sometimes that's all people need—to just sit with someone."

The quiet stretched between them again, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Instead, it felt grounding, like they were both anchoring each other without having to say much.

After a while, Lando stood, stretching his arms over his head. "I'm grabbing some tea. Want anything?"

"Tea sounds perfect," she said, her smile small but genuine.

As he disappeared into the kitchen, Gianna leaned back in her chair, letting her gaze drift once more to the snowy scene outside. The evening felt like it was holding its breath, and she found herself grateful for the simplicity of it all—for the chance to just be, without expectation or pretense.

When Lando returned with two steaming mugs, he handed one to her and sat back down in his chair. They sipped in silence for a moment before he glanced at her with a playful grin.

"So, in that book of yours," he said, nodding toward the novel on the table, "does the brooding guy ever actually smile?"

Gianna laughed, her head tilting back slightly. "Not until the very end. But when he does, it's apparently worth the wait."

"Good to know," Lando teased, his grin widening.

Gianna shook her head, chuckling as she took another sip of tea. The evening carried on like that, with small, easy moments shared between them, the firelight casting a warm glow that seemed to hold the night together.

#AUTHORSNOTE

I hope your not bored of this story yet, the ski trip will end with the New Year's party, so new content in their story line will come.

Thanks for reading and don't be a silent reader, let me know what you think.

J