One Day // Daniel Ricciardo

CHAPTER 3

Chapter 3

"I did it." I announced, over to Danny and Lando early afternoon. "She's got a name."

The birth certificate was placed in front of them, both ogling to try catch a view of her name.

Hallie Jane Wilson

"Hallie because I watched the parent trap religiously growing up, Jane because it's my Gran's middle name."

I suddenly felt really awkward standing in front of them. I had presented it proudly to them but really, I was struggling to be in Danny's presence since I opened up to him a few nights ago.

"Also, I'm taking some time off work." I continued, "Well, not taking time off more spending less time here."

As lead engineer I had a big enough team I could work from home three days a week and be in the office for two. Any important meetings I could make an appearance for but the majority could be done from home. I explained this to them.

"But what about lunch?" Lando questioned.

"You're a big boy, you can do lunch yourself and I'll still be here twice a week it's not a problem."

"You're so busy preseason, how can it even work?" Danny finally spoke, "You don't need to avoid me, Jess."

"With all due respect Dan, you're the last thing on my mind right now."

It was a lie. A complete and utter disrespectful lie but being cruel was the only way I could get through to him.

Lando sat in shock, scared to say anything and both of them scared to move.

The distance had to be there and it had to be obvious, if it wasn't I'd run back to him in a heartbeat no questions asked. After a five-year relationship, a failed family and two years apart it can't work as easy as that. It can't be as easy as just running back to each other the first time you're together and acting like nothing happened. As easy as it would be to do that, it wasn't an option.

"Max and Kelly are in London tonight; they want to go for dinner... will you at least come with us? They asked for you to be there." Lando finally asked. Ideally, I would say no, but I figured I couldn't get out of it so easy.

It would be awkward though I won't lie, Kelly and Max, Luisa and Lando, me and Danny it would be like a dinner of happy couples again and if spotted, the media would go crazy.

"They're bringing Penelope, their nanny couldn't come with them such late notice so you should bring Hallie and then you don't have an excuse."

I rolled my eyes and looked at Danny. I had hurt him. He was quieter than he'd been in a long time. My heart ache for him and I was riddled with guilt, nobody wants to be responsible for silencing the life and soul of a room. Yet here I was, responsible for doing that the past two years.

In the end I reluctantly nodded. "Text me the address and time, I'll be there."

That night, Hallie lay sleeping in her car seat while I finished the last touches of make up on my face. I'd opted for a very casual look, especially since we were going to a very casual, lowkey beer garden.

A light rattle sounded on the front door, when I opened it, Danny stood. The air drafted in the familiar scent of his aftershave, nearly knowing me in pleasure when I smelt it. He was dressed like his usual shelf, crew jumper, black jeans and vans but he still looked a million dollars.

"I thought we could go together." He said, "I miss you Jess I just want to spend some time with you."

I never said anything. I couldn't say anything. Instead, I just stood by the door frame, pondering over every scenario possible.