THREE - Daniel Ricciardo

Chapter 9 - Danny Ric

DANIEL

Saudi Arabia didn't go my way either. DNF.

I just simply couldn't shake this off. I didn't know what was happening and most importantly, how to fix it. I just wanted to race well, like I used to. I wanted nothing more than to achieve another podium. There wasn't any other feeling like it. Pure happiness.

The only redeeming part of my life currently, was that we had just landed back in Australia. I was finally home. I wouldn't be back for long, but if anyone knows me well, understands the importance of my family and how much I miss them when I'm away for long periods of time. Which, with this lifestyle, is the majority of the year.

Oh how I loved the Australian Grand Prix. There is no place like home.

We had landed back in Melbourne the day before first Practice. The warmth of the climate hit us as we arrived down under.

"Might have to take my top off." George moaned as he pulled his white t-shirt away from his chest, creating a slight breeze to his body.

"When are you wearing a shirt, George?" Lando teased as we all laughed.

George was always topless.

"So Dan, are your parents coming to the race?" Charles asked as we wheeled our suitcases along down the corridors of the airport.

"Yeah mate, can't wait to see them. This will be the last time until Christmas, I suspect."

As we made our way through the airport and towards the main entrance, we placed our luggage into the large SUV's and hopped inside. Quickly, we were taken away to our hotel. The flight from Bahrain to Melbourne was nearly 17 hours, we were all extremely jet lagged.

Rolling into the hotel, we promptly checked in and located our rooms. We all had to share, so I chose Lando.

"Are you sure you don't want your own room, for you and Amy?" Lando teased as we walked down the halls.

"I don't even know if they plan on coming yet, Lan." I spoke softly as we approached our room. I swiped our key card and opened the door to reveal a huge suite. Nice.

"Have you not spoken to her?" Lando asked as he sat down on the end of, his now claimed, bed.

"Nah." I shrugged and placed my bags down on my bed.

Our suite had a small kitchen and living area. Even though our beds were on the other side of the room, we could still see each other from where we were lay. This would be awkward if I was to bring Amy here.

"Maybe you should remind her?" Lando questioned as he began to unpack his things.

I shrugged again and bit the bottom of my lip, toying with the idea of texting her. Before I could think, Lando had picked my phone up and dialled Amy's number, quickly handing me the phone before she answered.

Lando chuckled in silence as I shot him a death glare. I held the phone tightly and paced around the room, thinking of what to say.

AMY

"Tea?" I shouted from the kitchen to where Rachel was sat in the living room. I heard her quick response, she was never one to turn down a cuppa.

I switched the kettle on and took two mugs from the cupboard. As I placed them on the kitchen counter, my phone started to ring.

I picked up my phone and flipped it so I could view the home screen.

Daniel

Fuck. I haven't spoken to him in nearly three weeks and come to think of it, he hasn't bothered to contact me either. He did tell me that he'd 'call me', but I guess I wasn't important enough for his time. So, why now was he calling me?