Lifeline (Daniel Ricciardo)

Chapter 43: Style

There's a bit of a pattern becoming apparent, oops. Watch out for the sound clip when Evan appears, seriously, play it!

I sipped cautiously at my wine as a plate got put down in front of me. I thanked the waiter and placed my glass back on its placemat. I could sense Grace, who was sat next to Simon, smiling at me.

All of the team were present, and after an hour of waiting for our main courses, they had finally arrived. Unfortunately, someone kept on refilling my glass with liquid and I kept on drinking it, on an empty stomach. Possibly not the smartest thing to do, especially not for me who notoriously didn't drink very much in the first place.

I waited for Evan and Simon to receive their meals before I picked up my knife and fork. Grace was still smiling in Daniel and I's direction.

"It's been really nice to spend some time with you, Karin," Daniel's mother began, warmth coming through in her tone. "We've been hearing so much about you from Dan and Jessica, and we only spoke to you briefly in Indonesia. Dan is incredibly happy now!"

"Mum..." Daniel cleared his throat and shook his head. I could tell that he was blushing and that was confirmed when I looked up at him, in between devouring my pasta.

"Thank you," I said instead and expressed how nice it had been to spend time with them too. They had been so unbelievably welcoming.

"You'll have to come over with Daniel soon," Joe chipped in. "When you're ready for the flight, that is. Get the small one to Switzerland out of the way first."

"I've always wanted to go to Australia, " I said truthfully and Evan muttered something about wanting to go too.

"Beaches are better!" Dan laughed and his parents did too, albeit more gentle.

Both of them were very proud of their son, and so they should have been.

---

Christian had said a speech, Jeff had said a few words too and now half of the team had split off, some going to the bar upstairs and others to across the road.

Daniel's parents had left half an hour ago, returning to Dan's before they headed to the airport at midday tomorrow. Due to work, it was unlikely that I was going to see them in the morning.

The likes of Grace and Joe got replaced with Dan's friends, along with Sam, Simon, Tim, Evan and Jake- not forgetting Lizzie and Tara.

Maybe a little light headed, we left the meal table and meandered to the venue opposite. It was Red Bull's own after party, so we at least knew half of the people in that room.

The guests clocked Daniel as he walked in and he gave an acknowledgement out of sheer politeness. Unfortunately, here he wouldn't be able to go under the radar.

"Okay, seeing as it's a rarity for me to even go out, " I stated, chucking as Evan agreed with me. "What would everyone like to drink?"

"I'll get these." Dan said firmly but I shook my head.

"Shots..." Ev suggested and Dean cheered. The rest of the guys did too and it became apparent that this was the direction that we were going in.

"I'll come give you a hand, " Dean said and I accepted, beginning the conveniently short journey to the bar. I noticed Tara slot in next to Evan and I smiled to myself. The pair of them wouldn't be sticking around here for much longer.

"So we have a choice, tequila, sambuca, Jäger, Jäger and Red Bull..." I began to read off the list whilst Dean laughed at me.

"Think Jäger will be sweet for everyone. There's eleven of us if that's any help." The dark haired man then gestured to the person to was waiting to serve me.