Off the Tracks

Chapter 81- Liam I'm So Sorry

Riley tiredly opened the doors to her apartment after a long ride home and dropping off Susan. Tristen and Liam followed her in, both carrying their share of luggage. The room that was once silent was now filled with the shuffling of shoes and bags rolling along the floor. Riley took Liam to her room for the first time, growing more excited to have him with her for two nights.

"Daniel said he's going to let me have another go in Qatar" Liam told her with a smile as they set down their bags.

"What" She said gasping, "When"

"He called me when they were driving to the airport," he started to explain, "I was half asleep and boom, he hit me with the news"

"And you didn't tell me sooner" Riley said shocked, sitting down comfortably on her bed while Liam went through his bag for a change of clothes.

"I think I was still trying to process it" He told her, sliding off his shirt after grabbing a pair of shorts. "But now we have to get you a ticket to Qatar"

"I'm going to the races after too" Riley said, while he walked off to her bathroom to finish changing. "Logan wants me to watch from his garage"

"Do you want to share a hotel room or get your own?" He asked loud enough for her to hear.

"We can share" Riley said back, "I don't see why we wouldn't anymore"

~~~

Riley was sat in the parking lot outside of JC's. Feeling both overwhelmed and stressed with how long the line was leading outside today, knowing that it was going to be packed inside. She was planning to work a full days shift before she flew out to Qatar the tomorrow.

Once she made her way inside, she stayed behind the bar like usual, while Susan was working as a hostess. The restaurant has been completely packed since photos of Charles, Lando, Daniel and Arthur were plastered all over the internet. People are coming in with hopes that they'll get lucky and another driver will be there. Which led to more fanatics walking in. One specific group being one she's already said she cannot set them up with anyone.

"You lied!" One of the girls said, "You said you and Arthur were at most acquaintances"

Riley's eyes widened immediately recognizing the group of people in front of her she served months ago. She let out a small laugh before proceeding to respond.

"We're mutual friends" Riley said with a small shrug, "I'm still not setting you guys up"

"Why not" The girl groaned, "Help a girl out"

"Not a fucking chance"

"But what about Ollie Bearman?" The girl suggested, gaining a deep sigh from Riley. "He's only 18, so it's like 2 years"

"I don't even know who that is" Riley told them, shooing them off and away from the bar. Riley sighed shaking her head before making a few drinks for those seated around her.

It stayed busy like this for the next few hours, with constant questions, non stop nagging and people trying to suck up to Riley, thinking she'd invite them so a race or events of some sorts. But Riley knew everyone's tactics, and they weren't working.

Riley and Susan would talk back and forth with each other throughout her shift, all until Kevin came in to trade off with her. He greeted Riley with a smile before getting right to work.

"Is Liam going to swing by?" Kevin asked, picking up an empty Starbucks cup that Susan left behind under the desk.

"No, my Dad took him golfing"

About a hour passed and Riley saw Ava walk through the restaurants entrance. She skipped happily to Riley, making her way behind the bar with Samantha following loosely behind her. Riley looked at Ava confusedly knowing that she should've been at school right now.