Sitting In Traffic | Formula 1

Chapter 79- A Sprinkle Of Tension Between

Riley was on edge all Friday trying to avoid Arthur. But he was everywhere. He didn't say anything to her, he would just freeze and stare. She continued to avoid him then, holding her head high and walking fast.  Most of the time it was doable because she was still with Max. Otherwise she found it strange he would only stare. When she was with Liam he always made conversation and small comments. But now, it's like it went back to before they ever hooked up, just two people sitting at the same table in a club. Complete silence with the only connection being mutual friends. But she always felt his lingering eye.

Riley was following Max into the red bull garage for qualifying. She was holding his hand blindly following his steps assuming they'd go into his drivers room to change as usual. But instead he walked up to a small group of people that were standing around. And without warning or preparation she was meeting a portion of his family. Riley hadn't realized for a moment, normally she's the only person with a pass given from Max exclusively.

"Oma!" He greeted an older woman. Riley's heart dropped when she realized what was happening. Max didn't tell her his family was coming. He let go of Riley's hand when they got closer, with the intentions to give his grandmother a hug.

Riley stayed quiet when Max made his initial greetings with everyone. Riley touched Max's back subtly, trying to reinsert her presence so things weren't awkward during the tracks session. Riley had a week's notice when she met Liam's parents. She had a week to prepare herself and she was still terrified. She was annoyed right now.

"This is my girlfriend, Riley" Max started introducing her, "Riley, this is my Grandmother"

"It's so lovely to meet you" Riley said, going in for a hug his grandmother initiated. Max's Grandmother wasn't very fond of Kelsey when she met her. She was praying Max did better this time around while dating someone. But she gave Riley a snug hug as they greeted each other, which felt more awkward than anything.

"I'll see you both after the session" Max told them, patting Riley's lower back before he left. Riley looked over her shoulder and watched him walk away, leaving her with 3 people she had never met until now.

'Oh you son of a bitch' She thought to herself, turning her attention back to the people in-front of her.

This was going to be a long, and nearly silent day on Riley's behalf.

"Max has told us so much about you" His Grandmother started going on, "We weren't too sure about you at first with how fast he moved on after Kelsey"

Kelsey. Riley hadn't even thought about her, but even now a comparison was being made.

"Yeah well," Riley didn't know what to say to that, "Me and Max actually dated before him and Kelsey" That was the only thing she could come up with.

"I vaguely remember hearing your name before" She said, walking up a small step that held different stools to sit in for watching the sessions that weekend.

"I really wish I got to meet you guys last year" She said to everyone there, taking her seat after everyone else. She was uncomfortable without Max being around to guide the conversation. She was being thrown into the deep end.

"I believe we were supposed to" She said, trying to look back. "But then we met Kelsey instead"

"Hmm yeah" Riley mustered up with a flat smile.