Sitting In Traffic | Formula 1

Chapter 86- As It Was

Riley was kneeling down outside, having a talk with Ava while everyone started arriving to the wedding. They did another practice run with her walking down the aisle, too many people were telling her different things and she started getting overwhelmed. Leading to the meltdown Riley was trying to stop. Riley was holding Ava's hand as she was kneeled in front her, speaking to her softly to avoid more tears being shed.

"Ava don't cry" Riley told her with small pout, taking the basket full of flower petals from her and setting it on the ground. "You're doing just fine"

"I'm trying not to" Ava looked at Riley while she tried wiping her tears.

"You just have to walk down the aisle one more time" She told Ava, wiping a tear with her thumb, "And then you can come sit with me and Max until it's over"

"I'm tired"

"It's only going to be 20 minutes" She said, feeling relieved when Ava's tears subsided. "Just follow the ring bearer, leave the petals where they drop and you'll be all done!" She tried saying excitedly to get Ava in the mood to do this again.

"Do we get cake after?" Ava asked her, squinting her eyes as the sun shined into them.

"You can" She nodded, "Or if you wait I'll take you to get ice-cream afterwards" She whispered as if it's a secret. "Just don't tell anyone"

"Not even Sloan?"

"Uh-uh" Riley shook her head, "After the reception me and Max will take you"

"Okay" Ava nodded, picking her basket back up. Ava kept ahold of Riley's free hand, feeling her other hand continuing wiping the tears on her face.

"You are way too pretty to cry" Riley mumbled, "No more tears today"

"Let's gooo" Ava groaned, wanting to head inside where she knew she'd be able to sneak a snack.

Max arrived to the venue separate from Riley. She was gone before he even woke up, just the same as Tristen. Susan dropped them off before going to CVS, Max didn't trust Tristen's driving skills and Christian told Max not to drive outside of racing until his concussion was gone.

He was standing inside, chatting with Mike and Samantha while watching Riley talk to Ava through the window. He kept glancing over, trying to split his attention between her and her parents. His hands were in his pant pockets when Riley started walking back inside. Samantha was talking about what Josh told her about Noah and the accident, which made Max uncomfortable not having Riley around. He just nodded along to what was being said until Riley was a few feet away and they quieted down.

"Riley," Max looked at her, "I'm speechless"

"That's always a good sign" She chuckled, putting a hand on his bicep.

"Gorgeous" He whispered in her ear, making her smile spread.

Riley thanked him, feeling a small blush form on her cheeks. The venue was slowly but surely getting more filled with people. Bonnie was in a changing room with the bridesmaids, getting some final touches done. Kevin was strolling out and about, trying to greet everyone.

Riley hadn't had the chance to talk to him about renovating JC's in person. But that was exactly why he was making his way towards her, to tell her what he thought so they could hopefully drop it and leave it as it was. She was laughing at a small comment Max had made quietly when Kevin started to get her attention, talking to Samantha and Mike first before Riley.

"I just wanted to make this quick" Kevin said at first, watching as Riley slowly dropped her laugh and switched into a more serious headspace all while keeping hold of Max's arm.