A Day in the Life of...

Kissing the Bricks-Riley Herbst

(I was going to give Riley and Elle their own story, but I got distracted with other projects.)

Elle stood at the gate, waiting for Riley's PR rep come pick her up. She was supposed to be getting ready to walk on stage at Wembley Stadium in front of almost 80,000 fans, but Elle instead found herself in Indianapolis. Elle wasn't the spur of the moment person, but the plans had changed and made this a spur of the moment kind of moment. Elle finally spotted her driving the golf cart up to her.
"Elle."
"Katie." Elle hugged the other woman. "Long time no see."
"It has. I'd ask how it's going, but I think I already know." Elle smiled. "We are so proud of you. Riley is the most proud of you."
"Thanks, I appreciate it."
"He won't let anyone listen to any other music except for yours." Elle let out a laugh.
"Sounds like Riley."
"Let's get going." The pair hopped on the golf cart and headed towards pit road.
"So, he doesn't know I'm here?" Elle asked as they drove through the Indianapolis infield on the SHR golf cart. Elle didn't expect to be there at that very moment, but when the rest of the tour she was on suddenly gets canceled, she did want she could to be there. That included a late night call to Riley's teammate, Cole Custer. Cole was very helpful and made sure Elle could get there on time for the green flag.
"He does not. We kept him off social media all day, so he doesn't know about the cancelation. It's almost time for him to get into the car. Do you want me to go faster to make it before that happens?"
"No. I don't want him focused on me being there. I'll be there when he gets out. Win or lose. Oh, remind me to personally thank Cole for helping me out." She nodded as she turned the corner. The golf cart came to a stop before both of them hopped off.
"He was asking questions as to why I wasn't going to be there with him like I usually am."
"I'm sorry about this, really."
"Don't be. He's going to be so happy to see you." The pair weaved through the foot traffic that was still hanging around the garage and pit area. When they finally made it to the 98 pit as the engines fired up. "Just in time."
"Elle!" Elle turned to the voice of Riley's mom, Laura. Elle loved Laura and Laura absolutely adored Elle. "What are you doing here?" She asked, giving her son's girlfriend a hug. "You're supposed to be in London!"
"The rest of the tour got canceled."
"Oh, I'm so sorry!"
"Don't be! The lead singer got himself caught in a sex scandal, so they had to cancel."
"Oh my God."
"I know, right? I figured the off weeks were coming and Riley really wanted me to be here with him, so I figured I'd surprise him after the race."
"That means you'll join us on the family vacation?"
"Only if y'all want me there!"
"Of course we would!" The pair headed up the ladder to the top of the pit box.
"Elle! So nice to see you again!" Riley's dad, Troy said, giving her a hug.
"Nice to see you too, Troy."
"Someone get her the headset."
"The headset?" One of the crew members handed up a headset to Troy. As soon as Elle caught sight of it, she laughed. They were her usual pair that Elle had doodled flowers. Riley had put her name on them.
"The headset. He said these were usually the pair you used at the track."
"They are. He didn't have to put my name on it."
"He didn't want anyone else to use them." Everyone settled into their seats, Elle sitting in a spot where she knew she wouldn't be spotted.
"Who else is joining the box today, Dav?" Elle heard Riley's voice talking to his crew chief, Davin Restivo. "It almost looked like Elle."
"That would be impossible buddy."
"You're right. She's in London being an absolute rockstar." Elle couldn't help the smile thay spread on her face. "What I would do to see her face."
"Maybe she'll dedicate a song to you."
"I don't need her to, remember? Love in the Fast Lane is all about me. Ive got writing creds on that too."
"Okay. Let's focus on the task ahead okay?"
"10-4." Elle pulled out her phone and took a picture to post to Instagram. She knew he wasn't going to see that until we'll after the race.
Elle_Stewart: what do you do when the rest of your tour gets canceled? Head to Indy to cheer on your boyfriend! Love you, @rileyherbst! 😘
***
Elle couldn't watch. Riley was on his way to his second career win when the caution flew. Elle looked over at Troy, who looked exactly like Elle did. Davin made the decision to keep him out, both SHR cars did. They took the front row before green flag dropped. Cole pulled out to the lead, leaving Riley to fight the 20 and the 16. Riley managed to get back to second with the 20 following in his tire tracks.
"Come on, Riley." With only a handful of laps to go, Riley finally reeled Cole back in. He was there. Coming to the white flag, however, the 20 managed to pass both of them. "Shit." Riley wasn't about to give up. Riley passed him on the inside coming into four, clearing him coming on to the front stretch. Cole managed to get by the 20 as well for a Stewart Haas 1-2 finish. The entire pit box erupted in cheers. "He did it." Elle put her head in her hands, feeling Riley's sister's hand on her back.
"And you were here to see it." Elle looked up at Laura. "Let's get you down there. He'll want to see you." The box emptied as everyone headed to the wall separating pitroad and the racing surface. Elle hung back, letting the crew and Riley's parents be up front. Riley did his burnout, Elle loving every second of it. She got a text from her dad, saying Riley did good today. She sent one back agreeing and happy she was able to see it in person. Riley got out of the car to do his interview.
"Let's head to Victory Lane and surprise him there instead." Laura suggested. Elle nodded, following the rest of the Herbst family. The crew showed up not much long after they did. Riley and his car soon joined them, coming up the lift in front of them. Elle stood off to the side as Riley climbed out. The SHR beer and Monster Energy flew everywhere, absolutely soaking everyone. Elle finally decided to make her presence known as she slowly made her way up to the car. She stood slightly back behind Troy as he talked to Riley.
"I miss Elle. I'm just wishing she was..." Riley finally caught sight of her. Elle waved and shot him the brightest smile. "Oh my God."
"Oh my God." She repeated with a laugh. Riley took off towards her. Elle braced herself for impact. Riley's arms were immediately around her waist as his lips crushed against hers. Elle wrapped her arms around his neck, returning the kiss.
"You're here."
"I'm here." Riley pressed another kiss to her lips.
"How? You're supposed to be playing a show in London."
"The rest of the tour got canceled. You're stuck with me for a while, baby."
"I seriously thought this day couldn't get any better."  Riley picked her up off the ground, letting Elle wrap her legs around him.
"I have a few suggestions to make it an even better day."
"Elle, not in front of my dad." Elle laughed.
"Riley, I walked passed your room the last time you two visited your mom and I. I know." Riley's face went scarlet as Elle laughed.
"I still can't believe you're here."
"One of the SHR owners had to be here." Elle said, reminding Riley of Elle's small stake in the now dismantling company.
"I love you, so much."
"After all the celebration, I'm going to show how much I love you, Riley Herbst."
"I honestly can't wait."