Sitting In Traffic

Chapter 97- Visiting Family

Riley wasn't as nervous as she had been walking into the Belgium Grand Prix. She felt better about having Max around when she was meeting his family. But terrible that they all had to speak english. Riley suggested to Max on the ride from the airport that he could just translate things over for her. She felt like she was being an inconvenience to everyone.

Max reassured her she was fine, and that everyone spoke english fluently. With Arthur's family it was always different. Riley knew a little french, so when they weren't speaking english whether it be because they didn't want to or just forgot Riley was there, sometimes she could follow along given key words. If not, Arthur was always whispering the translation to her. Unless they were with his friends.

Max and Riley were visiting his sister Victoria and all of her children in the Netherlands. The plan was to also have dinner with Sophia who would turn up at any second. Riley was sitting in a restaurant next to Max on their last night there, waiting for Sophia to turn up before ordering any food. Riley was listening to Max as he translated everything on the menu. But as soon as Max moved to the next item Riley had forgotten the previous.

"Slow down" Riley whispered, she was starting to feel overwhelmed with not being able to understand anything herself. It was non-stop the past 48 hours she was there. "How about you just order for me," She told him, "You know what I like"

This was easier with Arthur. Riley already had a small foundation with French and even then he would take his time before moving onto the next item. Max took Riley's menu and stacked it under his while he continued looking for his meal.

"Someone's calling you" Max pointed to Riley's phone that was face up on the table.

"It's just Susan" She mumbled, "I'll call her back tomorrow"

"Oma!" One of Max's nephews exclaimed excitedly when Sophia came into view.

"She's texting now too" Max said again, Riley sighed and picked up her phone, not looking at the messages sent but to turn it in do not disturb.

"It's like you want me to answer her" Riley laughed at Max with a smile, watching him shake his head slowly.

"I just don't want you to miss it if it's an emergency" He looked at her, putting his menu down and his arm around her chair.

"If it were an emergency Susan would've called someone else," She told him, "You worry too much"

"I'm not worrying" Max denied the truth.

"Riley!" Sophia exclaimed as she sat down next to Luka and Lio across the table, "I knew you were coming but I'm glad to see you again"

"Me too" Riley looked her way and nodded, "I wish we could've stayed around longer"

"You guys should come back for Christmas" Sophia told Max, she was always trying to get him to visit more often.

"We're spending this Christmas in America" Max told her, he knew a part of Riley felt bad about this.

"Oh!"

"My cousin is getting married in Charleston a few days before Christmas," Riley clarified, she didn't want it to sound like she was holding Max hostage. "I have a house there we're staying at"

"Is the rest of your family going?" Victoria asked Riley, contributing to the conversation. They had been getting along quite well which Victoria was surprised about, she knew Riley had been with 2 other people since Max. Her guard was up at first.

"I think for the most part" She nodded, "My two sisters and mom"

"All younger?"

"Yes" She told everyone, "Sloan's seventeen, eighteen in February and Ava just turned six 3 months ago"