Where The Wild Things Are // Ryan Blaney

Chapter Six

Ryan

Scratch what I said about these two girls being a piece of cake because I was wrong. These two were completely different than my nephews. If not for the difference in hairstyles, I would have confused them each time I told them Willow would be back soon. 

Piper had her hair pulled into a single ponytail, and Poppy now had her light brown strands around her shoulder since her hairbands broke. Her tiny hands would push it away when it tickled her nose. She was also ever the blabber-mouth. She would string words together in her best toddler voice asking about anything she could get her hands on. 

I could see that these two were a handful. Willow looked exhausted when I first saw her, and I realized that doing this alone took a big toll on her.

Don't get attached, Ryan. 

As soon as she was done with this meeting, I would return to keeping her at arm's length, keeping everyone there so I wouldn't get attached to anyone. I couldn't afford to care. 

"Yan, do you have any cany?" Piper asked, causing Poppy to look at me with sudden interest. There was no way her sister would get any 'cany' without her getting some.

"I don't think I have candy, but I know where we can get some food to help fill your bellies."

When in doubt about children, take them to a seasoned professional, and that's exactly what I planned on doing. Joey had three children, so he was definitely a professional at what the best foods to give to a toddler are. And his office was just down the hall from mine. It's a win in my book.

With the girls trailing behind me just slightly, I had them both knock on the glass door, grimacing when I realized that it probably wasn't the best idea. The surprise on Joey's face when he saw me and the girls was evident but not realizing they were Willow's nieces, he automatically put on his work face as he waved his hand for us to come in.

"Hey, Ryan." He greeted me, then moved down to greet the two beside me. "And who might these two be?" Shyly, both girls moved behind my legs. An action I wasn't prepared for.

"This is Poppy and Piper. They're the twin nieces of my assistant, Willow." A somber look fell over his face when he put two and two together. It was no secret what had happened to Willow's brother around the Penske camp, but a lot of the others didn't know she was taking on the responsibility of guardian now.

"We're on a mission for some 'cany' and snacks while Willow is in a meeting with Tim," 

Trying to help ease the girls into coming out from their hiding spot with my words, it seemed to work as they heard me talking about candy and immediately attacked Joey with questions. His playful glare let me know he realized what I was doing.

Joey had been a lifesaver, coming to the rescue with some candy and crackers for the girls. I would have to repay the favor for his kids. While the girls ate, I sent a message to Willow to let her know where we were while talking about the upcoming race weekend with Joey.

From behind us, the double doors opened revealing Willow looking a little worried as she came closer to us.

"Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?" Sensing the stress in her voice, Joey swiftly, but nicely, excused himself to let us talk. She thanked him for helping with the twins as he bid farewell to us.

Ryan

I had been prepared for a lot of things to come out of her mouth, from she needed a jump start to her vehicle to even that things went south in the meeting and she would be leaving her job, however, none of that prepared for what she did ask for. Not beating around the bush, she got right to the point.

"I needed a scapegoat for race weekends where I have to bring the girls and since I'm your assistant media person, the only way I could get them to agree was lying." Before I could even ask what she meant she continued. 

"The offer first was when Piper and Poppy joined me I have to pay for the hotel myself since they aren't exactly a business expense or employee." She used air quotes around the last few words before continuing. "We both know I can't afford that right now but I need this job so I told them that you and I had already talked and you were okay with letting the three of us crash in your bus for the few days."

That, I was not expecting. I couldn't even understand the feelings and thoughts my brain was processing. 

"I know it's a lot to process, and you can truly say no if you aren't okay with it. I know I need this job right now and I have no one to help me with the girls on certain weekends."

Well if I wasn't put on the spot before, I am now. I said I would keep her at arm's length, and I can't do that if she's living in my space for some weekends. I needed to think about this. I hadn't had a woman on my bus since Gianna left.

"I promise they will be on their best behavior and you won't even know they're there. Most of the time."

No. NO. No. no. nO.

"Okay. But we have to set some ground rules."

I caved, at the look she was giving me. Her green eyes filled with sadness and a slight pout on her lips. She knew what she was doing, and somehow I couldn't listen to my inner thoughts and just say no.

"Of course. Whatever you say, goes."

As I went over the list of things I knew about the motorhome, Willow pulled out her phone to take notes, listening intently. It struck me that she was being serious when she said whatever I say, goes because I wasn't going to be a dictator with this arrangement. Stopping mid-sentence, I told her. "Let's get through this weekend and we'll see what needs adjusting."

That would be easier. Try it for one weekend and then go from there. I mean what kind of trouble can the three of them get into?