Sitting In Traffic

Chapter 99- Orange Envelope

Max was leaning against Riley's Porsche while she turned a corner on the dock. She spotted him instantly, stopping her steps as Max straightened up. She looked over her shoulder, seeing Arthur, Ollie and Susan walking together in the distance. Susan hadn't shared many words with Arthur, she still didn't like him. But Oliver and Arthur were best-friends, she had to tolerate him.

"Where are we going" Riley asked him excitedly, just a few steps away from him.

"You'll see when we get there" He told her, taking her tote bag and tossing it over her windshield into the car.

"Did you bring me clothes or am I fine in my swim suit" She assumed she wasn't fine when Max was wearing a cream linen shirt with board shorts.

"I brought bottoms," He said, going for the folded up fabric he set on the cars hood behind him. It was a long bohemian styled off white skirt that matched Max's shirt. Whether or not Max chose it for that reason on purpose wasn't something she was going to ask.

"Cute" Riley took it from him and started stepping into it, "Did you bring me a shirt or anything"

"I assumed you could just keep my jacket on"

"I suppose that could've worked if it wasn't hot out" Riley shifted her skirt around on her waist while Max saw Arthur come into view.

"Did he try anything?" Max asked her while she was taking off his jacket.

"No" Riley held the jacket in her hands while leaning into Max's body, "Did you want to say hi to Susan or can we go" She pushed off of him.

"No we'll see her soon probably" Max told her, watching her walk to the passengers side of the car.

"Whatever works for you" She said, Max got into the drivers seat while Riley was getting herself situated.

Max was starting the car when Susan was about to pass them to Oliver's. Riley didn't look her direction, but she heard her voice when she started talking to Max. Riley sighed to herself, partially wishing Max had just took off when they got in the car. But he took his time, and now he was stuck in conversation.

"I didn't get to say bye before you guys left on the 4th," She said to Max, "I know you guys were in a rush after the break in but still" She broke a small laugh.

"Did you and Sloan check out of the hotel alright?" He asked Susan, keeping one hand on the steering wheel while Riley's was on the gear shift about to change it for him. Just the same as Arthur would for her.

"Yeah we were fine" She said, "Tristen stayed with us the last night so"

"Well that's shocking" Riley mumbled, she glanced over at Max, "He said he didn't want your charity"

"He's never liked me" Max shrugged, "I don't blame him," He looked back at Susan, "I'm glad you guys were fine"

"No, same" Susan agreed, "But apparently the guy who broke in was a local in that town. They didn't even know you"

"I think that's such fucking bullshit" Riley was being entirely honest while Max was ready to go.

"Yeah," He nodded, "Uh but we have reservations"

"Oh yeah, Riley said you guys were going out" Susan stepped away from the car, "Swing by Ambers Lounge after for a drink or two" She begged the both of them, but Riley really didn't want to.

"We'll see" Max wanted to see what Riley wanted to do first. Right now that was go to sleep.

"I have something I need to give Rye"

"We'll stop by" She told Susan, putting a hand on Max's arm briefly. Her entire touch was a gentle way to say 'let's go'.

"See yah then" Susan said as she walked away.