Sitting In Traffic | Formula 1

Chapter 153- Honeymooning

Riley was walking into grid dinner that was to be held on the Vegas strip with Max tiredly, holding his hand. There was a large clothed table set up, stretched far enough to seat all of the drivers and their plus ones, as-well as the team principals. This was the first public appearance Riley had made all day. She was going to attend media day with him, but if she was honest, she could barely walk.

"After you my love" Max pulled a chair out for Riley in front of her name card that was placed next to his.

"I like that" Riley told him, noticing the pet name he had been calling her the past few hours. "No really- it's cute when you're more sappy"

"Okay- okay." He nodded off towards the chair, "Sit"

"You don't have to tell me twice" She said, sitting down when Max took the spot next to her.

"I had to tell you a few times last night"

"I didn't want to crush you!" She whispered, "Geez, Max.."

"You know" Max looked at Riley's name card, "This isn't even right"

"Huh? Oh-"

"Your last name isn't Stowan anymore"

"I know" She smiled excitedly, "It's so weird"

"I like it" Max put his arm on the back of her chair.

Riley waved at Lily down the table when she noticed her sitting next to Alex. There were no words shared, just a simple glance and wave. 

"I won't keep you kids too long" Riley heart sank when she heard Susan's grandfather behind her. "I just thought I would say hi"

"What-" Max was initially defensive when he felt Richard's hand on his shoulder until he turned around. "Oh! I remember you" Max stood up quickly, shaking his hand with a strong grip. "It's..."

"Richard" Riley said, standing up hesitantly behind Max.

"Richard!" Max repeated, putting his hand behind Riley's back.

"Riley Stowan" Richard greeted her with open arms.

"Hi" She said with a frown, feeling Richard squeeze her tightly.

"What are you doing here?" Max asked him, watching Richard give Riley an extra long squeeze. It was the first time she had any contact with Jonah's family since her phone call with Susan.

"Susan came with Oliver!" Richard said cheerfully, releasing from the hug only when Riley did first. "He managed to have Ferrari hook us up- which, is not as ideal as Red Bull, but i'm glad to be here"

"You should've called" Max said, holding Riley's back while she stood next to him stressed and uncomfortable. "I could've got you a pass- is your wife here?"

"She's out having dinner with Susan" Richard said, "I'm having some one on one bonding time with Mr Bearman"

"That's really nice" Riley said, holding onto the back of Max's suit jacket he was wearing.

"She's been wanting to make her rounds to you" He told Riley, "To say hi, catch up, congratulate you on the engagement"

"Oh- thank you" Riley nodded, smiling when she knew what Max had been thinking at that moment.

"And I wish you the best of luck this Sunday" Richard told Max, patting his shoulder hard. "Take the win home"

"I will"

"And you dedicate it to your lady"

"Of course" Max smiled hearing Riley protest against that comment.