Sitting In Traffic | Formula 1

Chapter 160- Tension Arises

Max took Riley out to dinner the first night they had alone. They left their phones in the car, trying to both disconnect from the media. Especially when everything was surrounding the drama between Max and George. Riley and Max were sitting at white clothed candlelit table alone outside on a patio overlooking the water. It took Max a while to convince Riley to leave the hotel for dinner. He had to reassure her that no one could see her baby bump when she was positive they could. She saw what everyone was saying online, there was speculations everywhere.

"Being by the water makes me miss home" Riley spoke softly, toying with the diamond necklace she was wearing.

"Our home.. or where you grew up?" Max's eyes were locked on her, trying to wrap his mind around everything that had been happening between them the past few months.

"Florida" She told him, "Charleston- just, yeah. Home. Where I grew up."

"Do you think Emory will like the water?" Max felt like they had barely imagined their future together lately.

"I hope so" Riley said, "We live 5 minutes away from the shore, it would be a little sad if she didn't"

"Emory Ann"

"Mhmm" Riley laughed, "I need to trade in the Porsche for something baby proof"

"Why don't we keep it and just get another car?" Max suggested, "I don't see why we have to get rid of it."

"Because I don't need 2 cars and you already have like 3" She told him, taking the hand he held out on the table. "I'll barely ever drive the car anyways after the delivery."

"Okay, we'll trade it in" He stroked his thumb over her hand. "And then the cafe..."

"I don't even want to think about that" She said, "I'm focused on the baby right now"

"We'll put that project on hold."

"I should've told you I was pregnant sooner!" She exclaimed quietly, "Before you bought the building"

"I knew I was going to buy the building far before you were even pregnant" He told her, "It's fine-"

"I just feel-"

"It's your money too" He told her, watching her roll her eyes subtly, "Don't feel bad, I wanted to do that for you"

Riley nodded and looked back at the water. Max was taking a small box out of his pocket, not a ring, and not a necklace, a pair of diamond earrings he got instead of a wedding band for Riley. The were three diamonds that dangled from each earring, matching the necklace Riley wore around her neck.

"Riles" Max squeezed her hand lightly, regaining her full attention.

"Yes" She smiled, if Riley hadn't already had an engagement ring on her finger or been married, she could've swore Max was going to propose.

"I told you I got you something in Charleston" He reminded her, letting her hand go to open the box for her. "It's something small in replacement of your wedding band for now"

"Oh!" Riley gasped, taking the box from Max slowly after he slid it across the table. "I thought you'd wait until I had your wedding band"

"I was going to, but they match your necklace" He pointed out.

"These are..." Riley whispered, looking at the six small diamonds. "These are gorgeous, Max- thank you"

"If you don't-"

"No stop-" She mumbled through a smile, setting the box on the table open. "I'll wear these to the FIA ceremony"

"And maybe grid dinner this week?" He proposed the thought, watching her nod as she closed the box.