Love Never Dies (Book 2)

Chapter 12

"We have touched down on the grounds of Richmond." The pilot speaks.

"Come on Bryn." Will nudges me.

Ava was already up with Dale and Kasey, with their PR's following behind. I stand up and follow behind Will. We all meet back up outside the airport after getting off the plane.

"Ok we all have our own rental cars, except me and Ava who will be with Will. They all are in your names, here is everyone's lot numbers and hotel room numbers. As well as this weekends on track schedule." I smile.

"Wow it feels great to have Bryn back!" Dale cheers.

"Ok I'm glad I'm back too. But you guys have to be on track in less than 2 hours, get going."

Everyone goes there separate ways, while Ava and I follow behind Will.

"You really don't understand how much we love you coming again." Will breaks the silence.

"I mean, I'm already enjoying it."

"I knew you would."

The rest of the ride to the track we talk about everything that I've missed about the track.

"And welcome back to Richmond International Raceway." Will cheers.

I smile a wide smile and look back at Ava who has the same smile on her face. Will shows the guards our passes and drives through the tunnel to the infield. We soon pull up to his motorhome, that we'd be staying at for the weekend.

"Ava, Kasey and Sammy are next to us this weekend. So that means Tanner will be next door." Will informs Ava.

"Yay!" Ava cheers.

"Ok, so you have practice at noon. Be at the garage by quarter of. Leave Ava with Sammy. I have a meeting with the media. I will see you in the garage."

I watch as Ava skips up the motor coach stairs and walks in, Will following behind. I walk the path towards the media center, and can't help keep a smile on my face. The track with the Xfinity cars on it. The noise of the cars. The smell of the racing fuel. I really have missed racing.

"Is that who I think it is?" I hear the southern drawl of Mrs. Whitney Dillon.

"It just might be. How are ya Whit?"

"Oh my, it's really you!" She squeals. "I've missed you girl!"

"I've missed you too. But I have a meeting, we can talk later ok. A much needed conversation that is." I apologize.

"That's fine, good to see you back Bryn. I'll find you later."

I continue my walk to the media center. Today I had to go up in front of everyone and explain Hendricks changes that are planned to take place in a couple weeks. I make it to the small building and walk into the room full of reporters. This never was my favorite place, way to many people.

I walk in and see that they had a driver walking up on stage to answer some questions. I 'check in' and stand by the wall, finally being able to see who was answering questions. I freeze when I see Chase sitting up on the small stage.

All I wanted this weekend was to avoid him, luckily he wasn't on the Hendrick plane, because he needed to be at the track earlier. But I didn't want to see him until our return to Charlotte. And he'll have to pass me when I go up to stage and he leaves.

"Ryan Mason with Fox, Chase what's it like racing now without having a family to deal with?" A reporter questions Chase.

"Well Ryan, I mean you don't deal with a family, they're just there for you to be with. My family on many occasions dealt with me, but it's definitely different. I mean I don't have Ava to help me laugh and loosen up after a bad race, or Bryn to calm me down. It's a big change, but it was for the best."

"Have you seen or heard from them?" The reporter continues.

"Yes I have seen both of them and talked to Ava." He smiles.

"Ok, I'm sorry Chase but that's all the time we have for you today. Good luck this weekend and we hope to see you back again."

"Thank you for having me for some questions." He waves and walks off the stage.

Chase spots me and his face goes blank. "Well they'll definitely be surprised when they see you. I'm guessing you heard my last question."

"Yes and I have to get on stage. Nice seeing you again." I smile blankly walking to the small stage.

"And now we have Bryn Hamlin Hendrick Motorsports PR, as well as William Byron's. Today she is here to discuss the upcoming changes happening at Hendrick."

"Yes, so we have the four drivers at Hendrick, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kasey Kahne, William Byron, and Chase Elliott. As well as our other 3 PR's, our secretary, as well as the crew for each car. We are changing a few crew members from each team. Dale's car chief will be moving over to Kasey's team, while Kasey's car chief is taking a break, Chase's will take over with Dale, and Chase will have the new car chief. As well as some of the pit crews changing teams. But that's not it, Hendrick's shop will be in renovation and we will be adding on so Jr. Motorsports can be in the same shop." I smile.

"That sounds like a lot. Really do have a lot going on over at Hendrick. Does anyone have any questions?"

"Yes, James Long from NBC, how long will these renovations and addition take?"

"We will be starting in 2 weeks, and we are hoping they will be done before August."

"Yes, Sarah Hill with ESPN, where will the cars and everything be located during this time?"

"They will all stay at the shop, the garages area isn't changing to much. Just a few changes."

I continue to take some questions and soon my time is up.

"Well thank you Bryn for telling us this news about Hendrick. And we hope to see you again this year."

I walk off the stage and start heading for the door, but not before I see Chase standing there.

"Well that was definitely some news. Are you heading to the garages."

"Yes." I reply.

"Would you like to walk with me then."

I shrug my shoulders and walk out the door with Chase following behind. We make it outside and I pull out my sunglasses from my bag. Chase follows my steps towards the garages and stays quiet. We make it to the garages in a few minutes.

"I'll see you later, yeah?"

"I guess."

And then we both walk to the truck haulers, Chase to his own and me to Will's. I walk in and see the team all going over things. I sit in a chair and grab my laptop from my bag typing away.

"Ok guys I'm fired up and ready to race!" William acclaims walking in.

"I expect my child is with Sammy."

"Yes, and Ellie and Ashton were over too."

"Good you already listened to your first instructions. After practice you'll have to change in here and head to the media center for your weekend questions."

"And then?"

"And then you'll have about an hour to meet with some fans at the Hendrick Souvenir Truck Hauler."

"Sounds like a plan. Then qualifying after?"

"Yep."

Will starts talking with his crew, while I go over the plans and needs for the renovation. Soon we're heading at to watch Will hit the track with the other Monster Energy Cup Series cars.

I've really missed this.