When it Rains | Daniel Ricciardo

Chapter 10 - China?

Mike is fighting with the radio in my car, I'm driving him home this time because he drove the last time. He asked if I wanted to have some coffee and with everything that's going on with Ryan and me, I decide against it.

"Next time, okay. I've got a man to feed." I laugh off.

"No problem, pretty girl. I'll get you next time," he says with hope.

"Definitely" He jumped out of the car and got his luggage out the back. The drive home from Mike's brought up some anxieties. I was nervous to see him. Ryan and I had had a few phone calls while I was away. He said that he was having a relaxed weekend at home. I'm home at last, nervous as hell, but kind of excited it's been a while since we've had a good night in.

-

"So how's things with Erin going?" I ask Jamie who is once again irritating the hell out of me to get some lunch.

"I'm so hungry, bro please let's go get something to eat." like a kid. Extreme eye roll.

"Fine! You know you can go and get something without me. You're a big boy." We're walking to the cafeteria. He's been bored without the drivers being around, but he's seen Ryan almost everyday. I don't really mind it has in a way helped my relationship keep things light and on track.

"So Erin, why you avoiding my questions!?"

"We're no more, munchkin."

"What do you mean? Why what happened?"

"Dude, you know how it goes. Just didn't work out."

"Okay then, whatever. Don't tell me," annoyed. They always keep things from me but I have to spill every detail of my personal life? No more.

"So Ryan said he wants to go with you to China?" I sigh, this again.

"Yeah, I said I'd ask Cyril if it would be okay," not really wanting to talk about it further. He asked me last weekend and we leave in two days. I just haven't really been too happy with the idea.

"Maybe it will be good for you two. He mentioned things have been a bit strained at home lately."

"He did?" Now feeling uncomfortable, not knowing how much Ryan has told him. "What else did he say?"

"Why do you look like I just shot your pet rabbit? He is my best friend you know, we do talk about these things. He just told me what's been going on and how he's trying to make a conscious effort and I think it would be a good idea okay." his hand clap together in conclusion.

A huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders with the peace of knowing that I don't have to spill my guts to another person I love. "You're right, I'll talk to the boss man after lunch." I smile at him and we carry on talking about the week to come. Jamie is right, Ryan and I are trying to move forward, but in the back of my mind Daniel's disapproving face pops up and I can't help but feel that it's going to be a bad idea.

-

"Can I come in?" I'm standing in Cyril's doorway.

"Alexia my shining star, come in. What can I do for you?"

I have a seat in front of his desk, feeling quite nervous. "Well, I was wondering if I would be able to get an extra pass for this weekend."

"It shouldn't be a problem, you'd just have to fill the paperwork for your guest with Jennifer in admin. Who may I ask are you bringing?"

"My boyfriend Ryan, he wouldn't be a bother or get in the way of my work. We just need to spend some more time together" I answer truthfully.

"It will be great to have him, are you looking forward to this weekend? I hear you have some big plans for the drivers?"

"Yes, very the Chinese are always so enthusiastic about the races and we have a couple of things planned with the fans." Truly excited for the events to come.

"Well, I can't wait to see the outcome and have Ryan over. He will be joining our team dinner, yes?"

"Yes, of course, thank you, Cyril. I appreciate it" I say standing up to leave.

"Any time. You're doing a good job with Daniel's profile. Keep up the good work."

"I intend to. Thanks again" I wave before exiting. Now for Jen. I head over to her desk and spot a few faces looking at me approaching her desk. Probably because of the last time. I laugh as I pull up a chair next to hers remembering it.

"Hello, my English queen."

"Ah my confused South African, what can I do for you?" She plays along. She gets me. We laugh at the people who were staring earlier.

"So Ryan wants to come with this weekend. Jamie told me to do it because it will be a good idea, I asked Cyril and now I'm asking you for the paperwork."

"Woah Woah Woah wait, Ryan's coming to China? What did he tell Jamie?"

"Nothing, apparently he just told Jamie that we're going through a rough patch and that he's working on it."

"Oh, yeah didn't expect him to say much else to be honest. Did I mention I'm coming this weekend too? "

"No! You didn't!" I slap her hand.

"Yeah, Cyril needs some admin stuff taken care of on the road so I get a free ticket to China."

"That's awesome, thank god. Don't think I'd be able to do this trip without you!"

"Things still tense at home?"

"So-so we're working on it, but Jamie is coming to stay with us again for the rest of his trip since him and Erin didn't work out"

"Oh, that's news. He say why?"

"Nope, you know those boys don't tell me anything." I roll my eyes.

"Speaking of boys not telling you anything..." she's got a goofy grin and sparkle in her eye.

"Yeah?" I'm rolling my hand in anticipation.

"Maybe now's not the right time, let's talk on the plane"

"Hate you." I say getting up with my eyes in slits.

"Love you too" I hear behind me. I giggle my way back to my desk.

I wonder what she has to tell me, she's acting so strange. She couldn't possibly know about the last fight, could she?

Jen emailed me the paperwork and I got it completed and back to her by the end of the day. Finally, it was time to go home.

-

"So babe, I have some good news," I say with a spatula in hand peeking my head to the lounge.

"Yeah?" he says excitedly. He looks so cute

"I got you a pass for the weekend," I say, now just as excited as he is.

"That's awesome Al! This is going to be so much fun!" He's up off the couch and at my side. He pulls me in for a kiss and I sink into him, it's been a while since we've been physical and it feels good to be held like this. "Let's skip dinner tonight" he whispers in my ear and then throws me over his shoulder and turns off the stove. At least he's cautious.