Off Track

Chapter 19

"Am I done for the day?" Ryan asked Olivia, as they left the media center Friday afternoon. He really hoped so. He had to keep reminding himself not to touch her, and he was really looking forward to some alone time.

"That's it. We just need to get together to go over tomorrow and do the press release." Olivia looked around, there were a few people standing nearby, but no one seemingly paid attention. Ryan was tapping something on his phone.

Olivia's phone went off. She looked at the text message and smiled.

Meet me at the hotel. Keeping my hands off of you is killing me.

Since they were on the West Coast this weekend, Ryan's coach was not with him, so they were staying in a hotel. No one was aware that they had adjoining rooms.

I'm headed that way now

She replied back, then began to make her way to her rental car.

This sneaking around was driving her crazy. Although it was her idea, she had no idea how difficult it was going to be. This was her first weekend on her own without Scott, and she was already stressing herself out and having to maintain a neutral, professional appearance around Ryan was adding to her stress. To not stare at him, not touch him, to not be able to tell him what she wanted to do to him when they were alone had her wishing she would have just said 'fuck it all' and went public.

Hopefully it wouldn't be too long. She kept telling herself over and over.

*******

On his way back to the hauler to get cleaned up and changed, Ryan was a bit surprised to be stopped by Kristen, Denny Hamlin's girlfriend. Or former girlfriend, he didn't know for sure.

"Ryan, do you have a minute?" She asked.

"Sure. " He replied. He sent Olivia a quick text letting her know he was delayed, but would be there soon. He led Kristen back to the hauler so they could talk.

"I know about Denny and Lauren." She said, getting right to the point.

"Good. Did he tell you?" Ryan asked.

She nodded.

"I wanted to tell you, but I figured you needed to hear it from him." He explained.

"I know. I understand. I really hate that this happened Ryan. Lauren was my friend, at least I thought she was. It really sucks what she did to you."

"What about you Kristen? It wasn't just Lauren, it was Denny too. They did this to both of us."

"I uh... I went back to Denny. I know what you're probably thinking, but I can't help it. He swears it over, and I love him, despite everything he's done, and he is a great father. I want to thank you for not saying anything to anyone. I didn't want the kids to hear anything."

Ryan really was not all that surprised to hear that. It's bound to be different when there were children involved. "That's why I didn't say anything. Not just for the kids, but for you as well. I did tell Denny if he didn't tell you, then I would." Ryan said.

"I appreciate that Ryan. Are you going to be okay?" She asked concerned.

"Don't worry about me. I'm fine. I've moved on." He reassured her.

"I'm glad to hear that Ryan. I've been worried about you. Good luck with everything."

"Thanks. You too Kristen. I hope everything works out for you."

She hugged him awkwardly, not really knowing what more either could say, then she left.

Before Ryan could make his way to his car, he was stopped again.

"Yo Ryan. Wait up man." It was Bubba Wallace, one of his closest friends. He felt a pang of guilt when he realized he had barely spoken to Bubba, or his other friends in the last few weeks.

"Where you off to?" Bubba asked.

"I've gotta meet with my new PR to go over some things." Ryan replied.

"Yeah. I see you've got a new PR. Olivia right? She's cute." Bubba raised an eyebrow.

"I'm really sorry Bubba. I know we haven't talked much lately. Just been a lot going on." Ryan said. He hated how awkward he felt around Bubba now.

"Yeah man. I get it. You doing alright?" Bubba asked.

"Yeah. I'm good." Ryan replied, half wishing everyone would stop asking how he was doing, the other half grateful that they still cared. He knew he acted like a dick to everyone after he and Lauren broke up.

Bubba noticed then that Ryan did look like he was doing good. Not bad at all for a guy who just had his heart broken. Unless...

"You're seeing someone aren't you?" Bubba grinned.

"No. I'm not." Ryan lied.

"Yeah, but what's this?" Bubba smirked, looking at Ryan's neck and pointing to a hickey.

Ryan could feel his face heating up. "It's nothing. I've gotta go. I'm already late meeting Livvy...Olivia." He corrected himself.

"Livvy huh? You've already given her a nickname." Bubba laughed.

"It's not like that. We're old friends. We went to school together." Ryan explained, wishing once again he hadn't agreed to keep his and Olivia's relationship secret. He hated lying to his friends.

"Okay. Whatever you say. Wanna hang out later? You, me and old Clyde. Catch up on things."

"I don't know. I've got a lot of stuff to go over with Olivia. I'll see." He replied.

"You two are together aren't you?" Bubba asked with a smirk.

Ryan knew better than to try and pull one over in Bubba. His friend knew him too well.

"We are, but we're trying to keep in private." Ryan explained.

"So is it serious?"

"I love her. Before you say anything, this isn't new. I told you we go way back."

"I'm not saying anything. I'm happy for you man. You looking like your old self. When do I get to meet her?"

Ryan felt relieved and laughed. "Soon I promise."

"Alright. Good enough. Go on. You've kept her waiting long enough."

"Bubba, Wait." He was torn. He wanted to be with Olivia, but he really missed his friends too. "Give me a minute." He added.

He sent Olivia a text.

R: Do you mind if I hang out with Bubba and Chase a bit? I've kind of ignored them the last few weeks, and I feel like shit about it.

O: Not at all Ry. We've got time for us. The last thing I want to do is keep you from your friends.

R: Have I told you how amazing you are? Just a heads up, Bubba figured us out. I swear I didn't say anything. He's anxious to meet you though.

O: It's fine. I'm okay with our friends knowing. I'd like to get to know them too. If you want to invite them to hang out in our room, I'm cool with that. If y'all just want some guy time, I'm cool with that too.

R: I'll ask and let you know. I love you!

O: I love you too!!! 😘

"Alright. Let's go find Clyde. We can hang back at my room, or whatever y'all want to do." Ryan said to Bubba.

"I want to meet your girl." Bubba laughed.

******