“You’ll see Nikki around when she can. She tries to get to tracks as much as her schedule allows,” Sophia offers.
“That’s terrific. Your work doesn’t mind you taking too much time off?”
“I'm a writer. Sometimes it’s easier to write at home when I’m alone. Sometimes I need to be around Dave and the paddock madness. I’m a mood-writer.” She laughs.
“What do you write?”
“Mix of different things. Some articles, think-pieces while I write books. Currently working on a suspense thriller. Writing the scary parts now, so didn’t want to be writing it alone. Figured I would write it here when Dave is around.”
“Good call!” I reply.
My phone dings and I have a sponsor meeting in thirty minutes. “Oh, sorry. I have to head off to a meeting with Rayna. It was so nice to meet you, Nikki.”
“You too, Mabel. See you soon!”
I wave goodbye to the rest of the table and start heading to the pit box.
The meeting is in Rayna’s office with some energy drink sponsor. She’s already said they need to kiss her ass for a buy in, so I am really interested to see how she handles this meeting. I'm going to learn so much from her.
11
Riley
April - Adelaide International Raceway - South Australia
It’s the next month and the next track, and this hotel didn’t have any two-bedroom hotel rooms or singles that were available next to each other. Which felt odd being so separated from Mabel after two months together. “I cannot eat another bite,” Mabel exclaims as she puts her napkin down and pushes her plate away.
“So, you rate the Ruben here?”
“One of the best I’ve had!”
“Favourite sandwich, I gather?”
“Top of the list, for sure.” She picks at a chip on her plate.
“What others make the list?”
“Egg sandwich and a really good salad sandwich. But all have to be soft, fresh white bread,” she states matter-of-factly. “You have a top sandwich list?”
“Club sandwich, for sure.”
“That is a good one.”
“Mabel?!” A familiar voice drifts over us.
“Hey, Shelby!” Mabel stands to hug Shelby, a photographer who covers both two and four-wheel racing.
“Was wondering where you went from the rally circuits. I’ve been covering enduro and been away with them this season.Hey, Riley!” Shelby extends his hand and we embrace in a guy half-hug.
“Hey, Shelbs, want to join us?” I offer. “I’ll sit down for a moment. Have a lunch meeting in a bit so won’t cramp your…dinner.”
“All good. Please sit,” Mabel agrees, gesturing to the empty seat.
“Gathering you got a PR gig with Ghostly Flux?” Shelby directs to Mabel, looking between us.
She laughs. “Infraction32, actually! Riley and I ended up being roommates when I got started this season. The hotel messed up my booking on my first day, and I had nowhere to go.”
I open my arms out in a shrug. “What can I say? Can’t stop helping the hystericals.”
