She picks one up for me and I take it. “I’m sorry he was such a dick. Are you okay?”
“Yeah, it was just a weird and abrupt question. Took me by surprise,” I say, trying to shake my head to get my mind off the thought.
“Javi was saying he is trying to make his podcast moreedgyand ask bullshit questions to the riders to catch them out, but that is crossing a fucking line.” Mabel is fuming, throwing her arms around.
“Thanks for stepping in,” I offer, starting to feel my resolve, my breathing back to normal. My heart rate is off the charts, but that’s because I am around her.
“Don’t think anything of it. Completely out of line questioning and I know everyone is going to be happy he's banned. I better let Rayna know I did it so she can let the other team owners know who aren’t here.” She's tapping furiously at her phone, so I can gaze at her. The few strands of hair that escaped from her low ponytail are flitting around her face. A hand moves unconsciously to tuck a few behind one ear.
“Hey, I am sorry about last night.” I start, her shoulders rise slightly, tension thick.
“It’s fine. I just need some...” she replies, looking up kindly from her phone.
“It’s okay. Forget I said anything.”
What a dick I am. I have made her uncomfortable and probably lost her friendship now.
She lowers her phone and opens her mouth when the door flies open, revealing a very concerned looking Koby. “Riley, are you okay?”
“Yeah, all good. Mabel swooped in and saved me.” I look at Mabel and smile.
“Nothing you wouldn’t have done for me.” Her phone rings, and she lifts it up. “Rayna. I better get this.” And she leaves the room.
“Sorry you had to deal with that, mate.” Koby offers with a hand on my shoulder. “Glad Mabel could shut it down and boot him.”
“I’m just relieved it wasn’t when my parents were here. They don’t need to hear that shit.” I run my fingers through my hair.
“That would have been truly tasteless. How about you head to the hospitality tent and I’ll clear up the rest of your interviews for the day. I’ll get Oscar to add the rest first on the media list next race. Any issues, I’ll go on a banning spree myself.” Koby shoots me a wicked smile.
“Ease up there, tiger! Don’t let the power go to your head!” I laugh. “I’ll be back in the box shortly.”
“Take as much time as you need.” Koby claps my arm and exits the door with me following behind.
Sitting at a table outside the tent, I use the moment to clear my mind and refocus on the weekend’s priorities. The distant guttural groans of the bike engines fill the air, but I am unmoved by them. Dulled, not getting the same enjoyment out of the sounds.
Javi approaches and nods his head to me as he takes a seat in front of me at the table. “Hey man, that was fucked up. Geoff is an asshole.”
“That he is,” I agree, stirring my coffee.
“Need anything? Want me to go see if he’s still in the car park?” he asks like the big brother I never had.
“Not worth it, dude,” I reply.
“Things okay? You still a bit off?” he presses.
“Yeah, yeah. Nothing about him. Clearing my mind,” I reply, sitting a little more upright. I know he’ll worry. We can’t be distracted getting on these bikes. Going over 300kph is not the place to be distracted; unforgiving consequences. We all know that and look out for each other.
“Need to talk it out?” he asks, crossing his arms on the table, leaning on his forearms.
I sigh. “I told Mabel I loved her last night.”
“Wow, that’s great. So why do you have to clear your mind?”
“Because I blurted it out of the blue, while she was overloaded dealing with her parents. I piled onto her stress.” I look down, annoyed at myself.
“So she didn’t say it back, I’m guessing?” he asks somberly.
“No, and I think I pissed her off. I ruined it by needing to label it.”
