The Only One

Chapter 34 - Look at me

LA Grand Prix
Y/N POV

The one person that I needed to be here out of everyone that came down today, didn't show.

I really can't put a pin point on what I'm feeling exactly, I do know that I'm hurt that she didn't show up to her own fiancées race.

And I'm angry because yet again she's treated my feelings like shit.

If she couldn't make it today? Fine.

But promising me she'll be here, then not showing up at all, really snapped something inside me.

I'm meant to be feeling ecstatic right now, I'm meant to feel over the moon that I just got first place in my qualifying.

Yet my mood is just so down that I can't even put up a fake smile anymore.

After my team helps take off my helmet and head gear, leaving me just in my suit. I'm now hugging my team and congratulating them all with as much happy energy as I can show.

But when I get to Max he instantly catches onto my sad demeanour.

"What's wrong kid? I thought you'd be in high spirits?" He asks confused whilst putting an arm around my shoulders leading me out into the hall so we can speak in private.

"I am don't get me wrong, it's just...." I trail off looking down at my feet trying to compose myself.

"She's not here" He mutters out softly knowing exactly what's wrong.

I look up at him with glossy eyes before he pulls me in for a hug.

"You know I know some people, it only takes a phone call to take out someone with no questions asked" He jokes as I sniffle into his shoulder.

That made me laugh full heartedly, grateful to him for putting a genuine smile on my face.

He pulls back with both hands on my shoulders smiling at my slightly happier state.

"I'm sorry I'm not good with this kinda stuff, but just know I'm always here for you okay" He says looking at me softly.

I nod with a small smile wiping away any tears that escaped as I sniffle.

I'm allowed to feel sorry for myself, right?

Everyone is right, I do get treated like shit.

And it's about godamn time I stood up for myself.

"Alright kid, your family is up there waiting for ya" He says patting my shoulder telling me to go see them.

I smile one more time at him before turning around walking away.

"Hey kid?" He calls out making me turn back around.

"Yeah?" I ask looking back at him.

"I'm proud of you" He says shooting me a warm smile.

I smile back just the same, before turning back around an climbing up the stairs.

I'm now approaching the door to the room that my family were watching in until a familiar voice calls out to me.

"Ryder!" Turning around I see my little super fan running towards me.

Seeing her excited smile again brings a bright smile to my face.

I bend down so I'm at her level holding my arms open as she crashes her little body into mine.

I stumble back a little at the pure speed and impact she hugs me with before wrapping my arms around her lifting her up with me as I stand.

"Hey sunshine, did you enjoy the race?" I ask now shifting her onto my hip as I look at her.