Page 96 of Happy Hour

“Not that big of a deal?” He seethed and then his expression changed. “I don’t think they’re my kids. That’s it, I don’t think they are...” his voice trailed off as he stomped away.

Nancy attempted to comfort Emma and her obsessive crying. I just stood there against the wall shaking my head.

It was never a dull moment around the Riley family.

Eventually Jameson returned from his qualifying run, he got the pole naturally so he was in good spirits.

As soon as he pulled himself from the car, Liz Clayton, a reporter with Fox Sports, was directly in his face. “Jameson, you got the pole, how’d you do it?”

Jameson leaned back against his car and chuckled at the invariable question. “It was tough. I knew we got through one and two fast and uh...I knew we were awesome getting into three. I had three lanes to choose from. The one I chose didn’t really work but...I still ended up on the pole so I guess itdidwork. I felt like we were kinda tight in three and then I was a little free off but it was because I hit the throttle too soon trying to get back to the line, it worked though.” He gave a quick shrug. “It’s nice for this whole Riley Simplex Racing Team. The guys did a good job, gave me an awesome car out there and to get the pole here at a track I love is awesome.”

“Have you and Darrin had a chance to talk about last week?” Liz asked searching for a feature story.

Way to put him in a bad mood.

“No,” His expression changed instantly, the casual tone no longer present. “We won’t be talking about it. There’s nothing to say.” Jameson walked away over to Kyle and Mason with their clipboards.

Kyle congratulated him so I made my way over since he seemed to be smiling again.

“Congratulations.” I said hip checking him.

“Thanks.” Jameson replied giving me his lopsided grin he was so good at. “Do you want to get some dinner in a little while?” he asked checking his phone. “I have an autograph session but after that we can go somewhere.”

“Sure.”

“Nice run Jameson.” A man said from behind.

We both turned around to see Tate Harris and Andy Crockett, Tate’s teammate with Banner Racing, standing next to Jameson’s car.

Andy Crockett was a name I heard a lot these days. He was another driver that was easy on the eyes and raked up a string of wins earlier in the season.

“Thanks.” Jameson reached for his hand to shake it.

Tate noticed me standing beside Jameson. “Oh—hey Sway. How have you been?”

“I’m good Tate.” I smiled. “Nice to see you again,”

“Have you met my teammate Andy Crockett?” Tate nudged Andy. “He drives the No. 6 Miller Machinery car.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” Andy and I shook hands while Jameson slung his arm around my shoulder, pulling me towards him.

“How’s your dad feeling Sway? Did he—”

Jameson cleared his throat and let out a half cough that sounded strange.

Huh?

Drawing my attention back towards Jameson, he shifted uncomfortably beside me. He and Tate exchanged a loaded glance before Jameson smiled down at me.

“He’s fine.” I said softly, not sure what that look was all aboutorwhy Tate would be asking about my dad,orwhy Jameson now looked like he’d just saw a ghost.

“Yeah, so good luck tomorrow, Jameson.” Tate said quickly and walked away with Andy.

“What was that about?” I looked at Jameson. “Why would he ask about Charlie?”

Jameson didn’t answer right away just stared at me as if he was trying to make sense of what I just asked. “Uh...I don’t know. Maybe he just wanted to know.” He mumbled and then looked at the time on his phone. “Listen...” he pulled me against his chest for a hug. “I have to get to the autograph session.” And he pulled away without another word and walked with Alley towards the grandstands.

What the hell just happened?

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