Sophie's POV

Trying to coordinate two busy schedules is exhausting.

Between my weekends at the track, and my work during the week, as well as Riley's studio time, his interviews, time at home, random concert's, it's been close to impossible to actually line up more than 24 hours together at a time since I left Jacksonville a few weeks ago. 

Thankfully, he has made some time to meet us at the race in Vegas this weekend. Unfortunately for me, I haven't been able to sit down with Ryan and Bubba and tell them about any of this new development in mine and Riley's relationship. 

Which I have to do before they see him at the track this weekend and start asking questions. 

Walking into Ryan's house the day before we leave for the track, I hear all three of the idiots in the living room, most likely playing video games if I had to guess.

"Did you bring food with you?" Ryan asks, seeing me stepping into the living room.

I hold up the bags in my hands, "did you really think I would come without food" I respond, letting out a laugh. 

Ryan pauses their game, before meeting me at the table. "Thanks for picking up dinner Soph. Chase was supposed to, but he forgot" Ryan says, sitting down in the spot across from me.

The four of us eat dinner, making idle conversations, it wasn't until Bubba decided to speak up that I remembered my reason for actually being here. 

"So, what was so important that you called this impromptu meeting with us before this weekend?" Bubba asks. 

I take a deep breath, setting my fork down next to my food.

"So listen, you guys know I love each of you. You guys are my best friends outside of Scarlett of course. However, there have been some recent developments in my life that I haven't told you guys about" I start.

I look over at Chase, who gives me a nod.

"During the off weekend a couple of weeks ago, I made a trip down to Jacksonville. It wasn't to see my parents, but it was to see Riley. He was doing a charity baseball game, and well I went. We decided to give everything another chance. I know you guys are weary about him, but he makes me happy, and he's giving all of this a lot of effort. I'm only telling you guys this now because he's coming to the race this weekend. He will be there when we get there tomorrow, and he will leave when we do Sunday night" I tell them.

Silence spreads throughout the room. Chase is looking between Bubba and Ryan, gauging their reactions. Bubba keeps looking between Ryan and I almost as if he's waiting for a blow up, I think we all are.

"Are you out of your mind? That was such a stupid idea Sophie, he's just going to hurt you again" Ryan says, breaking the silence around the table. 

"I am completely sane Ryan, and I know what I'm doing. We've spent a lot of time talking about this and what it means. He knows what to expect from me, and I know what to expect from him. He seems really genuine about it" I respond.

Ryan rolls his eyes, before letting out a chuckle. "You're setting yourself up to be heartbroken again, he's not right for you and you know it. You love your job, love being here, why are you going to give all of that up for some douchebag that broke your heart once!" Ryan exclaims, standing up from his spot at the table.

"I'm going to interject here. I was at that game, and I spent time with them after the game. The way he looked at her Ryan, I don't see any of that happening, and if it does I'll fly out to wherever he is with you and help you kick his ass. However, we had a talk, and he never once said he was going to make her give up anything. I know you're worried about her, but for god sakes, have a little bit of faith in her" Chase tells him.

Ryan gives Chase a glare, before turning his attention back to me.

"I love you to death Soph, but I'm not going to sit by and watch him break your heart again or change you completely. I refuse to watch the downfall of this. I'm going to request that you get moved to Joey for the rest of the season, and then we can evaluate at a later date if it should be a permanent switch or not" Ryan says, before storming out of the room. 

 "I'm going to go, I've got to start getting ready to leave tomorrow, and apparently I need to get Lila up to date on everything. I'll see you both tomorrow at the track" I tell them.

"For what it's worth. I'm happy for you Soph, as long as you're happy, I'm happy for you. However, if he hurts you, I'll be first in line to beat his ass" Bubba adds. 

I give him a nod before grabbing my purse, I head out of the house hoping and praying I didn't just loose one of my closest friends. 

Riley's POV

Standing at the garage entrance, I wait patiently for Sophie, who told me she was going to be heading this way 10 minutes ago.

When I finally lay eyes on her, she's walking with Chase, who has his arm wrapped around her shoulders. I can tell from here she's exhausted. 

She had called me on her way home from Ryan's last night and told me all about their fight. I think it's safe to say that Ryan Blaney has more than just friendship feelings towards my girlfriend. That feeling was only confirmed when I got a nasty glare from him when he walked into the garage a few minutes ago. 

 "I have to go check up on Joey really quick, but I'll be right back" Sophie tells me.

She stands on her tiptoes, giving me a quick kiss, before running towards the garage.

"Joey? I thought she was with Ryan?" I ask Chase.

Chase lets out a sigh, "she was until last night. Ryan told her that he wanted to switch with Joey for the rest of the season, and of course she listened to it. I really hope you're being serious about all of this and all of this wasn't for nothing" Chase tells me.

"I told you, I'm not planning on going anywhere" I respond.

"I really hope not Riley, because she just went to bat for you with some of her closest friends, and potentially lost one of them" Chase says, before walking towards the garage, leaving me standing there with only my thoughts.