5. Chapter Five
Chapter Five
I t was race day.
Correction: It was practice race day.
The next morning, Maxi was up before her alarm.
The sun was just climbing above the horizon when she yawned and stretched.
The truth was that she hadn’t slept all that well.
If this was a case of nerves, and it was only for a practice session, she had no hope of getting any sleep the night before the actual race.
It seemed that she wasn’t the only one who hadn’t slept well. After she’d showered and dressed, she headed downstairs and found her aunt in the kitchen. She hoped that her moving about the upstairs hadn’t awoken her aunt.
“Good morning, Aunt Bonnie.” Maxi planted a feathery kiss on her aunt’s ivory cheek.
Aunt Bonnie smiled at her. “Good morning to you too. You look so pretty. But then again, I think you always look beautiful.”
Heat rushed to Maxi’s cheeks. She wasn’t used to receiving compliments. It was not something her father ever did. It just wasn’t who he was.
“Thank you for the compliment and the clothes. It was so sweet of you.”
Instead of her usual T-shirt and blue jean shorts, she opted to dress a little nicer.
It wasn’t like she went all out with her attire.
After all, she’d be wearing a fire-retardant coverall for the race, but she wanted something nice beneath, and so she wore a cute outfit that her aunt had gifted her for Christmas.
It was a pink cotton short-sleeved top paired with light blue jeans with an embroidered white floral pattern that trailed up the outside of her pant leg to her knee.
“I’m just glad it fit. You have no idea how I agonized over what to get you.” Aunt Bonnie busied herself cracking two eggs into the sizzling skillet. Thankfully the stovetop still worked. “I’m happy to see you in such a good mood. You must be confident that you’ll win the race today.”
Maxi sent her aunt a toothy smile. “I’m not worried about today. It’s just practice, but it should let me know what, if anything, I need to improve on the car so that it’s the best.”
Aunt Bonnie stared at her for a moment. “I’m so happy for you. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you in such a sunny mood. I think the island is good for you.”
While her aunt tended to the eggs, Maxi thought about her comment.
She honestly didn’t think she’d been in a bad mood.
Maybe she’d been more reserved than normal.
It’s just that she’d had a lot on her mind.
Since her father passed away, keeping the auto repair business going was one challenge after the next.
The family home was too big for just one person, and the yard was huge.
It seemed like when she was home, she was either sleeping or mowing the grass.
She’d thought of selling the place many times, and yet she felt a sentimental attachment to it. It was where she’d been born. According to her father, her mother had been so insistent about cleaning the house that she waited too long and gave birth at home.
It was also the place where her mother had spent countless hours helping Maxi to learn to cope with her dyslexia. It was also where her family had been happy. And she didn’t know if she’d ever experience that sort of happiness again.
Turning her attention back to her aunt, Maxi said, “Don’t worry. I’m fine.”
“There’s a long distance between being fine and being happy. This life is short. Don’t waste your time being fine—find the happiness.”
Maxi liked her aunt’s advice. “I’ll work on it.”
“Now, let’s get you fed because you have a race to win.
” Aunt Bonnie moved to the stove and quickly served up some eggs, bacon, and toast. When she placed the plate on the table, she said, “I forgot something.” She rushed over to the fridge and grabbed the orange juice.
She poured Maxi a glass and then placed it in front of her. “Is there anything else I can get you?”
“No.” She glanced down at the plate. “Thank you. You shouldn’t have gone to all of the trouble.”
“But I wanted to. I was relieved that the top of the stove still works.”
She had to agree. “I bet it’s just the heating coil that went out on it. We can replace it.”
Aunt Bonnie’s eye lit up. “I’ll order one.”
Maxi was really worried about what her aunt was going to do if anything else went wrong with the house. That was why winning this race was so vitally important.
Maxi stared at her full plate. “I really appreciate all your effort.”
The truth was that Maxi didn’t have an appetite. Her stomach was tied up in knots. She kept reminding herself that this was just a practice race—that it didn’t count—but it didn’t help ease the nerves.
And so, she forced the food into her mouth. It tasted like cardboard on her tongue, but logic told her that her body needed the nutrients. Also knowing how her aunt had gotten up extra early to make her breakfast, Maxi kept eating and chasing the food with the orange juice.
She didn’t linger long. After hugging her aunt, Maxi set off into the early sunshine.
As she walked, she was surprised by how many people were up that early.
People, she’d never seen before and probably wouldn’t again, smiled and wished her good morning.
Maxi extended her own greeting. It was certainly a very friendly island.
The closer she got to the tent, the more congested the area became. She found herself searching through the crowd of faces. She told herself she was just taking it all in and that there wasn't a certain handsome stranger that she was searching for. The chances of seeing him again were slim. Right?
When she made it to the roped off area for the cars, there were a lot less people.
She was so busy looking around for the handsome stranger that she misstepped.
Her foot hit the edge of the asphalt parking lot.
Her ankle twisted as her body fell forward.
Her arms waved at her sides as she attempted to regain her balance.
And then strong arms reached out to her. Steady hands gripped her upper arms. She was pulled toward someone.
Once she was steady on her feet, she righted herself. She lifted her head to thank the person. When her gaze met those blue-gray eyes, the breath caught in her lungs. She knew those eyes. They belonged to the handsome stranger.
"It's you," she said.
A slow smile lifted the corners of his kissable mouth. "And it's you. I was beginning to think that I'd never see you again. But it appears we were destined to bump into each other again."
Destined? Was he flirting with her? Of course not. Get it together.
Her mouth opened, but no words came to mind. She immediately pressed her lips together as her insides quivered, and her pulse kicked up a notch or two. A rush of heat swirled in her chest and whooshed up her neck, settling in her cheeks.
Who was this handsome stranger with a way with words? Her gaze searched his. She didn’t know what she was looking for, but whatever it was, she didn’t find it in the depths of his eyes.
"I..." She swallowed and hoped when she attempted to speak again that she sounded normal. "I don't know if I’d call it destiny.”
“I would.” He held his hand out to her. "My name’s Owen. And you would be?”
She stared at his hand and then placed her hand in his. His long fingers wrapped hers. At the same time, her heart pitter-pattered in her chest. She pulled her hand back.
Maxi swallowed hard and hoped her voice wouldn’t waver. She didn’t want him to know his touch had her utterly off kilter. “Maxine.”
Her friends and family called her Maxi, but they weren’t even close to that stage yet. And sadly, she didn’t think they’d ever get to that point, because she doubted she’d see him again.
“It’s nice to meet you, Maxine.” When he flashed her a bright smile, her pulse climbed into the triple digits. He leaned closer and lowered his voice. "I don’t want you to get in trouble or anything but spectators aren't supposed to be in this area.”
Strike one. It was as though his words formed a sharp needle, puncturing her happy bubble. In that moment, the figurative rosy glasses slipped from her eyes. It appeared that even though he was undeniably handsome, he was no better than other men who’d passed through her life.
The only man who never underestimated her when it came to her mechanical skills was her father.
He’d made sure to teach her everything he knew about engines and body work.
He told her it was an occupation where she’d constantly be learning new things.
And with the auto industry constantly evolving, she had to stay on top of things.
She turned her attention back to Owen. What would he say if she told him she was a mechanic? Would he just roll his eyes and then dismiss her like so many before him?
She tilted her chin upward ever so slightly. “What if I told you that I’m cleared to be here?”
His brows briefly rose as surprise glinted in his eyes. “Sorry. Are you here with someone? Boyfriend? Husband?”
Ugh! Strike two. She straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin. "No. I'm not."
She waited, wondering what reaction he would have. The breath hitched in her throat. She watched as he put the pieces together in his mind.
His eyes widened in surprise. "Are you an owner?"
Strike… Err… On second thought, maybe she wouldn’t strike him out just yet. Still, why did he have to be so surprised? Her pent-up breath came out in a frustrated sigh. She’d never admit it to anyone, but each time her abilities were underestimated, it hurt. A lot.
Holding his gaze, she said, "Yes." It was time to turn the tables on him. "What are you doing in this area?” She guessed that he was a driver in the race, but instead, she asked, “Are you a member of the security team?"
His brows rose high on his forehead. "Who? Me?" When she subdued a smile and merely nodded, he said, "I'm definitely not security. Wait.” He arched a brow. “Are you planning to steal something?" He sent her a teasing smile. “Should I alert the cops?”
She struggled and failed not to smile at the absurdity of his implication. Of course, she knew he was just having some fun with her. "Not hardly.”
“I don’t know.” His voice took a jovial tone. “I might have to keep an eye on you.” When someone called out his name, he said, "I'm sorry. I have to go." He hesitated before walking away. "Will I see you later?"
Maxi immediately nodded. Their paths were definitely going to cross again. "I’ll be waiting for you at the finish line.”
"But this isn't the real race. This is just a few practice laps."
"A practice race is still a race.” She tilted her chin upward ever so slightly and smiled. “I’d wish you luck, but I already know who’s going to win."
He let out a laugh. "A little confident, aren’t you?”
She shook her head. “No. Just stating a certainty.”
“Well, if you’re so confident about who is going to win, maybe we should make a wager.”
A wager? She wasn’t so sure about this. Still, she liked the thought of proving to him that she could beat him. “What do you have in mind?”
He crossed his arms over his broad chest as he eyed her up. “Normally, I’d make a monetary wager, but in this case, I think it should be something else.” He paused as though considering the options. “I know. Loser buys the winner lunch.”
“You’ve got yourself a bet.” The words slipped past her lips before she could weigh her decision.
He smiled once more, making her stomach dip. He once more held his hand out to her. “Shall we shake on it?”
She hesitated. Then, not wanting him to think he had gotten to her, she placed her hand in his. His grip was firm but not too tight. After a quick shake, he released her hand. As soon as he pulled his hand away, she missed the feel of his touch.
With a quick goodbye, he was gone. It was only after he was out of sight that she realized the error of making the bet. He was way too good-looking. He totally distracted her with his smiles. And she could easily drown in his blue-gray eyes.
As soon as the thought crossed her mind, she halted it. She wasn’t falling for anyone—least of all someone who didn’t believe in her capabilities. So, when she won the race, she’d just tell him there was no need for him to buy her lunch. Yes. That was exactly what she would do.
She turned her attention to getting ready for the practice laps. As far as she was concerned, this was as important as the actual race itself. Because if she couldn't win this, she didn't have any hope of winning the actual race.