Being so close to her again has its challenges. All I wanted to do is stay at the track and lock her in the car so she couldn’t run from me again. But that’s not Shady. She won’t listen if someone orders her to do anything. It has to be her idea.
I had to leave. I didn’t lie when I said I had some things to take care of, but really, I just needed some air. The urge to hold her is to strong. Too strong. It always has been.
I found a gym the first day I arrived here. Cherry Creek only has one but it’s decent. I left Shady at the track and came straight here. I needed to work out my frustrations. I’ve waited so long to find her and now that I finally have, I need to do something to keep from carrying her ass home with me.
I worked out for a few hours before I brought myself back to the track. I parked where I could be seen; now that she knows I’m here, there’s no use in trying to hide.
I lean on my car and watch her handle the track. She runs it smoothly. They respect her and listen to her. A fight broke out earlier between two drunk teens and she separated them, sending them on their way in a blink of an eye. I’m impressed.
She’s been ignoring me for most of the night, but every now and then I catch her glancing over at me. But she’s the only one who pretended I wasn’t there. The rest of the track watched and whispered. I know they are wondering who I am. Everyone seems to know everyone around here. It’s the kind of town that doesn’t have many secrets.
I try to watch the races— there are plenty of good drivers—but my attention doesn’t hold. I’m always finding her. I don’t need to look to know where she is, I can feel her presence.
“You watch her like you think she’s going to jet any second now.” I look over to the mechanic staring at me. He’s got a black oil streak on his forehead and grimy nails. He sees me staring at his hands and shrugs. “Part of the job. You never get the grease out.”
“You seem to know your way around cars,” I say.
“Yeah, I guess I do,” he says as he leans against the passenger side of my car. I watch him warily; he didn’t come over here for chit-chat.
He watches as the cars start clearing out. Everyone is packing up now that the last race is over. “I don’t know why you’re here. I don’t really care. But I know Shady, and you bother her. She won’t say it, but it’s there.”
“Yeah.” I nod as I watch her turn the water on to spray down the track. It’s the same routine every night, but tonight she Roger isn’t here to help her. I look back at him. “Is this where you tell me to get lost or some shit?”
“Nah, this is where I tell you don’t piss her off. She doesn’t need me or anyone else to fight for her. She’s badass. But if you do, she’s got a whole town and some very important people backing her.”
I snort. It figures—to get Shady back I’ll have to take on a whole town.
He straightens and pats me on the back like were old friends, and with a wink says, “But you seem like you can handle it.”
He walks off to join Shady and I just watch as he helps her finish shutting the track down.