Page 35 of Refuel

“Well, thank you again, Arianna. We’d love to do a full interview with you at a later date?”

“Thank you, and I look forward to it,” I said and walked off, meeting Colton and Rylee near the pit crew.

“Ari! OMG, you were amazing,” Rylee said.

“Thank you. I appreciate the support, Rylee.”

“She’s right, Ari. You did great out there for your first ride,” Colton told me.

“Thanks, Ace,” I said, and he winked.

“So, are you ready for our official date?” Kamden came up to us and wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

I removed his arm from my shoulder, not wanting any misconceptions with the reporters still around.

“Kamden, congrats, man,” Colton said.

“What date?” Rylee asked.

“A date she’ll never forget.”

“We can double it for a charity ride,” I said.

“I don’t mind a second bet, but you owe me this one,” Kamden said.

“That’s my cue to leave. Rylee, are you coming tonight?” I asked.

“Yes, do you want me to pick you up?” Rylee asked.

“I’ll meet you there,” I said and walked off toward my family.

“Honey, you did so good!” Mom said and hugged me tight.

“Thanks, Mommy. What do you think, Malik?”

He grinned and held his fist out for me to dap.

“You did good, Ari. I’m proud of you,” Malik said.

“Thanks, Malik.”

My dad kissed me on the forehead and gave me a hug.

“Mr. and Mrs. Pierce, nice to meet you.” I stiffened at his voice while my parents looked at me and then him.

“Hello, Mr. Coleman,” Mom said, smiling. Is she flirting right now? I thought to myself. Kamden extended his hand and lifted her palm up to place a kiss on it.

“Please, call me Kamden.”

“Call me Chavonne, and this is my husband Eddison,” Mom said.

Jackson, Dad, and Eddison Jr. watched as Mom fell into a high school girl mode right before our eyes.

“Arianna, we’re having a dinner to celebrate. You get to pick,” Dad told me.

“Daddy, I appreciate the dinner, but I made plans with the girls to celebrate. Can I take a rain check?” I asked.

“Sure sweetie. Be safe and call me if you need anything,” Dad replied.

---