Page 94 of Strike Zone

“Why?”

“I didn’t have the same kind of childhood as you, Diana. That trailer park in front of us is where I grew up. My mom doesn’t give a shit that I got out and made something of myself. She hasn’t even responded to the messages I left her, letting her know she’s a grandmother. I’ve been beating my head against a brick wall my whole life, and she’s never going to change.”

“Then why did you want to come today?” I suspect this visit has more to do with him than it does his mom.

“Because we’re a family now. You, me, and Lilah. I asked you to have faith, build a life and a family with me. I feel like you need to see where I came from before I can move on. Before we can move forward. Does that make sense?”

“Yes, but I need you to know, nothing that happens here will change how I feel about you.”

“I can’t explain it. I need you to know everything before…” Lilah starts fussing, so I lift her out of her stroller and into my arms. “Let’s just get this over and done with.”

As we’re walking toward the entrance to the trailer park, someone shout’s Linc’s name from the gas station across the street. “Lincoln Nash, as I live and breathe.”

There’s immediate recognition in Linc’s eyes as he turns toward the familiar voice. “Kellan?”

“The one and only.”

Even I recognize this guy. “Is that Kellan McKenzie? As in NASCAR Kellan McKenzie?”

“Sure is.” They hug like brothers, slapping each other on the back with genuine affection.

“Kellan, I’d like you to meet my girlfriend, Diana.”

“The whole world knows about you two. I was watching the game a few weeks back. This must be the little one who was causing all that ruckus.”

Kellan McKenzie is the bad boy of NASCAR. He’s devilishly handsome, and notorious for fast cars and fast women. I had no idea he and Linc knew each other.

“This is our daughter, Lilah.” I love seeing him beam with pride whenever he gets the chance to introduce our little princess to someone new.

“She’s a cutie. How long has it been since we last saw each other?”

“Five years, maybe.”

“Damn, brother. It’s been way too long.”

“You should look us up sometime when you’re in our neck of the woods.”

“I may just take you up on that offer.”

“What are you doing back here?”

“Family drama. Nothing worth talking about. You?”

“Thought I’d see if my mom wanted to meet Lilah.”

“Things between you two still dysfunctional as ever?”

“Would you expect anything else?”

“No.” He looks back toward his car. It sticks out like a sore thumb next to the relics that are kicking about this part of town. “I’m sorry, man, I need to get going, but it was really great seeing you. I’d like to get together with you sometime soon.”

“Anytime, brother. My door is always open for you, you know that.”

“Still at the same address?”

“Yeah.” Linc pulls him in for another hug. “It was really good to see you, Kel.”

“It was lovely to meet you, Diana.”

---