Page 84 of Wrecking Boundaries

“I’m going with Julian,” she says. “We have plans afterward.”

“What are you doing with him?” Maddie asks. It’s an uncharacteristically blunt question from her.

Lily glances between us. “We’re just friends. We aren’t doing anything.” She’s stammering by the end.

He better not be. “It’s fine. He’s a great guy,” I say. Hopefully,it reassures her. “You’re lucky to be driving with him. We won last year, he’s good.”

Lily rushes from the room.

“I messed that up,” Maddie says once we’re alone again.

“No, I would have been worse. You don’t think he’s doing anything he shouldn’t?”

“I think she’s going to have a crush soon; that’s what I think,” Maddie says before following Lily.

Alone, I pull up Jake’s post-race interview one more time.

He needs another investor, which I’ve been looking for since he first shared his business idea. The interview made it obvious I was looking in all the wrong places.

∞∞∞

“You look sexy,” Jake says.

“I’m wearing a stupid bike helmet.”

“A sexy bike helmet,” he corrects. “Keep it on later tonight.”

This guy, I swear. “I’ll let you wear it.”

Jake’s cocky smile appears, and his tongue slips out. “You know I’ll do it.”

New topic. “You ready for this?”

“To win? I’m always ready.”

A charity racing event designed around professional race car drivers is a bad idea. It’s meant to be a friendly go-kart race, 200 laps at a safe speed, with a driver/spotter combo. Somehow, it’s now become an opportunity to prove oneself the best when it is supposed to fund children’s cancer research.

Several drivers and extended pit crews take part every year. It’s a fun event that attracts many big names and NASCAR fans.

“Prepare to lose,” Boone says as he approaches Maddie, who winces at his statement. “You two have never even worked together.” Maddie’s eyes grow big. “It’s not too late to bow out. We can get Pete to sub in for you.”

Our team number is already pinned to our clothes. Even if I wanted to, it’s not a possibility. “The silly competition between you two has nothing to do with me.”

Did I mention I’m a big fat liar?

“He only drew your name from the hat because he knew it would annoy me,” Boone says.

“That implies it was random,” Jake shoots back. “I did it on purpose.”

“We’re going to win today,” Boone says.

“I beat you just a few days ago,” Jake says.

Boone’s trademark dimple disappears as his jaw tightens. “What’s your spotter up to? Have you spoken to him lately?”

Jake’s body tenses. If this doesn’t stop, we’ll have a brawl at a charity event. I tap his ankle with my own, and he relaxes. “You know what? This event is meant to be fun. Let’s save it for the next race, shall we?”

Maddie pulls at Boone’s hand. “Will you get me something to drink? I feel lightheaded.”

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