Page 41 of Audra: The Prequel

“Nobody important.”

“Was he a bully?” Audra asked, although she couldn’t imagine anyone bullying Damon. But nine years old was a far cry from the twenty-seven-year-old athletic machine known as The Flash.

“No.”

He didn’t offer more information, and right then Kerilyn came running over. She dropped onto the blanket, panting.

“Did you see me?”

“Yes, we saw you. You did such a good job,” Audra praised.

Damon took the kite spool from Kerilyn. “Very impressive. Good job.”

He lifted his palm overhead, and Kerilyn gave him a high five.

Audra handed her daughter a small bottle of water to drink. As she gulped the liquid as if she’d been running through the desert for days, Audra watched Damon from the corner of her eye.

Why would someone destroy his kite? It was a very specific, mean thing to do. If they weren’t a bully, who were they?

“Excuse me.” A blonde woman and a little blond boy approached. The woman looked embarrassed. “I’m sorry to bother you, but are you Damon Foster?”

“I am.”

“See, Mommy? I told you!” the boy exclaimed.

“I hate to disturb you and your family, but do you mind if we have your autograph?”

“No, not at all.”

“Thank you,” the woman said with profound relief.

“What’s your name?”

“Jason.”

Damon scribbled a message and his signature on the notepad the woman handed him. “Would you like to take a picture?” he asked.

The woman looked like she was about to say no, but the boy perked up. “Yes!” he exclaimed.

Damon hopped to his feet, and the woman removed her phone from her purse.

“If you’d like to be in the picture, I can take the photo for you,” Audra offered.

“Are you sure?” the woman asked.

“Yes. It’s no problem.”

Audra stood and took multiple photos of the three of them. She returned the phone to the boy’s mother. “You have several to choose from.”

“Thank you very much, and again, I’m so sorry to bother you.”

“It’s no bother. I appreciate the fans, especially the young ones,” Damon said, fist-bumping the little boy.

After they left, Kerilyn looked curiously at him when he sat down again. “Are you famous?” she asked.

“A little bit,” he replied.

“So that means you’re very busy?” Kerilyn asked cautiously.

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