Page 16 of Race to the Beach

Chapter Eight

Almostfree.

Maxi was resistant to wearing the sling.However, if putting it on was what it took to get her out of there, then it was worth it.It also made her arm hurt less, but she wasn’t mentioning that to anyone.

With her aunt hovering, Maxi did her best to act like the accident hadn't totally freaked her out.She didn't know which memory scared her more: the thought of hitting the goat or the concrete barrier that rushed toward her.She pushed the troubling images from her mind.

She already had her aunt make calls to verify that the goat was unharmed.It was a huge relief to get that confirmation.She didn’t have her ask about her car’s condition.She wasn’t ready to hear the answer—not yet.She wanted to get out of the hospital first.

Maxi adjusted the sling strap before turning to her aunt."Are you ready to go?"

"You're asking me?"Aunt Bonnie pressed a hand to her chest."I'm not the one who was just in a car accident.I still think you should stay for observation."

Maxi saw the genuine worry that shone in her aunt's eyes."You heard the doctor.I'm fine.Now I have to find out how bad the damage is to the car."She picked up the hospital release forms."Did you happen to see the damage to my car?"

Aunt Bonnie's mouth opened and just as quickly closed as she averted her gaze.It was like she knew something she didn’t want to tell her.

Maxi's chest tightened."Aunt Bonnie, what is it?"When her aunt wasn't immediately forthcoming, Maxi said, "You can tell me.Whatever it is.I can handle it."

But could she bear the news?If the car she'd been working on for months was totaled, it could very well total her emotionally.As the panic rose within her chest, she shoved it back down.

She was letting her imagination get the best of her.She could deal with it.After all, a dented car was nothing compared to prematurely losing not one but two parents.

When she couldn't take the suspense any longer, she said, "Please.Just tell me."

Aunt Bonnie shook her head."I don't know.I didn't see the car.By the time I reached the wreck, they wouldn't let me near you.They told me to meet you at the hospital.I have to say that your accident took a few years off my life.I've never been so worried."

Maxi blinked back the tears that rushed to her eyes."I'm so sorry.I never meant to worry you."Maxi stepped forward and wrapped her good arm around her aunt.When Maxi pulled back, she said, "Have I told you lately that I love you?"

Aunt Bonnie smiled."I love you too.And I'm so relieved that you're safe.Now let's get you home."

Maxi shook her head."Not yet."

Aunt Bonnie sent her a concerned look."You've been through a lot.You should rest.And I'll make you some chicken and dumplings for dinner."

Maxi's eyes widened."My favorite.But don’t you make those in the oven?"

“I actually make them on the stovetop.And thank goodness it still works."

Maxi couldn't deny that she was craving her aunt's homemade meal."But first, I need to check on the car."When Aunt Bonnie frowned, Maxi said, "I just can't relax until I know the extent of the damage."

Aunt Bonnie arched a brow."You're thinking of fixing it?In time for the race?”When Maxi nodded, her aunt said, “But your arm needs to rest."

Maxi glanced down at her arm and frowned.In her eagerness to be competitive again, she'd momentarily forgotten about her banged up arm, which was saying a lot because there was a constant dull ache in her shoulder.It was just that she'd invested so much of herself in competing in this race.She couldn’t give up now, even if there was a kernel of hope.

Maxi sent her a pleading look.“I won't be long."

Her aunt pulled her phone from her purse."I'll call you a taxi."

“They have taxis on the island?”This was news to her.

“Yes.Bluestar Taxi Carts.”

Maxi reached out, putting her hand on her aunt’s arm."Please don't.I'm fine to walk."

Aunt Bonnie pursed her lips and was quiet for a moment."But you were just in an accident, and you just got out of the hospital.You need to take it easy.Please let me take care of you."

"Aw..."Her heart filled with love as she gave her aunt another one-armed hug."You're the best."

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