Page 41 of Race to the Beach

Maxi nodded.“I am.Just some bumps and bruises.”

His mother’s gaze moved to the car.“Do you think you’ll have it repaired in time for the race?”

A frown pulled at the corners of Maxi’s beautiful face.

Owen spoke up.“We aren’t sure.There’s a couple of parts we still need, but we can’t find them online.”

“Oh, no.Is there anything I can do?”

“Thanks,” Maxi said.“I don’t know if there’s anything anyone can do.If I have to get new parts, they’ll have to be custom made.And besides the expense, it would take time—time I don’t have.”

“Don’t give up.You’ve made it this far.”His mother’s gaze moved between the two of them.“Now, I’d like to invite you both to dinner.It’s nothing special but it should taste good.”

His gaze moved to Maxi.He wondered if she’d still be busy now that the dinner invitation was coming from his mother.He hoped not.He wanted to spend more time with her.

“Thank you,” Maxi said, “But I’m afraid I’m going to have to decline the invitation.I’m supposed to be at the carnival in…” She checked her smart watch.“In a half hour.”

His mother nodded in understanding while Owen was left to wonder if she had a date with someone else.As the thought took hold, an uneasiness churned in his gut.He wanted to ask her who she was going to the carnival with, but he wouldn’t allow himself…even if she was supposed to be his pretend girlfriend for the week.

“I hope you have a good evening.”His mother made her way back to the doorway, where she paused and looked back.“It’s really nice to meet my son’s girlfriend.His last girlfriend never came around.So, this is really nice.”

In his mind, he was freaking out.What was his mother bringing up Regan for?And it wasn’t his fault she never met his ex.He wanted it to happen but Regan was staunchly opposed to it—always saying things like it was too soon.It wasn’t until summer was almost over and Regan was packing her things to leave the island that he learned the truth about her.A culmination of anger, embarrassment and hurt had churned within him—still churned in him when he dwelled on the past, which he tried not to do.

He didn’t say a word as his mother walked away.There was no defense for his stupidity.All he could do now was to learn from his mistakes.

Maxi’s gaze moved in his direction.“I can tell by the look on your face that there’s a story to go with your mother’s comment.I wish I had time to hear it, but I have to go.”

And then she was out the door.He was left alone with his thoughts.And his thoughts were all about Maxi.

She had to hurry.

A few minutes later, Maxi rushed into her aunt’s house.She raced up the stairs and jumped in the shower.It might have been the fastest shower she’d ever taken, but she couldn’t be late.

She opted for a pair of aqua shorts and paired them with a white cotton top.She left her hair down.And she’d put on some makeup.Not a lot but enough to make her look like she’d made an effort.

She rushed down the steps and called out to her aunt.“I’m leaving for the carnival.”

“Have a good time.”

And then Maxi was out the door.She was supposed to meet a Lily Adams at the booth.She hadn’t met Lily yet.But her aunt had assured her Lily was very nice and around her age.

Maxi used her aunt’s bike and rode to Beachcomber Park.It wasn’t hard to find the booth she was supposed to volunteer at for the evening.It was a white tent that had colorful posters all over it as well as pamphlets on the counter in front.There were T-shirts with Bluestar Island logos hanging along the back of the tent.They were for sale as well as postcards and water.It seemed simple enough.

She parked her aunt’s bike behind the tent.When she walked to the front, she found a couple of people had stopped by the booth.A young woman with short dark hair, styled in a pixie cut, was talking to them.A smile lit up her golden-brown complexion.She wore a little bit of makeup, but she didn’t need it, because she had a natural beauty about her.

Maxi stood off to the side of the booth until the other people had moved on.And then she stepped up to the booth.When the young woman turned to her, Maxi smiled.“Are you Lily?”

“Yes, I am.”Lily sent her a big friendly smile.“Are you Maxi?”

“I am.It’s nice to meet you.”

“Come on in.”Lily lifted a section of the wooden counter.

Maxi stepped into the booth, which was lit up with numerous strings of lights.Her gaze landed on the cardboard boxes beneath the counter.Her worry mounted.

She raised her gaze to meet Lily’s.“What do I need to know about this job?”

“First, you need to stop looking so worried.”Lily sent her a reassuring smile.“This job isn’t so hard.All you have to do is smile and talk to the people like you’ve known them forever.”

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