Page 65 of Call it Reckless

I pulled up my emails on my phone and scrolled to the one titledInterviewfrom an Alexis.

Dear Ms. Allen,

My name is Alexis Braxton, but I go by Lexi, and I’m in fourth grade. I’ve met you twice already. My teacher, Mrs. Thompson, gave us an assignment to interview someone in our community. I drew your name, and I’m so glad I did. You’re so nice. All the boys are jealous because they said you know a lot about cars, especially race cars. That sounds so exciting. They said it’s not fair that a girl gets to interview you because cars are a boy thing, but that’s not true, right? My dad says girls can do anything boys can, so they can just stick it (don’t tell Miss Pettigrew I said that.) My friend, Iain, says you’re going to help him build a soapbox car. Is that a kind of racing? A couple of the other boys in my class are building one, too. Maybe I should ask my dad if I can. Would you help me, too?

Please email me back when I can meet with you. I’m working on my list of questions to ask. I’m supposed to ask about your education and stuff like that, but I want to know other stuff, too, like other things you like to do. My dad says he can bring me to your new job when it’s convenient for you. He says you’re very busy right now, but I hope you can meet soon.

Thank you.

Lexi Braxton

Her noteabout the boys in her class made me chuckle. They could stick it all right. While I sat in my car, I decided to type out a quick response so she knew I wasn’t ignoring her.

Dear Lexi,

I’m so glad it’s you who drew my name for the interview. I’m very excited to meet with you again. Idothink cars are cool, especially how to make them work the best they can. I believe girls can do anything they set their mind to. The important thing is to not quit.

I am helping Iain’s dad with some plans for a soapbox car. It is a kind of racing, but it doesn’t have an engine. It’s pretty safe and it’s a lot of fun. Let me know what your dad says. I’d be happy to help.

Let me look at my schedule, and I will email you some times that we can get together, and then you and your dad can pick one. We can meet more than once if we need to.

I look forward to talking with you, Lexi!

Bristol

I hit thesendbutton.

I glanced down the street. In the distance, I saw the lights at the end of The Dogtrot’s sidewalk. Their warm glow was inviting. I was in awe of my cousin. She’d taken the family bed-and-breakfast and turned it into an award-winning one, all while being a single parent. We’d all done our best to support her, but I definitely hadn’t been here like I wish I could have been.

Everyone seemed to understand my need to leave the small town they loved so much. But I hadn’t always understood their desire to stay. But now that I was back, with eyes a little more open and accepting, I was beginning to understand.

On an impromptu decision, I got back out of my car and headed down the street toward The Dogtrot.

“Bristol! Come on in. I’m so glad to see you.” Emalee pulled me in for a hug. “You have perfect timing. I was just getting ready to head back to the house.” She linked her arm through mine. “You should stay for dinner.”

“You don’t mind? I don’t want to intrude.”

She stopped walking and turned to face me. “You never have to worry about intruding. You’re family.”

“So I’m still learning, apparently.” I needed to get over feeling like a guest in my own town.

She smiled and relinked our arms and led me down the stone path to the home she and Zach were remodeling.

“Auntie Bristol! Come look what I built.”

I couldn’t beat the greeting that awaited me when Emalee and I entered their house.

“Sure.” I let him lead me to his room, which was already finished, and admired the Lego building he’d created.

“Hey, kiddo. How about you show Bristol around while I get dinner started?” Em said from the doorway.

Iain jumped to his feet, and I got a whirlwind tour of the house that was almost finished. We ended in the kitchen where Zach was helping Em cut up some vegetables. Something that smelled delicious bubbled on the stove. They worked in such harmony. For a moment, I felt a pang of envy. I knew it hadn’t always been that way for them, but I suspected they were stronger because of all the drama they went through to get to this place.

Both of them looked up and smiled at me as Iain snuck a piece of sliced French bread that was in a basket on the table. Zach put down his knife and came over to kiss me on the forehead. “So glad you remembered the invitation to come over. Good to have you here.”

“I’m glad, too.”

After Em’s amazing dinner of spaghetti and homemade sauce, Zach shooed us both out of the kitchen with a glass of wine for me and sparkling water for his wife. “You two go talk. I’ll clean.”

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