Page 76 of The Player Penalty
“I’m usually at my boyfriend’s races on the weekend,” I say, and my cheeks burn. The word is still strange on my tongue, especially since it refers to Julian. We’re both happy and yet a year of friendship came first. It’s difficult to believe I won’t snap out of my daydream only to find out he’s still hooking up with other women. “You know what? He can drive without me. Yes, I want to do it.”
“I’m sorry, dear. Did you say your boyfriend races for a living? As in, he races cars?”
“He’s a NASCAR driver. We kind of met through my father,” I explain.
“That’s right. Your father manages the cars, doesn’t he? I recall him picking you up after school when you were younger. Now, tell me, what’s your boyfriend’s name? My husband watches nearly every race, so I join him now and then, so maybe I’ve heard of him.”
“His name is Julian Murphy.” A bit of pride warms my stomach. Naming him publicly like I did is probably a boast, but it’s all true.
I’m dating Julian Murphy.
I’m falling for Julian Murphy.
“Julian Murphy? Forgive me; I can never remember the numbers; it’s too complicated, but that name is difficult to forget. My husband says he’s having a great season.”
“He is,” I demur.
Julian has ranked in the top five points all season long, and even Dad volunteers the occasional compliment.
Ms. Terry sits in one of the kids-sized chairs, so her knees poke up. Her kind eyes smile at me. “You’ve done so well, Lily;I hope you’re proud of yourself. You barely spoke when we first met, and within a month, you were in here every day, showing off your latest creation. You’re one of the reasons I became a teacher.”
∞∞∞
Kansas Speedway
Julian’s pit crew wheels his car towards the garage for pre-race inspection.
“It’s gorgeous,” I say.
His all-black car with dark green accents lend it a forbidding air. It’ll seem like a dragon breathing green fire on the track tomorrow.
“As long as the company names covering it help pay our bills, it doesn’t make much difference to me. Some are nice, some are ugly, and all that matters is how it performs,” Dad says.
My father’s practical side is out in force as he witnesses NASCAR officials performing their inspections.
“Can’t anyone be here?” I ask him. My presence certainly isn’t necessary. I’m only slightly more helpful than the VIPs who paid extra for garage access. “I thought you might delegate this since you run the entire garage now.”
“I’ll do this until my last race.” Dad pulls up his trucker hat to smooth back his hair. “It’s always been my job, and giving it up now makes no sense. Besides, I watched each of our cars be built. It’s nice having you here with me. We’ve barely seen much of each other these past few weeks, haven’t we?”
Guilt pricks. Dad insists he’s fine on his own, and that’s probably true. He cared for himself and raised me, but he must get lonely. One of the reasons I never moved out, besides fearing it would end in failure, was leaving him alone. Dad gave up everything for me, and the idea of leaving him alone makes me miserable.
“I’m sorry. It’s been a busy time with school, my internship, and….” Dad was remarkably sanguine over the news, but I always remember the many times he questioned Julian’s character and commitment.
“Plus, you’re dating Julian now. It’s okay, Lily. You don’t need to spend the rest of your life entertaining one old man.”
“You’re not old,” I protest.
“My knees say otherwise.”
We both grow quiet as the inspection continues.
“There is nothing wrong with that car,” Julian says from behind us. I jump, and he laughs. “Inspections can be shocking. Sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you.”
Dad frowns but says nothing.
“I was telling Dad how pretty the wrap on your car is.”
“The best part is knowing it means we have sponsor money to pay for it all,” Julian says. Dad’s ears perk up. “In all seriousness, I watched them build that car. It’ll pass with no problem. It’ll be a good race tomorrow.”
