“Please, your life is far from boring,” she counters.
“Okay, well, keep in touch in the meantime. Like I said, if you need to talk just send me a text or whatever.”
Chapter Nine
LAYNE
Well, I was going to surprise Renee at school and give her ride home, but I saw her sitting in the window of the café talking to another girl, and a guy was standing at their table. It looked like they were hanging on his every word. So I just drove on past. Whoever he is, he is a fucking douche. I don’t know why I’m even thinking these crazy thoughts. I never had a problem when she was with Dylan. I guess it’s just been that her and I were spending so much time together, and getting back to a place we used to be in our younger years.
The car takes me to the only place I find solace these days. The garage. The guys are already there prepping the car for another race this coming weekend. And I need this spot; I need to move up in the ranks, I need the adrenaline rush; it’s like a drug that you can’t give up. Getting arrested certainly won’t stop me.
“She’s looking good fellas,” I announce, sliding my hand across the smooth finish of the car.
“It couldn’t hurt you to get a little grease on your hands,” Liam barks, jokingly.
“This is what you get paid for,” I tell him, slapping him with a towel.
“Seriously, though, how are you doing since Amber passed?” Liam asks.
“I’m getting by. It’s hard, but you know, the world doesn’t stop spinning.”
“I hear ya, Man. I wouldn’t know how to deal if I lost my fiancée. I would die from a broken heart for sure.” Liam wipes his greasy hands on the towel.
“Let’s hope you never have to deal with that. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy,” I tell him. “What else needs done? I could use a distraction.”
Liam is the head mechanic of the garage. He’s young but knows his shit, and he can make a car feel good as new. And he knows exactly how I like the car to feel.
“You can start by handing me a wrench,” he slides under the car, and I sit on the stool next to him and hand him the tools he calls for. “So who is the flavor of the week?” he asks while tightening a bolt.
“I don’t have a flavor of the week. That shit is getting old fast. I don’t know what I was thinking jumping back into my old habits,” I tell him, feeling like a pussy while saying it.
“It just means you are maturing and growing up.”
“Probably so,” I say.
RENEE
I walked away from my conversation with Alexis feeling good. I think eventually Alexis will see the light and be good as new. And I swear I saw sparks flying between her and Cole. He would be perfect for her, and I could tell he liked what he saw. I envy her long honey colored hair and her big brown eyes.
I grab a sub from a local sub shop on the way to the dorm. It’s been forever since I’ve had one. Back at the dorm, I throw my bag on the bed and open up the foil to reveal the sub it’s big enough for two meals. I put one half aside to save for tomorrow. Once the homemade bread hits my lips, I’m in heaven. It seems so silly, but if you saw food the way I used to, this is a huge accomplishment. Once I eat the sub, I spread out my books and study for a test I have tomorrow. I feel like I’ve been studying all week for this one test.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
It’s the morning of the test, and I think I just drank a whole pot of coffee myself. I dress in a pair of leggings and a long top and slide my feet into my comfy flats. I throw my bag over my shoulder and I open to the door to leave but I’m greeted by Layne. “Hey, stranger,” I say, pulling the door shut.
“I came to wish you luck on your test. And I brought you fuel.” He holds a bag up for me to take.
I peek inside and find a chocolate éclair inside. “I swear, I think you are trying to make me fat,” I joke, pulling it out of the bag and eating it on the way to class.
“You could stand some meat on them bones.” He nudges me with his shoulder and flashes his dimples at me. “And you’ll do fine on the test. I know you. You’re an over achiever, even if you don’t think you are.”
“Thanks, for this. It’s to die for. You need to stop spoiling me with such sweet goodies,” I tell him. “You have class this morning?”
“Not for another hour. I’ll just study in the lounge until then,” he says. “I wanted to wish you luck, even though you don’t need it.”
“I can always use a little luck. This is me,” I motion toward my class.
“Alright, let me know how it goes after.” He waves while walking toward the student lounge. I walk into class and sit next to Cole, like I’ve been doing.
“Did you study, little lady?” he asks, smiling showing off his pearly white teeth.
“I did. Did you?”
“All night,” he says proudly.
The professor announces his arrival and passes out the test.
An hour later, I hand the test in and leave to my next class. On the way Cole catches up with me. “Renee, wait up.”
“It was nice seeing you and Alexis at the café yesterday. Is Alexis single?”
I start to walk. “She’s single, but she’s not in a good place right now, Cole. I’d tread very carefully right now. She’s fragile right now and you won’t be taking advantage of her,” I tell him sternly.
“I’m not like that…”
“Is that what you tell all the girls?” I stop and ask him.
“What? No. What kind of guy do you think I am?” He acts like I insulted his character.
“Just be patient, is all I ask. And if you hurt her, I’ll cut you.” I walk away, smirking at the confused look on his face.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I can’t believe it’s the weekend already. I talked to Alexis on the phone last night and told her Cole was asking about her. She seemed to think that was cute. I just rolled my eyes and laughed with her. It’s good to have a friend again; I was starting to believe I would never open myself up to anyone new, and I just connected with her in the support group.
Layne races tomorrow and I’m excited to see him race. It seems like it’s been forever. I know it might be hard for him at first, but he will be fine. This is what he lives to do, and I’ll be there cheering him on, even by myself this time.
I got my test results back from the professor and I passed the test, so my hard work is paying off. I’m already caught up with my class. Glancing at my phone, I decide to call Alexis.
“Hello?’”
“Hey, it’s Renee. So I was wondering if you wanted to go to a drag race tomorrow. I could pick you up if you want. Layne’s racing and I really want to be there to cheer him on,” I tell her.
“Um, okay, I guess. I’ll text you my address,” Alexis says.
“Great, I can’t wait. I see you tomorrow then,” I tell her.
I hang up the phone and slide under my sheets, excited about tomorrow. After hours and hours of studying I’m ready for a release this weekend. Maybe I can even talk Alexis into going club dancing. Baby steps first, though. Now I won’t have to go to the race by myself. It’s always more fun when you have someone to go with you. It will be good for her to get out and experience college stuff.
In the morning, the sun shines bright as it beams on my face, causing me to wish I was here the first day to claim my side first. Swinging my legs over the side, I grip the edge and take a moment before standing to get in the shower. I force my legs toward the shower and let the hot water scold my skin until I can no longer take it. Once out of the shower, I rummage through my clothes, and I come upon a skirt. The thought of wearing a skirt and showing off my legs is not an appealing thought. But this year is all about getting out of my comfort zone. So I quickly pull on the jean skirt before I change my mind, I throw on a loose sweater since the weather is turning cooler, and a pair of my favorite cowboy boots. I do several loads of laundry and study just to pass the time until the race later on.
My phone buzzes. Hope you are still coming to se
e me race. I could use the support.
I text Layne back. I wouldn’t miss it. I’m bringing a friend along.
See you then, he says.
Nervously, I apply light makeup and extend my eyelashes with mascara. I grab my handbag and head out to pick up Alexis. She lives off campus, in an apartment with a few other girls. Once I’m out front of her apartment, I text her and let her know I’m there.
She bounds the steps of the apartment wearing a pair of skinny jeans, a pair of flats, and a simple tee shirt. Her honey colored hair is shiny, and her green eyes are sparkling today.
“Hey,” she says, sliding into the passenger seat. “Nice ride by the way.”
“Thanks. Layne fixed it up for me since I wrecked my Camry,” I tell her.
“And you say you’re just friends?” She looks at me with a quizzed look.
“He’s good with cars,” I tell her as I drive to the race.
“If you say so.” She smirks then looks out the window.
“What is with you? Where is the self-loathing Alexis I know and love?”
“I’m just trying to see the bright side of things, even if just for today. I just want to forget I have issues and enjoy this race you have me going to,” she says, turning to me.
“Well, you look good. And I kinda like this side of you. Don’t keep her away too long,” I smile.
“Seriously though, I appreciate you inviting me. I feel like I never go out and do anything, like a normal college student should be. Plus, I get to meet the infamous Layne,” she says.
We arrive to the spot and it’s just starting to get dark out. I like night races the best.
“Are all these people here to watch the race?” Alexis points, asking nervously.
“Yeah, don’t worry; you’ll be fine. And the race happens so fast, if you blink you’ll miss it. Come on; I’ll introduce you to Layne before he races.” I motion for her to follow me. All you have to do is search for wherever the gaggle of girls are and Layne can be found there. He enjoys the attention. We walk right on through the girls and Layne hugs me tight.
“Glad to see you made it.” He looks at me then to Alexis.
“Layne, this is my friend Alexis. Alexis, this is Layne.” I say, motioning between the two.
“Nice to meet you,” Layne says.
“You too. Good luck with your race or whatever,” Alexis says with hesitation.
“Thanks. You guys coming to the after party?” Layne asks, looking my way.
I look to Alexis and she has a confused look on her face. “Oh, they always have parties after a race. You don’t have to go, of course. It’s just a thing,” I say nonchalantly.
“I’ll catch you later. Good luck,” I tell Layne. Alexis and I move to the sidelines as Layne hops into his race car. “You don’t have to go to the party. I can take you home after the race,” I tell her.
“If that’s okay, I appreciate it. I don’t want to put myself in a situation that I’m not comfortable or familiar with. Maybe another time, though.”
“Of course. I totally understand.” I watch as Layne approaches his car and then that’s when I see Cole approaching the opposite car. It seems to happen in slow motion. He seems cool and collected, walking to the car, and he flashes a wink to Alexis and I. I almost have to blink a few times to make sure I see what I see.
Chapter Ten
WINTER
“Is that who I think it is?” Alexis’s eyes pop.
“So you are seeing the same thing I’m seeing?” I question. Cole slides smoothly into the car through the window and buckles himself into the seat.
“I don’t know about you, but I see Cole in a race car, getting ready to race your loverboy there,” she says sarcastically.
“I had no idea he raced,” I say. “This could get ugly.”
“Dude, I don’t even know what to say, but hot damn.”
“Alexis!” I laugh at her comment.
“Hey, I’m not dead. I might not like to be touched, but a girl can dream,” she smirks while batting her eyelashes.
“I’m seriously questioning your sanity right now,” I tell her.
If you get Cole within a hundred feet of her, she melts. I don’t even want to think about that now. I can’t. I focus on the boys revving their engines. One tries to outdo the other and then Alex sways the flag for them to go. They take off in a flash and Alexis and I jump up and down from the excitement. Layne pulls through and makes it and secures his spot in the ranks. Cole will have to work a little harder if he thinks he will beat Layne in a race. I run up to Layne and instinctively throw my arms around his neck. I kiss him on the cheek and congratulate him on his win. Tonight will be a happy celebration.
He throws his arms around my waist and swings me around, then sits me down causing me to feel dizzy from the spin. I giggle, and Alexis congratulates Layne.
“Thanks.” Layne smiles so hugely that his dimples cause an appearance.
“I’m gonna get this girl home, and then I’ll meet you back at the house,” I tell Layne.
We walk back to the car and we’re both in a happy mood. “Did Cole wink at us earlier or was it just my imagination?” Alexis asks, when we get in the car.
“Why yes he did,” I tell her. “But that was probably more for you than me. I’m just saying.”
“We should have talked to him after the race. I wasn’t even thinking,” she says, shaking her head.
“I’m sure we will run into him again soon. Oh, by the way, I may have threatened him if he hurt you,” I say in a fast tone.
“Um, you what?”
“He was asking about you, like I told you the other night. And believe me when I say he is very interested in you. I threatened bodily harm if he hurt you, and I meant it. No one hurts my friends or the ones I love. Okay, I might have been a little dramatic about it, but at least I got my point across.”
“No one has ever stuck up for me like that. I’m speechless,” she says stunned.
I smile. “You can thank me later.”
“We’ll have to do this again. I had fun, and I appreciate you as a friend. I would even hug you if I weren’t such a phobic about it.” She opens the car door and waves me off. I watch and make sure she makes it inside before pulling away.
I make my way to Layne’s place and just the thought causes the butterflies to flutter in my stomach. I get to his place in no time, and the driveway is jammed packed so I park along the street. Walking inside, it’s your typical college party. I don’t even have to describe the scene, that’s how typical it is. I walk through the living room and into the kitchen and I find Layne throwing back shots with a few of the guys. He is going to be so wasted, and he’ll regret it in the morning. Of course I’ll have to get some greasy food in his stomach tomorrow afternoon.
“The man of the hour,” I shout over the music blaring through the house.
He passes a shot my way, and I down it followed by two more. We don’t even speak as I let the liquid flow down my throat, and it burns sliding down. Dylan comes into the kitchen and tries to be friendly, so I just excuse myself to the restroom. I take my time, reapply some of the makeup that has worn off, and straighten myself up. Once I open the door, I’m confronted by the green eyes of Dylan.
“What do you want?” I ask, as his gaze lingers over me. The curves of his mouth turn up into a mischievous grin.
His arms trap me against the wall of the hallway, one hand on each side of me, pressing his hands against the wall. “I thought maybe we could make a go of it again.” He leans in and nuzzles my neck, causing me to put my hands on his chest to push him away, but he’s not budging. I start to panic.
“Get off of me, Dylan. I’m serious.” My heart kicks up with the adrenaline pumping through my body as I panic.
“I was hoping to get off later.” He smirks, and I smell the alcohol on his breath. He’s drunk. “Come on, Baby.” He snakes his hand around my waist, bringing my body against his.
“Get away from me righ
t fucking now,” I say sternly and as calmly as possible. I don’t want him to know I’m dying inside. Suddenly, all I see if a fist flying into Dylan’s jaw, knocking him down, and I jump away from him.
Layne bends down to face Dylan. “That was your one and only warning. If she says no, walk the fuck away. Now you just gave me an excuse to finally kick your fucking ass out of this house. Be gone by morning or I will throw you out myself.”
“Are you okay?” he says, turning from Dylan.
I nod yes, feeling embarrassed by the scene that just unfolded in front of me. The crowd moved in quick when they heard the commotion. Dylan gets up and walks past us. “Bitch,” he mumbles under his breath, but loud enough for Layne and I to hear him. Layne starts to charge him and I pull back on his arm.
“Don’t; he’s not worth it,” I plead with him.
“Fine, but if he so much as looks at you the wrong way, I will fucking kill him,” he barks, before heading back to the kitchen. I follow behind him and I don’t say anything.
“Hey, Man, calm down. We are celebrating your win tonight,” one of the guys say.
“You’re right.” Layne smiles and passes a shot my way.
“This should probably be my last one,” I tell him.
“Don’t matter now, because you’ve already had a few and you aren’t driving home tonight,” he says sternly.
“Okay then.” I throw the next shot back and it burns my throat.
My head is spinning and I’m feeling tipsy. The party only gets crazier. Imagine my surprise when Layne pulls on my arm to dance with him. Once I get over the initial shock of it, we dance to some fast heart pumping songs. When a slow song comes on, he moves toward the kitchen, I follow and he hands me a beer. I watch as some of the couple’s slow dance and I fondly envy them.
“Are you wanting to dance?” He motions toward the others.
“No, it’s okay.” I take a drink of my beer. “How does winning today’s race feel?” I ask, changing the subject.
“It felt great. Guess the new guy thought he would get one up on me.” Layne smirks.
“Obviously, he didn’t realize who he was racing against.”
Switching Lanes Page 6
