Page 64 of Scoring Chances

“You sure? Are you hungry? I can go make you something to eat.”

He looks at me with pleading eyes.

“As much as I want to, I can’t read your mind Cole."

He takes a deep breath in. “My birthday is tomorrow.”

My eyes widen and I can’t believe we forgot something so important. I make a mental note to go first thing in the morning and grab whatever we need to make sure he’s celebrated.

“Well, then… is there anything special you’d like to do?”

He stays quiet and doesn’t say anything before he turns around and heads back to this bed.

“Dad was teaching me how to drive so I could get my learner’s permit before…”

I nod. “Well, I’m sure we can do some lessons. I’ll have to ask Joshua–”

“He already said no. He won’t let me use his precious Mustang.”

“Then you can use my car.” I walk in and take the chair from the desk and roll it up to him before sitting down.

“All the Jones’ kids have learned to drive in it. And by some miracle it’s never been in a wreck.”

“You’d let me drive your car?” he quirks a brow. “Even after watching Initial D and knowing all that it can do?”

“Those cars were modified. Mine is pretty dang stock. I’m sure it would take a lot of work to get it drift-ready.”

He thinks about it for a moment.

“I could get it drift-ready for you.”

I look at him, confused. “My car? How?”

“Dad is–was–a mechanic. He taught me how to work on cars.”

“How did I not know this about you?”

He shrugs. “I’m pretty handy. I could probably figure out what’s causing that squeaking coming out of your engine bay, too, if you let me take a look. Sounds like it might be the timing belt.”

“So that’s what you want to do on your birthday? Fix my car? What about cake and balloons?”

He shoots his hand up and shows me his palm. “No, thanks, Cassidy. I’d rather do something I’d normally do with Dad.”

I nod in understanding. “I guess I should cancel the clown and puppet show, then?”

He rolls eyes and shakes his head slowly. But I see the tiniest smile tug at the corner of his lips.

And that’s a win.

Chapter 18

Joshua

Cassidy disappeared right after she proved to me that I once again have underestimated her and her abilities. I seem to keep fucking up that way.

I head outside to look for her in the backyard when I see a woman sitting out by the pool alone. It’s dark out. And I assume it’s her.

“Hey! Party’s downstairs, Princess,” I call out to her.