Page 21 of That Summer
Aurora sighed. Yes, that would be a tough decision. She hardly knew Kaitlyn’s family, but couldn’t wrap her head around how any parent would disown a child based on sexual orientation. “I’ll make you a deal. If I can make it to the track without passing out, you tell your parents.”
Kaitlyn tied her blond hair into a quick knot at the base of her neck. “It’s not that easy.”
She laughed. “You’re telling me? I can’t make it beyond five minutes. Forty-five will be the death of me.”
Kaitlyn narrowed her eyes. “No deal. If you die, I lose. If you survive the trip, I still lose.”
“What are you going to do? Marry her first, then tell your parents?”
She clapped her hands together. “I got it. I’ll wait until we’ve adopted boatloads of children first.”
“You’re hopeless, you know that?” Aurora wiped the building sweat off her forehead. “I love you, but you’re completely hopeless.”
“Yeah.” Kaitlyn nudged her. “Hopelessly in love. Just like you.” She nodded to the main entrance of the apartment. “Let’s get upstairs and cool down.”
Chapter Six
Lucas squatted in front of her DVD player and fiddled with opening a case.
“We’re not going to watch a home movie, are we?” Aurora asked.
The case was black, and devoid of text. Definitely home made, but despite her quip, she doubted it was something from their childhood.
He laughed at her question. “No, not a home movie.”
“Good, because I’m not in the mood for that.”
“You could be. I’m sure Mom has some very interesting movies with Nate as a little boy. He was a reckless one, quite the daredevil.”
Sigh, Nate. Oh how she missed him. This torture she inflicted on herself day after day had better be worth it. She’d better get her man at the end.
Lucas stood up, concern etching across his features. “Don’t go there.”
“I wasn’t going anywhere.”
“I can see it all over your face.”
The couch squeaked as she sank further into it. “Is he still…” She didn’treallywant to know, but sort of did. “Is he still with her?”
He turned his focus back to the DVD player and turned on the TV. “Yes.” His voice a low grumble.
“Oh.” She swallowed hard, and an ache started to build deep in her chest.
“Yeah, I agree. He’s never home anymore.”
She raised an eyebrow and folded her arms across her body. “How would you know? You’re never there yourself.”
“Touché.” He grabbed the remote off the table. “Mom’s mentioned it.”
Her heart stopped. She figured Nate would hang out with his girlfriend, she just didn’t think it would be that often. That meant Nate was with Marissa more than Aurora realized. Jealousy filled her soul. She wasn’t even happy if he was happy, if he was in fact happy. She wanted him, and she didn’t want him with anyone else. All summer, she’d been wrestling her fears to show him that she could handle the racing life, and not die each time something went wrong. It was tough, but in her mind, he was totally worth it.
Aurora connected with Lucas.
“Wait… if he’s with Marissa…” Her thoughts swirled at 100 mph. “Does this mean…” Itcan’t. “Does this mean he’s given up…” Her mouth dried up and her saliva turned to cotton. “The idea of retirement?”
Lucas fidgeted and averted his gaze.
“Oh.” She thrust a hand through her hair and gave it a tousle. “So, what’s the point of doing this? Of trying to impress him if he wants nothing to do with me and he’s going to stay doing what he loves?”