Page 60 of That Summer
There she is.
His best friend emerged from her apartment building like a breath of fresh air. As much as she’d been anticipating this day all summer, he sure as hell hadn’t. Yeah, he wanted her to succeed in her goals and he was happy he’d been there for the ride, but it all ended today. After this, she’d be riding with someone else. The one her heart belonged to.
Swallowing down a morsel of sadness and clearing his throat, he asked, “You all set?” He approached the girls.
Aurora’s long, dark hair hung loosely around her delicate face, and if he didn’t know better, he’d wager a guess she was wearing makeup. Her blue eyes were more radiant and sparkly than normal. But underneath it all, he knew better–she was nervous.
Her hands twitched and her confident walk was long gone. There was no reason for her to be nervous though, she’d been doing great all week with the single trip to the U in the morning and back home again.
With a shaking hand, she lifted her purse, a coat for later, and the poster.
Kaitlyn walked up behind them, draping an arm over Aurora’s shoulders. “She’s a nervous wreck.”
“Good.” He smiled. “It gives us something to focus on.”
He popped the trunk and placed her things into it. Walking over to the passenger door, he motioned for her to get in.
“Good luck,” Kaitlyn said, giving Aurora a quick peck on the cheek.
She whispered something inaudible. Whatever it was, it made Aurora smile and seeing it always made his day. It was gorgeous—an ear to ear grin showcasing perfectly straight teeth.
Nate was a lucky dog.
“Sure, you won’t follow us?” Aurora’s voice squeaked as she turned to Kaitlyn.
“As much as I’d love to see how this plays out, I can’t. But call me later.”
“Okay,” she said.
Poor thing shook so hard she needed the stability of the passenger door to hold her up.
Kaitlyn blew a kiss and walked away.
They were back to being just them. He gave her a full once over. Sneakers, navy blue shorts, tan-coloured tank top. Her chest moved rapidly as she breathed. He skimmed up a little higher and stopped at her lips. They trembled ever so slightly, and her nose twitched, but her eyes…
Aurora’s sky-blue eyes darted between him to the passenger seat and back again. Her sweet smell was intoxicating as she stood beside him, shaking out her limbs and cocking her neck.
Not gonna sweat this, need to keep everything calm and relaxed.
He leaned casually against the car. “Whenever you’re ready. We have lots of time.”
She huffed and puffed, took a deep breath and fell in against the seat.
“All good?” Lucas asked.
When she gave him a nod, he closed the door and rushed to his side. He slipped behind the wheel and slid on his Ray-Bans, waiting to start the car until she gave him the signal. Slowly, she poked up her thumb from her fist.
“Alrighty.” The car rumbled to life beneath them and he put it in reverse, easing it out nice and slow. “First stop, Tim Hortons.”
As much as he’d love to talk with her, he knew better. This week—especially with the longer trips—she’d developed a coping mechanism that hadn’t been there as strong before her time off. Now, she either hummed or rapidly tapped out some sick Morse code signals on her lap. Either way, she usually stayed in her zone. Not a great travel companion per se, but at least they were going places. He’d have to remember to tell this to Nate for the ride home.
The first part of the trip passed much quicker than anticipated as there was no traffic and he made all the lights but two. She’d instinctively reached for his hand during the first leg, and he held it with fervor. Once, not too long ago, she’d told him it was a grounding mechanism. He liked that. It made him feel useful. Something else he’d have to mention to Nate.
Dammit, that guy had all the luck. He has the better race car, and the new company–Northern Lights Racing–launched last night. He and Nate were up until the wee hours working on Facebook and Twitter accounts, following the right people, places and groups. Nate had made him full partner in the hopes that by next spring, Lucas would be his star racer. His overall season winning should help. With the upcoming banquet, there’d be a chance to meet and acquire new sponsorships, as next season he’d be racing under his brother’s banner. It made him nervous and excited at the same time.
He turned his head and admired the beautiful girl in his passenger seat. Still tapping out Morse code with her right hand, her face appeared peaceful and relaxed. Deep into the zone and doing very well. If she kept this up, the trip should be a breeze, which was good.
He’d made the drive to the track so many times he was sure he could do it in his sleep, his last trip down he’d marked out stops. Places to rest, get a drink, and emergency stops. Just in case. He had it all planned out.