We get a much needed day off after the Hopewell training camp. Since yesterday’s training took place at Zach’s hometown track, the whole motocross-loving town had wanted to be there to see Zach and Team Loco. Marcus had agreed to let spectators in if they paid a ten dollar entry fee that would be donated to charity. The guys raised a ton of money and it’s so cool seeing them use their fame for something good. Plus the kids who get to participate in the training camp seem to really love the experience. I’m sure it’ll stick with them for a long time and maybe one of those kids will become a famous professional racer one day.
We fly out to Vegas tomorrow morning and I’m so excited because that’s the coolest place we’ve been so far. I can’t wait to see the lights, the desert, the famous tourist places and spots from my favorite movies. Maybe I’ll even see the Grand Canyon on the flight over there. Marcus has already warned me that the Vegas trip will be more intense because it’s also a PR and marketing trip. The guys have interviews, photo shoots, and the training camp to do. But I’m trying not to stress about any of that now. Today I’m hanging out with Bree at Zach’s mom’s house and trying to enjoy the day off.
Bree is pretty cool. She’s more laid back than Keanna, who is always chipper and in a great mood. Bree is kind of quiet, but sincere in a way that makes her feel like a real friend even though we’ve only known each other a little while. She grew up here in Hopewell, working at the local motocross track her whole life, but she’s not one of those annoying “track bunnies.” When I first heard one of the guys say that term, I’d thought it was demeaning and rude, but now I kind of understand it.
There’s this whole world of girls who hang out at the motocross tracks, dressed like runway models with their hair and makeup done even though they’re going to spend the whole day sweating in the hot sun, outdoors in the dirt. It’s kind of weird. They’re clearly just looking to snag a motocross guy, and it’s a little desperate if you ask me. Girls should value themselves for more than just being a pretty face.
Bree and I help Zach’s mom make blueberry muffins for breakfast, and then we eat them alone because the guys couldn’t be bothered to wait for them. They all headed to the track early this morning to get some riding in. Apparently they love the sport so much that they go a little crazy when they can’t ride every day.
“This is the best muffin I’ve ever had,” I say with a mouthful of delicious goodness. It’s my second one of the morning, which is saying a lot because they’re huge. We used Mrs. Pena’s large muffin tin instead of the regular sized one.
“Seriously,” Bree says, taking a sip of her coffee. “I think it’s the sugar crystals on top.”
“It’s everything,” I say, taking another bite.
Mrs. Pena laughs. She’s sitting on the recliner and Bree and I are sharing a warm fleece blanket on the couch while we all watch a Netflix marathon of a show called Strange Tourist. “I’ll give you the recipe.”
My eyes widen. “Thanks!”
Mrs. Pena smiles at me. I feel so bad because she told me her name when I met her, but I can’t remember it. I get a little nervous meeting all these new people, and I guess I didn’t pay enough attention. So I’m just calling her Mrs. Pena for now.
Bree’s phone beeps and she checks it. “Keanna just got in an Uber from the airport. She’ll be here in an hour.”
“I love that girl,” Mrs. Pena says. “She’s always so sweet.”
I give Bree a look. “Don’t tell her anything aboutyou know what.”
Bree smirks. “Why not? You know she’ll love it.”
“That’s exactly why we won’t be talking about it.”
Mrs. Pena watches us. “Okay, now I have to know what that’s about.”
I feel a blush creeping to my cheeks and Bree gives me a questioning look, clealry asking permission to share the story with Zach’s mom. I shrug.
She grins and tells Mrs. Pena, “Little Tom has the hots for Avery.”
Mrs. Pena’s eyebrows shoot up and then she laughs. “Well, I could have guessed that. The boy always goes for unattainable girls.”
“He’s nice,” I say, trying to defend him. He’s a little chubby, but still cute. Plus he really is super nice.
“Oh, no I didn’t mean anything bad about him,” Mrs. Pena says. “He’s a sweet guy. Totally great boyfriend material. It’s just that you don’t even live around here! He’s wasting his time getting a crush on you.”
I nod. “It is kind of weird.”
“He wasall overher yesterday,” Bree says. “He followed her around like a puppy.”
“I think he was just being nice,” I say.
Bree and Mrs. Pena shake their heads in unison. “Oh no, he had the hots for you,” Bree says. “He was crushing hard. Zach was giving him crap for it last night.”
I roll my eyes. “It doesn’t matter. I don’t even live here.”
“You could do a long distance thing?” Bree suggests.
I make a face. “No way. Too complicated.”
She wiggles her eyebrows. “Would it be too complicated for someone else? Like maybe Clay?”
