Good race today
I’m surprised he texted me. I don’t even know what to say. We locked eyes after I climbed out of the car, and he gave me a look of hope. Like he knows that all of this will clear up and we can go back to being…well, whatever the hell we were.
Me
Thanks. You too
Dean
Going to Leslie’s party?
Me
Yea, on my way. You?
Dean
Maybe. Do you want me to?
Do I want him to? I’m still a bit upset about him lying to me, but at the same time, I think I better understand why he did. Maybe I can give him another chance.
Me
Yea I’d like you there
Dean
Great!See ya there
My stomach swoops at his message, how excited he seems that I’m giving him this second chance. Dad walks into the RV, and I lock my phone so he can’t see who I’m texting, though I think he already knows.
“I didn’t think you’d still be here. Thought you’d be partying with Leslie.”
“I’m heading there now. I’ll be back later.”
“Alright, be safe and good race today, kiddo. You gave Dixon a run for his money.”
“Yeah, I did.” I force a smile. I don’t want to talk about Dean with Dad. I’m not ready to tell him about anything that has happened between us. Dad can sense my nerves, not just about Dean closing in on my points lead, but about him in general.
“What’s wrong? You can still get into Cup. We will do all we can to ensure that.”
“I guess we will see how it plays out,” I say, raising a shoulder.
“Are you not confident you can make it in Cup?” he asks. “Or is this about Dixon’s crush on you?”
My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “Wh-What? A crush? I don’t think he has a crush,” I stammer. Dad just looks at me knowingly. Damn it.
“I can see the way he looks at you, Regan.” His tone is soft and reminiscent of something else. Like he’s lost in a memory.
“And what way is that? We are rivals, remember,” I say, going on the defense to hopefully defuse this conversation.
“It’s the same look that I used to give Mom,” he says softly. More memories sweep across his features, like he’s left the present and is reliving the past. “Sometimes feelings change over time.”
“Maybe that was you and Mom, but not me and Dixon,” I say, folding my arms across my chest. “I’m heading to Leslie’s, don’t wait up.”
When I arrive at Leslie’s place in the infield, the party is bumpin’, and everyone is there to celebrate with Leslie. I scan the crown and find Leslie talking with Chase, both holding Solo cups in their hands. Well, at least they are talking still. Surprising, given the way she was upset with Chase telling her he didn’t like her the way she likes him. Maybe they are trying to at least be civil.
Leslie sees me, and I give her a wave. She comes over, a little wobbly, so she’s a few drinks in.
