"Don’t worry, I found replacements," Vance cuts in as he turns to look at the girls who are still standing at the fence.
I shake my head back and forth. "Those poor girls."
"Wes is up!" Taylor yells from behind us.
Our group moves to watch Wes and Brandon go at it. Vaughn wastes no time in chatting up the new girls, and I watch their interaction. The brunette seems a bit quiet. It’s a complete contrast to her friend and from the girls who were just here. She honestly doesn’t seem half bad. I guess it's people's intuition. Sometimes you can just feel a vibe and you know they're a bad apple--the gut feeling that somethings not right? But I wasn't getting that from these girls. Good energy.
The loud exhaust pulls my attention away from the girls and back to the race at the end, just missing them jumping the line. The orange Subaruis leading and I'm shocked.
"Holy crap!" Taylor says from my left.
"Yo!" I hear Vance, "What!"
Wes pulls in, but Brandon is leading by the nose.
"Damn, B-Rad shoulda put some money down," Vaughn says.
The lights flash on the board, and we're all completely stunned.
"Did not see that coming," Chase puts in.
"It's almost a good thing he didn't put any money down," Taylor says.
"Yeah, really."
Seconds later, Wes' black Evo is coming down the parking lot, followed by the Subaru. They pull in next to Vaughn and Chase's car and as soon as Wes gets out, he's over at Brandon. "Dude!" They do that whole ‘slap hands and chest hug’ thing that men always do, "That was great!"
We all agree, and the chatting among the group is in high gear with excitement. A male's voice yelling breaks up our conversation pulling our attention to him, especially the brunette at Vance’s side.
"Riley!"
The closer the tall athletic kid comes to our group, the easier it is to make out his familiar appearance. He walks straight to the brunette. "Riley! I've been looking for you everywhere," Devin says to her, almost protectively. He glances at the group, his eyes landing on me.
"Veronica!" He moves towards me and pulls me into a small hug.
"Devin, hey!"
"Hey, Taylor!" He greets her then stands next to me. I smile awkwardly because everyone just witnessed the whole exchange.
"Guys, this is Devin. He just transferred to Western," I look at the group, taking a chance to look at Chase. He's watching Devin, almost like he's trying to place him. I look at Devin. "These are my brothers, Vaughn." I point towards Vaughn, then to Vance, "And that's Vance. My two other brothers aren't here." Devin leans in to shake their hands, which they both do without issues. "That's Brandon." I point to the ‘Gamer’ and then to Chase, "and Chase."
"Nice to meet you all!" Devin says politely. "Guess you guys already know my sister and her friend, Ashley--who are minors by the way. " He gestures to the brunette, who seems a little embarrassed, and her friend. Vance shuffles away from Riley.
"Devin," she hisses, her face pinched in anger.
"What? I'm sure you didn't let them in on that information, and Dad wouldn't hesitate to throw any of these guys in jail if they so much as touch you."
Oh, Boy. Devin’s a protective brother, and I can instantly relate with her.
"Relax, Devin." I put my hand on his shoulder. "Nothing was going to happen."
"You two seem pretty chummy." Vance points out, grabbing our attention. His eyes are narrowed.
"Yeah, we're friends," I stress the word friends, knowing that my brothers are about to interrogate him.
"You wouldn't happen to be the same friend who asks out their friends?" Vance inquires.
"No, Vance." I point at him, "Devin, it was great to see you," I tell him. "But maybe you and your sister should go."
Devin nods. "Yeah, okay. C'mon Riley." Riley glances at me and gives me a weak smile before turning to walk away with her brother. Ashley reluctantly trails behind them.
"He's a douche," Vaughn mutters.
I place my hands on my hips. "You're one to talk!"
This night just went south, and I'm ready to go. I'm somewhat stranded since I didn't drive, but I risk asking anyways, "Chase, would you mind driving me home?" I ask.
"What?" Vance asks. "Chase doesn't want to leave."
"Thank you for speaking on behalf of Chase," I respond, sarcastically.
"No, it's okay." He looks at me, then towards Vance. "I have to get up early and check-in with my sergeant anyway"
"Didn't you just do that?" Vance asks.
"Yeah, but I have to every so often."
"Bummer."
"You sure you don't mind?" I ask Chase.
"No. It's fine." He smiles.
"Well then, I'm gonna go find me some fun." Vance's remark makes me roll my eyes.
"So glad I'm leaving," I mutter. "Hey, make sure they're legal." I poke fun and Taylor laughs at my side. Vance gives me the finger.
"Love you too, bro."
"I'll see you later," I tell Tay. She pulls me into a hug, "Have fun," she whisper sings.
Chase and I move to his car and the butterflies already start taking flight at being alone with him again. Keeping my cool in, I'm aware of every movement. I hop inside the Z as Chase sits in the driver’s side. He starts up the car moments after buckling up.
"Ready?" He asks.
"Yep!"
He backs up the car and drives out of the lot slowly past the pedestrians. I take in the scene: the number of cars and their drivers. The diversity of vehicles is amazing--old, older, and newer. Some have massive noticeable modifications, some only minor, and others that are completely stock. I love this, and I cannot wait until I have my car back. I sigh and lean my head back on the rest.
"What's wrong?" Chase asks, keeping his eyes ahead.
"I just miss my car."
He laughs lightly. "Said like a true enthusiast. Hear anything on your parts?"
"Not yet. Hopefully tomorrow."
"I won't lie, I hope it takes a while."
His response has me looking his way. "Why?" I pout.
"Don't give me that face," He smiles. "I like starting my days with you."
Those words make me melt. "Oh," I lamely respond.
"You up for some diner food?" he asks, pulling onto the main highway.
"Hell yeah." I'm excited at the thought of some yummy food. "Wait, don't you have to get up early?"
"I do," he answers then shrugs. "Not worried about it."
"Are you sure?"
"Definitely."
"Okay! What do you have to do, anyway?" I ask.
"Just take some tests to make sure I'm settling into civilian life okay. "
"Oh. That's good then."
"Yeah. Sometimes he'll take us out to lunch afterward."
"That's pretty nice of him."
"It is. They become your extended family."