by Sara Noble
“You can write a memoir about Connor and what a stuck up bastard he is!” piped in Casey. Connor reached around and swatted the back of his head. Casey’s fiery red hair stuck straight up thanks to the humidity in the air.
Connor looked absolutely feverish. “Thanks a lot buddy. I bet you don’t even know what a memoir is!”
Maddie giggled while the boys teased and bickered with each other. Her laugh was as sweet as candy; it was exactly the same as when she was a kid. Connor enjoyed her watching him, even though he was embarrassed by his friend’s jokes.
Hank manned the grill and the ladies chatted about this and that while everyone else sat around and drank beer. Maddie seemed to warm up to the crowd and joined in on some of the conversation about Connor’s driving abilities. Connor watched her intently; he liked the way she ran her fingers through her damp hair and fluttered her eyelashes while she spoke. He also noticed her bust, which looked flattering in the light pink top she wore above her cut-off denim shorts. Her athletic legs were tanned and toned, another trait he found irresistible in a woman. He had remembered how she enjoyed playing beach volleyball when they were younger and fantasized about her spiking a ball in a bikini.
“I’m sorry you didn’t win last night,” Maddie said to Connor, interrupting his thoughts of her. She gazed into his eyes while he fell back down to earth.
“Thanks, but it’s okay. Can’t win ‘em all, right?” he answered back, nonchalantly.
“No, but it’s nice to be the best as much as possible. I’m just glad you didn’t wreck. Daytona is notorious for that. It would have been nice though, claiming first place. It would have really put you up there in the points.”
“The little lady knows a lot about the biz,” remarked Jackson. He leaned forward and put his elbows on his knees. His blond hair fell messily into his eyes. “You like cars, don’t you? You like the purr and the vibration of a big block engine?”
Maddie perked up a bit. “Doesn’t every girl?” she asked coyly. All the boys laughed.
“Not all of them,” said Jackson. He exchanged glances with Connor. Suddenly, his face became expressionless.
“What?” Maddie asked, perplexed. She shifted uncomfortably in her chair.
Jackson cleared his throat. “Makaela doesn’t care too much for the cars.”
Connor looked down at the ground. He had forgotten about his fiancée, Makaela, for a moment. The thought of how little he had in common with her had caused his carefree afternoon to flutter away in the soft Florida breeze. He could almost hear her whiny voice penetrate the air.
“Connor,” Makaela had whined. “We absolutely have to let the media cover the wedding. The fans will go wild to see us tie the knot!”
He threw his lucky baseball cap to his bed. “No!” he said indignantly. “I don’t want helicopters flying around and camera flashes going off in my face while I try to remember my vows. It’s a horrible idea.”
Makaela’s pinched face tightened even more. “Think of the money it will bring in for us.”
“I make enough money just racing. I don’t want the wedding on TV, okay?”
The buxom blonde stomped over to her vanity and pouted at the mirror. “This is what I really want. I have friends over seas that can’t make it to the wedding and this is the only way for them to see it.”
“No, it’s not. Don’t be ridiculous.” Connor headed for the door of their bedroom, poised to leave her behind to wallow in one of her many hissy fits. He was sick of her acting like a spoiled rotten child whenever she didn’t get what she wanted. There were times he wished he had never proposed to her. Hell, sometimes he even wished he had never been introduced to her. He let Lucas drag him into a relationship that was based purely on status, the prince of racing and the princess daughter of the three-time champion and retired Pete Jennings. Even though Makaela was drop dead gorgeous, she had the personality of a hyena. Connor thought he could live with it; after all, who doesn’t want to cozy up every night to a beautiful blonde with a slamming body? But after months of enduring the torture of her tantrums and impossible expectations, he’d had about all he could take.
Connor sighed and let his thoughts wander back to the present.
“I thought she practically grew up on the tracks? Isn’t her father a former champion?” Maddie seemed disconcerted by Jackson’s admission. All the joy had drained out of her face, as well. The air was now doubly thick with tension.
Connor shook his head. “Yeah, she’s been around it her whole life, but you’d never think she hated it by watching her put on the show for the cameras. It’s ironic, but she can’t stand being there. She’s not into the technical part of the job. I like to work on my cars and learn everything I can to better my knowledge of the sport. She’d just rather see me win and take home the big paycheck.”
Maddie frowned. “I’m sorry I brought it up.”
Jackson sensed that he had hit a sore spot on Connor. He shut his trap and hung his head.
“So, when do we get to blow shit up?” Casey asked, referring to the big box of fireworks that sat on the back porch. Connor was relieved to change the subject and tried to push away any lingering thoughts of Makaela.
“After we eat,” answered Hank from the grill. The older adults had suddenly taken interest in the kids’ conversation. All of their ears had perked up after the lull in laughter and smiles.
Connor sat silently while Casey droned on about his favorite firecrackers and the time he almost caught himself on fire while lighting one. Every time someone brought up Makaela, it made him do a double take of his life; lately he wasn’t so sure he wanted to get married. He sighed deeply while fixing his gaze on the dusky sky. He couldn’t ignore the sudden rush he got when Maddie appeared in front of him. It surprised him, yet at the same time it brought something exciting out from within. He felt like a child with a brand new toy.
Patty came over when she noticed Connor’s mood change. “What’s wrong?” she asked and put her hand on his shoulder.
Connor shrugged, not really wanting to explain his sudden drop in liveliness, but knew she wouldn’t let up until he answered. “Just wondering what Makaela’s doing.” He continued to stare off into the distance. He didn’t speak about Makaela often with his mom, mostly because he knew they didn’t like each other.
“I don’t understand why she had to leave right away. I told her she was invited to come along to the party.”
“She went to her friend Bridget’s cabin up in Lake Tahoe. They’re having a big Fourth of July party.”
“Why didn’t you just go with her Connor, if it upsets you enough that she’s gone?”
Connor shook his head at his mother. “Cause she wants to party and I can’t do that before the next race. Besides, she’ll still be there when I’m in route to Chicago on Wednesday. It’s too hard for me to try to rush right now when we’re in the middle of the race season. I don’t want to be flying all over the country within a week’s time.” He shrugged. “It’s okay. She needs the time with her friends. As soon as the championship starts, we won’t have much time for vacations.”
Maddie laughed suddenly and stole Connor’s attention away from Patty. He couldn’t help but stare at her lips as she spoke. He wouldn’t have been able to admire Maddie if his fiancée was at his side. He felt a tad guilty for letting himself get fascinated by another girl, but he just couldn’t help it.
Patty smiled. “It looks like you’re having a pretty decent time here.” She turned her gaze to Maddie, who was still chatting it up with Connor’s crewmates.
Connor let a slight smile slip while he watched Maddie with his friends. “Yeah, it’s nice to catch up with them. Although, I don’t appreciate my boys sharing horrifying stories about me. I think they want me to be humiliated.”
Patty laughed and hugged her son. “Just have a good time and try not to think about your problems.”
Connor chuckled and nodded in agreement. It was no secret that Makaela stirred up trouble. H
is mother knew bringing him there would lift his spirits and occupy his mind with fresh, vibrant thoughts of his childhood friend. He grabbed another beer from the ice chest and hung around the serving table, enjoying the savory aroma of barbecue ribs and steak filets.
A few minutes later the food was served and everyone took a seat around the long picnic table that was set up under the patio. Connor approached Maddie as she began to dig into her pasta salad.
“May I?” he asked, pointing to the empty space beside her. She nodded and graciously slid over to make room. He knocked her fork off of her plate when he set down his beer. “Oh crap, I’m sorry,” he muttered while he struggled to pick it up from under the table.
“It’s okay, Connor. I’ll just get another one,” Maddie answered, trying to get up and off of the bench. Instead, they both knocked into each other.
“Oops,” Connor laughed at his own embarrassment. He looked up at Maddie and noticed her cheeks were rosy with chagrin. Her eyes cowered behind their lids as everyone paused from eating their ribs and salad. He could feel the heat turn up as he finally sat straight and ignored the taunting stares from his friends.
Casey tossed a fork from the other side of the table. “Here,” he offered. “Connor is the clumsiest person I have ever met. Last week he knocked over the entire tray of tools I had set up on the hood. He’ll never be able to sit down without making a mess.”
“Thanks,” Maddie said, still reeling from all the attention. Her hazy eyes focused on her plate of food.
Connor shot his buddy a look that could break glass.
The group ate and talked sports for at least half an hour. Connor slowly forgot about his fiancée again as Maddie charmed him with her wit and extensive knowledge of cars. She had really opened up and came out of her shell since they arrived. Her timidness melted away; the more she talked, the more Connor became infatuated with her again. The ladies cleared the table after everyone was finished eating and the men stayed out back for another round of beers. The sun had disappeared behind the large oaks in the west end of the yard and Grace’s holiday lights festively lit up the patio in the darkness.
Connor snuck a few peeks in through the windows at Maddie. She stood behind the counter, packing away the leftover food and shoving dirty plates into the dishwasher. Her lips were turned up into a soft smile, like she was thinking of something pleasing to herself. His eyes swept up and down her body, lingering on the backs of her legs and bottom. He smiled to himself, too.
“What ya’ looking at, buddy?” Jackson asked as he snuck up behind Connor.
Connor turned around to face his curious friend. “Nothing, just checking to see if they need any help.”
Jackson wasn’t buying it. His lips twitched up into a goofy smirk. “Yeah, sure you were. Hey, hook me up with your friend!” He nudged Connor in the side with his elbow.
“Maddie?”
“Yes, Maddie! She’s fine! I wouldn’t mind getting with that,” Jackson admitted, licking his lips.
“I don’t think you’re her type,” Connor replied, worried his friend would try to make a move on her.
“I can show her a good time, give her a ride on my big block.”
Connor’s temper flared like his hot coals had been doused with lighter fluid. “You don’t touch her, Jackson! Got it?” he threatened his friend with a firm tone. He could feel himself becoming territorial even though he had no right.
Jackson put both hands, palms out, in the air. “Sorry, Connor. I didn’t think you would care.”
“Normally I wouldn’t, but she’s an old friend. I don’t want to see her get hurt.”
Jackson raised his eyebrows and chuckled. “I see how it is. You have a little crush, don’t you?”
“You don’t need to worry about me,” Connor replied, looking away from the window. He took another swig from his beer bottle. In an even, level tone he said, “I’m just fine with the way things are.”
Chapter 3: Maddie
“Maddie, hand me that dishtowel, will ya?” asked Grace. The ladies worked quickly to clean up after the barbecue they just had out back.
Maddie’s mind was buzzing. Seeing Connor again definitely threw her for a loop. She threw the dishtowel at her mother then went back to packing up the left over pork ribs and potato salad. She kept her eyes down, not wanting to give away any feelings she might be having about Connor. She wasn’t up for being teased and accused of having a crush. He’s so different now, she thought, but in a good way. It’s like he’s a man now, not the little boy I used to know. It’s too bad he has a fiancée. A tall blond fiancée, with shiny white teeth and a size D bust.
“Girls, you ‘bout ready to go out front to light up these fireworks?” Hank called from the other side of the sliding glass door to the patio.
“Yes!” the three of them chimed.
Maddie glanced up to the window and caught a glimpse of Connor. She met his eyes for a moment and then he disappeared around the side of the house. Great, he noticed me checking him out. Although, he should be used to people watching his every move. Maybe he thinks I’m star struck. It was unnerving that she was letting herself become infatuated with someone so unattainable. Yet, it was something new to entertain her mind after having no one to pleasantly think about for many months.
Connor was standing with his crewmates when Maddie headed outside. She liked the way he had transformed from a lanky teenager to athletic and healthy. She could tell he’d been working out the past five years. The muscles in his calves were pronounced and flexed enticingly under his long jean shorts. She was glad he wasn’t a beanpole like some of the other racecar drivers she saw on TV.
It was a balmy night in eastern Florida and the perspiration was starting to collect again after she left the air-conditioned house. She wiped her forehead with the back of her hand and tucked her wavy hair behind her ears. Tiny drops of sweat slid down the nape of her neck and slowed as they reached her shoulders. She had hoped no one would notice she was sweating like a hog. The boys were fussing over the entertainment, which was okay with her, so she doubted they would notice. She quietly took a seat on the old swinging bench that hung on the front porch. She laughed as her guests took turns trying to burn each other with sparklers.
“You aren’t going to go sit down next to the curb?” Grace asked her. She clicked off the porch lights and left them all in the dark to better see the fireworks.
“Nah,” replied Maddie. “I hate the loud ones. I’m safe up here.”
The group set off a few small ones to start, hooting and hollering while the firecrackers squealed and spat colorful sparks into the dense air. Maddie sat and watched; she was perfectly content with being alone with her thoughts. She tried to talk herself out of crushing on Connor, knowing that it could only lead to disappointment in the end. He’s famous now, not to mention engaged, what would he want with me? Maybe it’s the booze that’s making me feel this way. She did drink a little more that evening than her usual two beers at the pub.
A voice spoke through the noise coming from the streets. It slightly startled Maddie, causing her heart to skip a beat. “Mind some company?” Connor asked, appearing at her side. He smiled down at her and she slid over on the bench. His handsome face glowed under the flickering lights.
Maddie suddenly felt brave. “Are you scared of the fireworks, Connor?” she asked playfully, feeling more flirtatious after the four beers she had downed earlier. She smiled and a swarm of butterflies took flight inside of her.
“No, just bored,” Connor replied. He kicked his legs back and forth to make the swing move gently. He seemed wistful as he kept his dark eyes pointed at the front lawn. Maddie wished he would look at her and smile, just like he would on TV or in one of his photographs. She adored that smile. Even a smile with a mouth full of braces, like when he was in high school, would have been appealing.
Maddie snickered. “Sorry, we’re a boring people.” She looked down at the ground, wondering why Connor wanted to sit next to
her when he could be hanging out with his friends. She wasn’t exactly the life of the party.
“Oh no, it’s not you, Maddie. I didn’t mean it that way-,” Connor started.
“I know; I’m just playing. Calm down.” Maddie laughed again, suddenly feeling nostalgic. “Remember when I used to beat you at Tetris? You used to throw little temper tantrums and stomp around your basement. Your mom would put you in time out and I would get a cookie for being a good sport.”
A tiny smile pulled at Connor’s lips. “Those were the days, weren’t they?” He picked at a splintering piece of wood on the glider, still avoiding her hopeful eyes.
"I think life is more exciting now. Well, it is for you, anyway.” Maddie wished her life were filled with a quarter of the excitement Connor had in his life.
“Why do you say that? Your life isn’t fun?”
Maddie sighed. “I live with my parents, Connor. I’m a full-time college student and a part-time barista. I study and schlep coffee all day. It doesn’t get any more boring than that. You, on the other hand, get to work on cars everyday and race them. I envy the excitement in your life.”
“Hey, my life isn’t all that. I have to deal with a lot crap on top of worrying about my safety. And it’s real easy to disappoint the people I care about.”
“Like how?” Maddie wondered. She was intrigued by Connor’s humbleness. She watched his lips as he talked; had they always looked so appealing? She didn’t remember wanting to kiss them before. But then again she only ever saw Connor as the skinny boy next door, so the way she found him attractive was a new reaction for her fickle heart.
“Well,” Connor began as he slid closer so she could hear him over the popping sounds, “If I don’t win a race or if I wreck then I don’t deliver for my team. Everyone wants the big paycheck. I just want to race.” He leaned back up against the wooden swing. “So I have to please everybody. If I don’t then I won’t have a contract and I don’t get what I want. That’s why I have to be the best, otherwise I’m out of a job.”