Welcome Home, Bobby Winslow

by Christyne Butler

  She remembered how exhausted he sounded one night when she’d finally got him on the phone. He’d practically fallen asleep while they tried to talk. The fact he’d never mentioned anything about the testing caused a raw spot of pain to form in her chest.

  “You’re returning to racing? The doctors cleared you?”

  “I’ve been cleared to do some test runs. The final decision of my return to the circuit is mine.”

  “So why is your race car here?”

  “I don’t want a media circus, despite my agent insisting this was a big event.” Bobby sighed. “I figured by bringing my car here I could do some runs out at Miller’s Point before I made any firm decisions about the next step.”

  Leeann stood. “That old dirt track outside of town? That’s just a place where locals drag race.”

  “It’s where I started racing, back in high school.” Bobby stood as well. “Zip and I have been out there a few times. It’s still in good condition and well maintained. If I can handle the car, the speeds out there, then a regulation track will be a breeze.”

  “And if you crash again?” Her palms moistened as a wave of fear went over her. She didn’t think she could live through that experience again. Seeing his crash on TV had about done her in. How much worse would witnessing it in person be? She didn’t think she’d survive if something happened to him.

  Silence filled the air until a loud knocking at the front door caused both of them to jump.

  “That’ll be my guys.”

  “Go.” She crossed the room and grabbed her clothes from the chair they’d tossed them on. “I need to get dressed.”

  “Lee, don’t leave. Not like this.”

  “Like what?” She spun to face him. “You’ve obviously got this all figured out. I guess I really screwed up your plans by showing up last night, huh?”

  He advanced on her. “You didn’t screw up anything. Last night was the best night of my life.”

  She looked down at her clothes clutched in her fists. Last night was the start of a new life for her, for them. At least she’d thought so. “Mine, too.”

  “But racing is what I am, it’s what I do.” Bobby spoke softly, but with purpose. “I have to know if I still have it in me to compete, to be a winner.”

  She heard the fervor in his voice and at the same moment she envied his confidence in who he was and what he wanted. “All this time, ever since New York, I’ve been searching for that same direction and purpose in my own life. I already love the camp and it’s nothing but a pile of paperwork and bunch of trees.”

  The knocking came again, more insistent this time, cutting her off. Leeann backed away, moving toward the bathroom. “You have to go. They’re waiting for you.”

  Bobby nodded, grabbing a T-shirt and his sneakers. “I’ll get them settled and then we’ll talk some more.”

  What more could they say to each other? She couldn’t ask him to walk away from something that was such a part of him, but the fear of losing him all over again was too much to bear. And not just to the dangers of his career, but the physical distance between them—her here in Destiny with the camp, him traveling nine months out of the year with his race team. How could a relationship survive that?

  Willing back the tears, Leeann pulled on her clothes and ran her fingers through her hair. She left his bedroom and paused in front of a hall window, staring as he greeted his team.

  The group of them walked to the end of the trailer and seconds later, his race car slowly appeared, being pushed by a couple of his crew.

  She slipped out to the front porch, hidden from view by the stacked rock column, watching as Bobby walked around the front end of the vehicle, one hand lovingly caressing the smooth hood.

  “It’s good to see her again, huh?”

  Bobby smiled at his crew member. “Yeah, real good.”

  That smile, so easy and natural, had Leeann brushing away tears, taking a deep breath and straightening her shoulders.

  She could do this. Walk right by them and make it home before she let go of the plans she’d created inside her head, her heart, over the past week for the two of them.

  Plans she’d thought had come to fruition after Bobby’s whispered words of forever.

  What was that saying? Life happens while you’re busy making other plans?

  Forcing her feet down the steps, she moved at a quick pace past the trailer, the car, the men and Bobby.

  “Lee, wait. I’ll drive you home.”

  She offered a quick wave and even managed a smile in his direction as she glanced over her shoulder. “That’s okay. I need the exercise. Talk to you l-later.”

  Picking up speed, she managed to run the length of his driveway and disappear around the first corner before the tears reappeared.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The tears wouldn’t stop. No matter how often Leeann brushed them from her eyes, pinched the bridge of her nose or sopped them up with the wad of tissues she’d grabbed from Bobby’s bathroom. Nothing worked.

  Despite her self-control during the few minutes she’d stood outside his house, the waterworks had started the moment she’d walked out of Bobby’s bathroom and saw his bed, the laptop…that darn juice glass.

  Unlike the mild tears from the glorious way he’d made love to her that last time, these were hot, gut-wrenching sobs dredged from depths she hadn’t even known existed, making it almost impossible to see.

  She’d never cried like this before. Not after the attack, not over the loss of her parents, not even while in therapy where she had released her anger and anguish in ways that led to her defensive training and daily runs.

  She ran through the center of town, taking the shortest route to her place, grateful it was still so early that few people were out yet.

  The idea of going back to her empty house caused her stomach to tighten even further. She could go to Ursula, but her aunt had never been a morning person.

  Then she noticed Gage walking across the parking lot toward the sheriff’s office. Would Racy be up and moving yet? She hated the idea of waking her friend, but she desperately needed someone to talk to.

  Grabbing her cell phone, she hit the button for the Steele family home and waited.

  Four rings later, and then, “Hello?”

  “Hi, Racy, it’s me. Did I wake you?” She hoped the catch in her breath wasn’t as obvious to Racy as it sounded to her.

  “Hey, Leeann. No, you didn’t wake me. Unfortunately, the little buggers doing somersaults inside me are early risers, just like their father.”

  Racy’s pregnancy glow even carried through the airwaves. Why did that just make the tears flow harder?

  “Are you all right? You don’t sound too good,” Racy continued. “Are you out running? What’s going on?”

  The tears slowed as Leeann turned down her street. She tried to take a deep breath, but that only caused a coughing fit that forced her to walk instead.

  It took a few minutes before she could finally speak. “Like most things in my life, it’s long and complicated. If I bring you a box of doughnut holes, can I come over?”

  “Sure, but forget the food. I’ve been craving blueberries lately and I’ve got fresh muffins about to come out of the oven. I’ll put on a pot of tea, too. How long before you get here?”

  “I’m almost home. Let me shower first. A half hour too soon?”

  “The door will be unlocked, just come on in.”

  Leeann actually made it out to Racy and Gage’s log home on the edge of Echo Lake in twenty minutes. The house wasn’t on the scale of Bobby’s mansion, but with three bedrooms it was warm and inviting.

  Her friend met her at the front door with a prolonged hug and no questions, which of course, started the tears all over again.

  “Give me a minute alone, okay?”

  “You sure?” Racy asked.

  Leeann nodded and headed for the nearby half bath, Racy telling her to take all the time she needed and to join her at the dining-room table when
she was ready.

  It took a few more minutes to turn off the waterworks. Splashing cool water on her face helped. Leeann exited the bath, bringing the box of tissues with her just in case. When she reached the table, she sank into the closest chair. Racy slid a steaming mug of tea under her nose. Leeann gratefully wrapped her hands around the warmth and took a sip.

  “That jerk better have a good reason for making you cry or I’m going to rip out his heart with a spoon.”

  Leeann sputtered around the rim of the mug. “Racy!”

  “This is all Bobby’s fault, right?”

  Shaking her head, Leeann returned the mug to the table. “Actually, it’s my fault.”

  “I don’t believe that.” Racy tossed her red hair over one shoulder. “But go ahead and spill.”

  Through two cups of tea, three muffins and a half box of tissues, Leeann told her friend everything, ending with her running away from Bobby’s place that morning.

  Racy gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “You’re in love with the guy.”

  “That’s it? That’s all you have?” Leeann rose and went to the stove, pouring herself another mug of hot water. “Of course I’m in love with him. I knew that before I went to his house last night.”

  She turned back to find her friend smiling at her.

  “So, what do you need from me?” Racy asked.

  “Tell me how you deal with Gage’s job.” Leeann rejoined her friend. “I worked in law enforcement for three years, but I never thought about it from a loved one’s point of view.”

  “Well, Destiny isn’t a hotbed of criminal activity, but that didn’t stop Gage from getting shot,” Racy said. “By my own brother, no less.”

  “I remember you in the hospital. You were so scared.”

  Racy nodded, her eyes taking on a faraway look. “Mainly because Gage had no idea how much I loved him and wanted him in my life.”

  “But now you two are married with babies on the way. You must worry about him.”

  “Every day, but I trust in his training, his experience and the other members of the sheriff’s department to have his back.” She blinked and focused again on Leeann. “Loving someone means loving all of them, the good and the not so good, especially if that happens to be their job. Being sheriff is who Gage is, it’s as much a part of him as his family or his black-and-white view of the world. If Bobby chooses to continue his career in racing, you need to either support that or…”

  “Or not be with him.” Leeann finished Racy’s sentence, then propped her elbows on the table, resting her chin in her hands. “Okay, so the dangers of his profession aside, I thought…I hoped the camp was something we would do together, but even with his new home and his family here, his racing business is still down in Carolina.”

  “That’s true. But rumor has it Bobby originally planned to bring his business to Destiny, to build the facilities he needed on his land.” Racy picked up another muffin, broke off a piece and popped it in her mouth. “Land he’s since decided to use for something that has awakened a sense of purpose in you.”

  Leeann nodded, fresh tears welling at the corners of her eyes.

  “So you’re telling me he’s deliberately building something he knows is going to keep us apart?”

  “No, what I am saying is maybe he’s creating the camp as a way to keep Destiny, and you, as his home no matter where he is. I think that says a lot about how much he loves you. The question is what are you going to do about it?”

  Damn, for being a secret there were a lot of people here.

  Bobby glanced at the crowd gathered along the chain-link fence that separated the dirt track from the spectator area. Not even nine in the morning yet, and there had to be at least fifty people standing around. Including his mother, who stood farther away in the stands along with Racy, Maggie and Landon.

  The law was here, too. Gage had already explained to Bobby and his crew that if the track’s owner allowed people in, there was nothing he could do about it.

  “So much for keeping your first time back behind the wheel quiet, huh?” Zip joined Bobby where he stood next to his car.

  “I guess a few digital pictures and a home video showing up on the internet won’t be too bad.” Bobby tugged on the flap collar of his racing suit, not used to the tight fit. “Unless, of courses, I give as good a show as the last time.”

  “You sure you’re up for this?”

  He appreciated the concern in his buddy’s voice. “Yeah, it’s time.”

  “So, can I wave the checkered flag?”

  Bobby laughed. “There are no flags on a test run. What are you, twelve?”

  “Aw, come on.” Zip offered his best grin. “I’ll do the green to start you off and black-and-white to finish.”

  “Fine. Whatever.”

  He scanned the crowd, but came up empty. Again. He couldn’t help it. He hadn’t been able to stop looking ever since they arrived an hour ago.

  “I haven’t seen her either,” Zip said. “Did you try calling this morning?”

  “No, I left a couple of voice mails last night. She never called me back.” Bobby yanked on his helmet and adjusted the chinstrap. “Right now I need to concentrate on nothing but dropping the hammer.”

  “Good luck, buddy.” Zip held out his hand.

  “Thanks, Zip.” Bobby returned his handshake, squeezing tight for a moment longer. “Without you, I wouldn’t be here. You know that, don’t you?”

  “Don’t get mushy on me now, big guy. Next thing I know you’ll be trying to hire me for that pint-size, backwoods adventure park of yours.”

  Bobby grinned. “It’s going to need a medical staff.”

  “A physical therapist?”

  “You could go back to med school.”

  A shadow passed over Zip’s eyes, then his trademark grin returned. “Let’s figure out one career at a time, huh? This is your turn to be making decisions.”

  Bobby nodded. Yes, it was, and after a few turns around this track, he’d have his answer. He’d devoted ten years of his life to racing and had enjoyed more successes than most, both on and off the track. Was it enough?

  “You ready, boss?”

  Turning to his crew chief, Bobby listened as he reviewed the slight modifications they’d done for alignment and balance. From the corner of his eye, he saw Zip jog halfway down the long stretch of straight track, two rolled flags in his hands.

  “Give your radio headset a test.”

  Bobby did as instructed, ensuring he and his crew could hear each other just fine. He then got into his car. With his chief’s help, he secured the racing harness. One final handshake, a tradition since they’d started working together, and his chief hung the window net.

  Then it was only Bobby and his machine.

  When he hit the ignition switch, number twenty-seven came alive. He ran his hand over the steering wheel, said a quick prayer then put the car into gear.

  “Okay, boss, take it slow and easy for the first couple of laps.” The voice came through his earpiece. “Let us know when you plan to push it.”

  “Roger that.”

  The first lap was no faster than what he put his T-bird through on the back roads of Destiny. Bobby waited for the inevitable flashbacks from his accident to appear, but they didn’t. Second time around he picked up speed, enjoying the feel of the car beneath him, around him.

  It felt good, familiar.

  “Okay, I think I’m going to open it up,” Bobby said. “Tell Zip to get ready with the green.”

  “Boss, you got—oh, hell, hold on a minute.”

  A crackling noise filled Bobby’s ears. What the heck was going on? Was there a problem with the headset? Or did his crew pick up something wrong with the car? “Bobby?”

  The sweetest voice he’d ever heard came over the air. His heart pounded, threatening to burst from his chest.

  “Bobby…it’s me, Leeann.”

  His grip tightened on the wheel. “Yeah, I know who this is.”

 
; “I…um, I wanted to talk…to you before you started.”

  He heard the hesitation in her voice, but had no idea what it meant. “Talk now. I’m a captive audience.”

  “Oh, this is harder than I thought it would be.”

  She was dumping him. No matter the outcome of today’s run, she was walking away. It’d been fun, catching up with an old love, but sorry, she wasn’t interested anymore. In the camp or him.

  “Just spit it out, Lee,” he growled. “Be your usual direct self.”

  “I love you.”

  His hands jerked. The back end of his car fishtailed as he rounded the curve. Letting off the gas, he slowed, righting his position.

  “Bobby! Are you okay?”

  Yeah, he was just dandy. Jeez, he’d never expected her to say that. “I’m fine. Tell them I’m fine.”

  She relayed his message to whoever stood nearby. He slowed the car as he drove the long straightway opposite of the crowd. Opposite of where Leeann was standing right now.

  “Say it again,” he demanded. “I want to make sure I heard you correctly.”

  “I love you and I want us to be together. Forever.”

  As long as you quit racing.

  He waited for the ultimatum, but it never came.

  “Maybe this should wait,” she continued. “I don’t want to distract you—”

  “You’re not,” he insisted. “Keep talking.”

  “Bobby—”

  “Lee, I’ve been driving a race car for the last ten years. I have it under control.” He cut off her protest. There was no way he was going to let her stop now. “You obviously thought what you had to say was important enough to get on the headset. So keep talking.”

  “No matter what you do, or where we end up, as long as we’re together and you love me as much as I love you, we’ll be happy.” Leeann’s words were soft yet they held an underlying strength and purpose. “The last few years have taught me that I’m in control of the good things in my life and I can handle the bad. The last few weeks showed me that I don’t want to face one more day without the best thing in my life. That’s you.”