Qualify: A Driven World Novel (The Driven World)

by TL Mayhew

  “The department heads are waiting in the conference room for you,” she says, batting her eyelashes.

  We had a thing at one time. It was more like a couple of late nights at the bar that eventually led to one of the hottest nights in my bed, but it never went any further. The physical attraction was there, with her petite body and voluptuous breasts, unfortunately we never connected on an emotional level. Her interests are on other, non-racing related things.

  Not that it made much difference, I mean a good lay is a good lay. The chances of finding a woman who is both attractive and interested in the mechanical side of racing are slim to none, which is why I’d allowed her to take a ride on my stick shift. But that was the extent of it.

  Now that Berkleigh has stumbled into my life, the thought of bedding Alicia again doesn’t hold as much interest as it once had.

  I offer her a quick nod and head toward the conference room.

  Once inside, I’m shocked to find almost every seat occupied at the long conference table. There are various department heads, including Bill from parts, Davis from engineering, and Sadler from our sales department, none of which surprise me. The one that does surprise me is…Grandmother.

  She doesn’t usually attend the business meetings and I’d only told her of the part issue a short time ago. I can only assume she’s here because of the potential risk to car owners that might have the faulty part installed but decide not to ask. Instead, I head to the front of the room and begin to explain the reason everyone is here.

  “Thank you all for attending on such short notice. I understand, as a driver, I’m not who you’d expect to see up here explaining what has been found with one of our parts, but because of the seriousness of the issue there was no time to explain to everyone individually, which is why you’re all here and I’m the one delivering the news.” I glance around the table where each person nods in agreement before continuing.

  I go on to explain what Josh had found, even drawing it up on the whiteboard and by the end of my spiel the faces before me have lost all their color. They know what this could mean for Kingston, should anything happen that might cause a loss of life.

  Once the shock has worn off, ideas are spewed from everyone at the table. Many of them suggesting a manufacturer’s recall, to which I agree, unfortunately it’s not my call to make.

  All eyes turn to her. “Grandmother, what are your thoughts? I understand stopping production and issuing a recall would push us back financially, but I just don’t see how we can avoid it.”

  She looks at the drawing I’d done on the whiteboard and then focuses her attention on the engineer. “How quickly can you determine the reason for the fault?”

  He shifts in his seat, not used to having a room’s attention and the owner of the company all on him. “Umm, if I were to guess based on Kye’s explanation and the drawing, I’d say give my team about a week before we can pinpoint the issue and have it corrected.”

  “Very well. I’ll approve the request to issue the recall. Sadler, please have the sales numbers and contact information of who we’ve sold this part to delivered to Kye and my home office,” she orders, rising from her feet. “I’d like a clear understanding around how widespread this is, in the event the media catches wind of this information. Something we’d like to avoid, if possible.”

  There’s a low rumble around the table as Bill, Davis, and Sadler mutter something about next steps while gathering their things to leave.

  Once they’re gone it’s only Grandmother and I left in the room. She perches herself on the edge of the table and pins a hard stare on me. “She isn’t going to be a problem for you, is she?”

  “I’m not sure who you’re referring to,” I reply, before sauntering over to the wall of windows looking out into the lobby where Alicia is seated, unable to face my grandmother with such a blatant lie. I know exactly who she’s talking about and it isn’t Alicia.

  “Kye Kingston,” she warns. “You may be too old for a good spanking but there are other ways of disciplining you for lying. Like cancelling your entry to the Kansas City race.”

  At that, I spin around on my heel. “You can’t do that.”

  Her mischievous smirk is what catches my attention first. I’ve used the same one plenty of times before, it just has a different meaning than the one she’s giving me now though. “I knew that would get your attention. And just for the record, I very well can and would do that. The gentleman who owns that track is a good friend of mine.”

  “Of course, he is,” I huff out before dropping into one of the overstuffed leather chairs at the conference table. “Please... go on.”

  “I understand you’re aware we’ve interviewed and hired on Berkleigh as part of the Kingston Racing team pit crew.”

  “I am,” I reply sharply.

  Grandmother takes a seat across from me. Her posture straight and her hands are neatly folded on the table as she continues, “I knew it was a risky move. I’d seen the tension between the two of you at Dragoo’s. Hell, I could’ve cut it with a knife. But I’d strongly suggest it’s not something you pursue.”

  My mind drifts to the last image I have of her and a grin surfaces on my mouth.

  “For Pete’s sake, Kye! I hope you’ve at least kept it in your pants. This girl has something.” She lets out a frustrated sigh. “I’ll admit our first impression wasn’t the best but I’m quite impressed with her talents, and it’s clear they’re wasted at Dragoo’s.”

  “You’ve got that right,” I mutter under my breath, not realizing my grandmother has the hearing of a bat.

  “Dammit, Kye. This is serious. Your immaturity in this discussion tells me I’ve made the wrong decision. And as much as I’d hate to, I’ll call up Grady and have him tell her there’s no longer a spot available.” She rises from her chair and heads toward the door.

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  Grandmother stops with her hand on the handle of the glass sliding door.

  “There’s no problem. I can handle myself with her.” I say the words, but in the back of my mind wonder if what I’m saying is even possible.

  “We’ll see,” she says with a click of her tongue, before disappearing through the door.

  Feeling as though I’ve just made a deal with the devil, I run a hand through my hair and lean back in the chair.

  Chapter 16

  Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, Josh’s words ring in my mind. I knew I hadn’t been mistaken. It’s him and he’s posing as someone else. How did he find me and what is he doing here?

  Keys rattle at the door to my apartment and for a moment the thought of him somehow gaining access has my heart skipping a beat, but then I hear a thud and a lot of cursing.

  Elliot. He must’ve bumped into something in the dark, not being all that familiar with the furniture arrangement in my apartment. I consider getting up and telling him about what happened today, but something in the back of my mind keeps me from doing so. I don’t want him, or my family, getting further involved.

  My alarm sounds at 6:00 a.m. I’m still groggy when I pull myself from bed. If it weren’t almost my last day at Dragoo’s, I’d be calling Josh and telling him I’d be late, but I know I can’t do that to him.

  Instead, I grab undergarments, my signature overalls, and a plaid button-up shirt then head to the bathroom for a quick shower, peeking in on Elliot as I pass by the opening to the living room.

  With this head on the armrest and his feet dangling over the opposite end, he’s sound asleep, albeit uncomfortably I’m sure. I’d considered buying a sofa sleeper in the past but couldn’t warrant the extra expense when no one slept over.

  Now with getting the new job, my time in California is looking to be more permanent, along with the fact that Elliot is the first to visit, there’s a chance my other brothers and maybe even my dad will come stay a night or two.

  By the time I’m washed, clothed, and gathering my purse from the dresser it’s an hour later. The shop
doesn’t open until 8:30, which gives me only a short time to get to work in California traffic, if I hurry.

  When I look up from digging through my purse for my keys, I’m shocked to find the couch empty. The blankets are neatly folded, and Elliot’s bags are gone. It’s odd because he wouldn’t have left without saying goodbye.

  I try his cell; it goes straight to voicemail.

  There’s a chance he didn’t get far and is only just now getting into his rental. I rush through the kitchen, passing by a paper lying on the counter. Turning back, I pick up the paper and read the neat handwriting.

  Berk,

  Had to step out for an errand. Packed my car already as I’m headed back home tonight. I’ll swing by Josh’s and say goodbye on my way to the airport.

  Love ya, Sis!

  El

  The note is confusing because he could’ve called, sent a text, or even banged on the bathroom door letting me know any of this. Shaking my head, I drop the note back on the counter, and make my way out of my apartment and down to the parking garage.

  Once I’m out on the road, tears sting the back of my eyes. This isn’t the last time I’ll be making this drive, but there aren’t many more. And seeing how Josh is my only true friend here, I want it to stay that way for as long as possible.

  The closer I get to the shop, the more salty liquid builds in my eyes, blurring my vision until I blink and send it tumbling over my cheeks.

  “Pull it together, Berk!” I mutter to myself, swiping the wetness away as I pull into Dragoo’s parking lot.

  I’m lucky to find a spot at all because there’s more cars here than normal. I’m wondering what might be going on. Was there some advertising that brought in a bunch of new customers or is there a sink hole again putting more than a few front ends out of alignment?

  “I guess there’s only one way to find out,” I state, exiting my car and heading through the smaller door into the service area.

  As soon as I step inside, my heart stops at the crowd of people filling the garage just on the other side.

  “Surprise!” they all shout all at once, shoving their drink-filled hands in the air.

  This time I can’t stop the flood of tears. I cover my eyes for a beat then lower my hands enough to see above my fingers.

  A table has been placed off to the left and against the tool cabinets. It’s covered in a paper table covering that reads Good Luck across the front and atop that sits a massive amount of breakfast food surrounding a decent-size sheet cake.

  On the other end is a banner pulled from one car lift to another, it also reads Good Luck in the same colors and matching font as the table covering. But that isn’t the biggest surprise.

  There are close to twenty people gathered in the large space. Some fellow mechanics, and of course Josh, but also Elliot and some others I don’t recognize.

  My brother is the first to step forward. He swings an arm around my shoulder and whispers in my ear, “Surprise, sister. You didn’t think I’d leave without saying goodbye, did you?”

  I lean into him and shake my head, avoiding eye contact as much as possible. Knowing that if I catch his glance more tears will fall. He pulls me forward. “Let’s get you something to drink.”

  Josh chuckles from the side. “It’s unfortunate we couldn’t have done this later in the evening because I’m sure we could all use a stiff drink.” His grin is wide as he places a hand on my shoulder.

  His touch unsettles me, but I force down my reaction and plaster on a fake smile. Maybe one day, I’ll have the nerve to fill him in on the pieces of my past. Today is not that day. Someone went to a lot of trouble setting up this going-away party for me and I’m not planning on ruining it.

  Elliot hands me a plastic Solo cup filled with something red.

  No sooner than I place the cup to my lips does Mr. Hazel Eyes saunter through the door with two burly guys in tow.

  They stop just inside the opening, flanking both sides, while Kye closes the distance between us.

  His steps are confident and taken with purpose, his eyes never leaving mine—except for a quick nod to the far end of the crowd where a group of guys stands—before turning his attention back on me. “I hear congratulations are in order,” he says, stopping in front of me.

  I open my mouth to respond but Elliot chooses this moment to step forward and puff out his chest protectively. “What are you doing here?”

  Without taking his eyes off me, Kye responds to my arrogant brother, “Not that it’s any of your concern, I was invited. I wouldn’t miss introducing my newest pit crew member to a couple of guys from the team.” He waves a hand toward the guys I don’t recognize. “Shall we?”

  I step out in front my brother, instantly feeling his cold stare when I take a step toward the guys. But the chill doesn’t last long. Adding insult to injury, Kye places a hand against my lower back guiding me away from my brother.

  It’s a gesture that would normally set my nerves on high alert and have me flinching away but there’s just something about this man I feel at ease with.

  Curious eyes look between Kye and me as we approach. I stop walking well before he does, my nerves getting the better of me. He doesn’t notice. “Guys, meet Berkleigh. She’s recently been hired on as a new member of the Kingston Racing team.”

  The guys offer an out of sync, unenthusiastic hi.

  I’m impressed by the fact none of them chance a glance below my neck. I may be a mechanic but I’m also a woman, and I realize even the best of men will look. Not these guys. It’s almost as though… they were coached.

  I look at Kye and see the hard stare he has pinned on them, but it quickly softens when he glances at me. Which is exactly what I don’t want, special treatment.

  I’ll be sure to bring it up later, but for now I’m excited to meet who I’ll be working with. Stepping forward I offer my hand to the first man. “Berkleigh Shaw.”

  His grin goes wide as he shakes lightly. “Robert. Robert Mills, pit crew chief.”

  “It’s nice to meet you,” I tell him.

  He pauses mid shake but doesn’t let go of my hand. “Shaw? Shaw… Any relation to Nolan Shaw? Retired pit crew chief for Sullivan Racing?”

  Fuck.

  Just fucking great.

  Not only am I fighting special treatment but also my name. Taking in a breath, I release it quickly and just as I open my mouth, Elliot appears and we end up answering in unison, “He’s my dad.” We look at one another and back to Robert. “Our dad.”

  Robert releases my hand and outstretches his to Elliot. “Good man, your father. Taught a lot of us rookies what to do and how to get the fastest times in the pit.”

  Elliot glances over to me and then back at the man, smiling. “He’s still a good man, just a lot grouchier now.”

  We all chuckle at that.

  Robert waves to the next guy in line. “This is Davis. He’s second-string to me and can tell you everything there is to know about anything.”

  With a strong handshake the younger man’s eyes meet mine. “I understand you’re quite the mechanic.”

  Davis is a small guy not much taller than my five-foot-eight frame, with small hands.

  I get the myth about men and small hands but in our line of work it really is a necessity. Getting into the tight spaces of an engine compartment can be challenging. I don’t know how many times I was asked to help my brothers out with tightening a bolt in a space their big hands couldn’t get to.

  Shrugging, I offer him a small smile. “I guess…”

  “Don’t let her modest demeanor fool you,” Elliot says. “She’s more than efficient under the hood.”

  I elbow him in the side, hard.

  He bends over, coughing between each word. “I guess…that came out… a little… wrong.”

  “You think?” I glance up in time to see the other guys trying to hold in their laughter before shoving my brother to the side. “Don’t listen to him. Obviously, he’s still a little jet lagged.�
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  By now everyone in the near vicinity is laughing. Even Kye. It rumbles on until the sound of a utensil clanking against the side of a plastic cup draws our attention over to Josh.

  “As much as I hate to say, it wouldn’t be a going-away party without a speech and of course, I drew the short end of the stick. So, bear with me while I try and not make a fool out of myself.”

  There’s a low rumble of laughter and then the room goes quiet.

  It’s not until Josh begins searching through his pants for what I assume is a prewritten speech that I realize Kye is standing only a breath away.

  The electricity from his proximity is causing goosebumps to surface on my arms and I take a step to my right. I’m not sure what it is about this man that has me reacting, but it’s obvious the vow I’d made with myself to not get involved with him is hanging on a loose thread.

  For now, I just need to focus my attention on something that doesn’t cause my body to react to him in the way it is now.

  I’m thankful when Josh clears his throat and is about to begin his speech.

  “The day you walked into my office with that chip on your shoulder, I thought for sure you were going to be a thorn in my side.” There’s a rumble of laughter from those standing around. “But once you started talking, I knew you had the experience to back that attitude up.”

  He shifts on his feet and clears his throat again, as though the next thing he’s about to say will be difficult. “Each day you came in, I could see the chip whittling away, piece by piece, until it was almost gone. And now that it is, you’re leaving us for bigger and better things.”

  Tears sting the back of my eyes and I welcome the burn. My mind is no longer on the warm body whose spicy cologne is tickling my senses at this very moment. Instead, it’s on the kind family man trying his best to keep his voice from cracking with emotion in front of all these people.

  “Berkleigh Shaw, I speak for all of us here at Dragoo’s when I say, it has been a pleasure working with you. We wish you luck in your future endeavors.”