Kolton and Edric settled into their seats just as the practice race began, the engines revving with anticipation across the track. Neither man knew much about racing or had a particular driver to support, but as the commentator's voice boomed through the speakers, they learned that Speedster 38, Rock, and two others were the favorites to win.
What caught their attention most was that Rock stood out as the only woman competing in the race. This distinction naturally drew the crowd's focus, but it was her skill that kept it. As the race progressed, Rock executed two breathtaking overtakes on difficult curves, maneuvers so daring they had spectators leaping from their seats with thunderous applause.
Kolton couldn't contain his excitement. "Holy crap, she's got serious guts. That was so cool!" he exclaimed, completely enthralled by Rock's performance on the track.
Maverick, sitting nearby, merely offered a knowing smile. He alone understood that Rock was actually Niall, but he kept that information to himself, enjoying Kolton's genuine admiration for a woman he already knew.
When the races concluded, Rock had secured first place in both rounds, cementing her status as a formidable competitor. Kolton's enthusiasm bubbled over as he declared, "Who even is this Rock? I want to meet her!"
The giant screens around the track switched to show Rock climbing out of her race car. As she removed her helmet, cascades of familiar hair spilled out, and Kolton's jaw dropped in disbelief when Niall's face appeared.
"She's Rock? No way!" The shock in his voice was palpable.
His surprise quickly morphed into something more despondent. "I was literally going to ask her out. And now you're telling me she's actually Cullen's girlfriend?" His shoulders slumped in defeat, the realization crushing his nascent hopes.
Despite his disappointment, Kolton couldn't help but mutter with a mixture of envy and admiration, "So, this is the kind of life Cullen's enjoying, huh?"
At that moment, Niall spotted the group in the stands. Her eyes widened slightly at seeing Edric among them. She made her way over, a bright smile lighting up her face as she approached.
"Mr. Harris, Mr. Patterson, Mr. Wins—I didn't know you guys were into racing," she greeted them, still flushed with the excitement of her wins.
Maverick responded smoothly, "We weren't, really. You mentioned it before, and since we happened to be free, we figured we'd come to see what it was all about." He paused before adding, "You were incredible out there. First place in both rounds, eh? Congrats."
Niall's smile widened as she thanked him warmly.
Edric, more reserved than the others, simply offered, "Congrats."
"Thanks," she replied, turning her attention to him. "It's been a while, hasn't it? When I saw you from afar earlier, I thought I was seeing things."
"Work's been hectic; I don't have much time to rest," Edric explained, his tone matter-of-fact.
Hearing this, Niall's curiosity piqued. "I heard you're a pilot, Mr. Patterson. Compared to flying jets, doesn't racing seem kind of tame?"
"Racing has its own kind of thrill. There's no need to compare, and you were really impressive out there, Ms. Crystal," Edric replied, his compliment genuine despite his typically reserved demeanor.
Niall smiled appreciatively at his words.
Maverick then asked the question that had been on his mind, "By the way, where's Mr. Dennis? Didn't he come to watch you race?"
"He had something to take care of, so he couldn't make it today. But he'll definitely be there for the real thing," Niall explained. She then added warmly, "If you guys are free, then, I'd love to see you there."
Maverick nodded, his expression sincere. "I'll definitely come if I'm free." And he meant it—the prospect of watching her race professionally intrigued him. However, the knowledge that Cullen would also be present complicated matters for him in ways he didn't fully express.
Saturday morning arrived crisp and bright as Veronica woke earlier than usual. She immediately powered on her laptop, intent on checking some model data. She had barely begun her work when her phone lit up with an incoming call from Lester.
Days earlier, he had presented an idea at work that she found particularly promising. Impressed by his thinking, she had allocated resources to develop it further and was personally monitoring the progress. Their professional collaboration had naturally led to exchanging contact information.
Seeing his name on her screen, she assumed it was a work-related call and answered promptly.
To her surprise, Lester wasn't calling about business. Instead, he simply wanted recommendations for interesting activities in Porter.
"What I like might not be your thing. Don't you have friends here? Wouldn't it be easier to ask them?" Veronica replied, her attention still partially focused on her laptop screen.
"They all recommended stuff I'm not interested in," Lester explained. After a brief pause, he added, "I hear typing. Are you working?"
"Yeah," she answered simply, fingers still dancing across the keyboard.
"Seriously, are you planning to spend the whole weekend at home?" His tone conveyed mild disbelief.
Without looking away from her screen, Veronica replied, "I'm going to see a play with my granny tonight." Her voice carried a finality that suggested the conversation was drawing to a close, her mind already returning to the data scrolling before her.