Page 36 of First in Line

“Winnie has more under the hood than meets the eye,” I defend.

“She sure does. But I think we can all agree you’re the reason she performed the way she did.”

“I guess.”

“We’re all good here,” one of the men who was inspecting the engine says.

“Do you have a legal guardian present?” the suited guy asks.

“Yeah, my aunt. She’s in the bleachers.”

“Let’s go get her. We have to talk.”

“Can I—can I make a call first?” I hesitantly wonder.

The men look at each other, apparently surprised by my simple request. “Sure, kid. We’ll wait for you over there, okay?”

I nod, and once they’re away, I take my phone out of my race suit’s pocket. I quickly find Evie’s number and call her. She picks up before the first ring is even over.

“Hi!” she greets with enthusiasm.

“Hey, princess. I won!”

“I know! I’m at your parents’ place! We watched everything.”

“I can’t believe I did it.”

“I can. I always knew you could do it, Jax!”

“Thank you for believing in me.”

Still too hot, I tug at the zipper of my race suit. Once it’s low enough, I’m reminded of the necklace and the locket hanging on it.

“It worked,” I say, swallowing away the emotion gathered in the back of my throat.

“What did?”

“Your lucky locket. It worked, Evie.”

I can guess her huge smile when she replies, “I told you it would.”

My mom wants to talk to me, so Evie passes her the phone. Then it’s my dad’s turn to congratulate me, and I’m back with my girlfriend. “When are you coming back?” she asks.

“I’m not sure how long this whole thing will take. But if I can, I’ll come back today. If not, I’ll stay another night at my aunt’s and come back tomorrow.”

“Okay, have a safe drive, Jax. I love you.”

My heart skips a beat. It’s the first time she’s said it. I know she loves me because she’s shown it in so many ways. Every time she looks up at me with those eyes, every time she gives me the little money she’s made to help with my dream, every time she lets me touch her and trusts me with her body…

I knew she loved me, but hearing her say it…

All I can think of replying is, “I love you too, Evie.”

The suited guy taps on his watch, staring at me with authority, and I realize I can’t jeopardize it all now. “I need to go, princess. I’ll let you know when I’m coming home.”

“Try making it today if you can. I’d love to celebrate your birthday with you.”

“Now that’s all the motivation I needed. See you soon, Evie.”