Pleasantries

Pete’s eyebrows rose a little. From the get-go, Sam had pretty much handled Aaron herself, seeming to not want any interference, and certainly not liking Aaron being too restricted. What had happened that now she was actually asking him to assist? 

“Um. Okay.” He nodded. He’d thought Aaron had made a lot of progress, especially after the other night with the French toast. He wasn’t going to say no though. He’d always help if asked, and Sam seemed really bothered by this. “I’ve got time now, if you want.” 


Zan snickered at Destiny's compliment about his looks. “You’re gonna give me a big head, you know that?” He nudged her with his elbow before taking a bite of a chicken strip. 

Nodding slowly, his mind was on all that could happen tonight. “Eh… I haven’t had to go to the hospital after a race yet.” He gave her a wink. “No worries about that.” He paused, then sighed. “You’re right though. I’ve got a team now. Never would have thought that would happen but... I guess it came at the right time.” His ankle tightened a little around hers. “Along with some other pleasantries…” 


Hunter chuckled and shook his head. “Uh-uh…” He eyed Ryan a little more seriously. “You were made to race. No doubt.” He lifted his glass of pop. “To tonight. It’s gonna be a lot of fun.”

Dylan just grinned as he ate his pizza. He liked Jason, but he was glad he’d wound up staying with Hunter. And… he’d have to thank his dad for that later. 


The evening progressed, and before long, it was time to meet in the desert. The small group gathered a short distance away from the racing area, up on a little hill where they could check things out before going down…

Zan leaned back against his car and waited for everyone to arrive, standing close to Destiny until they’d have to part. Eli was there too with Scarlet, ready to help get everyone’s heads in the game. Jett came next in his pickup, mostly keeping an eye on the nearby activities until the others arrived…

“Hey, guys.” Hunter got out of his car and waited for Ryan too, then motioned Dylan to join them. “Are we late?”

Eli chuckled as he came over. “No. Just less enthusiastic than the others maybe.”

Hunter smirked. “Dylan, this is Eli, Ryan’s brother, and his girlfriend Scarlet.”

Dylan stepped forward as if never having seen Eli in his life and offered a handshake. “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.” Eli shook his hand and looked him in the eye for just a second. The young man was a lot better actor than he’d anticipated.

“And…” Hunter motioned to Jett. “That’s Jett – he’s a sidekick around here and knows just about everything that goes on. And this is Zan and his… friend. Destiny.”

Dylan shook their hands too, nodding politely. He wasn’t sure why, but this group had an appealing air about them. There was adventure and fun in spite of the serious situation.

“So…” Eli glanced around at the three drivers. “Are we ready to kick some butt? Hard to believe once you start, it’ll only be a couple minutes ‘til it’s over.” He eyed his sister, studying her for a moment to make sure she really was okay.