Prologue
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He remembered the exact moment he fell in love with her. It was the very first moment he ever laid eyes on her. In that instant he knew his heart was forever hers, and that he had found his soul mate. He’d known it deep down, but he had tried to convince himself otherwise. She had only been sixteen at the time, himself twenty. He hadn’t even truly experienced love at that time, so how he knew she was his soul mate, to this day he still wasn’t sure. But he had known…and he still did.
She was his best friend’s little sister. In his eyes, the forbidden fruit he could never touch or taste. At least when they were younger. Now he was twenty eight and she was twenty four, and he’d decided he’d waited long enough. Sure, he’d tried to forget about her, but it was impossible. Every relationship he’d had in those eight years had failed miserably, and it was all because of her.
All because his heart already belonged to another; someone who looked at him as more of a big brother than anything else.
He kept trying to talk himself away from her, but it just wasn’t working anymore. Especially now that she was around more often. It was now or never. He was finally going to make his feelings known, and with any luck, win her heart in return. It wasn’t going to be easy.
But, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was always up for a challenge!
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Chapter One
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“KEVIN, I’M GOING TO KILL YOU!”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. grinned as he watched his friend’s face pale when they both heard the yelling. Kevin Harvick turned to his best friend with wide eyes.
“You haven’t seen me!” he exclaimed before he took off out of the garage, headed the back way to the safety of his trailer, and to hide behind his wife, DeLana
Dale looked towards the entrance of the garage, his grin softening when Kevin’s little sister Kiara appeared in the opening, looking furious. Her hands were on her hips as she her eyes quickly scanned the garage area, her scowl deepening when she didn’t see her brother. When her eyes connected with Dale’s, she stalked forward, until she was standing directly in front of him.
“Where is he?” she demanded, knowing full well Dale knew where her brother was.
“Can I ask what he did this time?” he smirked.
“Oh nothing much…he just super glued my laptop shut!” She hissed, her eyes narrowing with anger.
Dale started laughing, but turned it into a cough when he received a glare. “Uh, weren’t you planning on getting a new one?” he asked feebly.
“That’s not the point!” she yelled. “I haven’t even ordered it, and even if I ordered it today it wouldn’t be here until next week! How in the hell am I supposed to get my work done until then?”
“You’re more than welcome to use mine.” He offered, knowing how she loved his own laptop, and made excuses to use it whenever she was visiting.
Her anger calmed down a little, and she flashed him a smile that nearly brought him to his knees. When she leaned forward and placed a kiss on his cheek, he though his heart would stop. “You’re too sweet!” she smiled happily, and then frowned a little. “But Kevin is still dead.” She promised before turning and walking out the garage area.
Dale watched her go, his cheek still tingling from where her lips had brushed his skin. “I don’t know why you don’t just tell her how you feel.” Dale jumped and turned, seeing his uncle and crew chief, Tony Eury Sr. standing there giving him a knowing look.
Dale flushed with embarrassment. “I will…eventually.”
Tony crossed his arms over his chest. “When? Before or after she’s married to someone else?” he asked.
Dale frowned at the thought. “I’m working up my courage.” He mumbled.
“Well, you better hurry, son. A woman like that isn’t going to stay single for long. Hell, if I were single and a few years younger…” he trailed off laughing at the look on his nephew’s face before Dale turned and stormed out of the garage area as well.
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Chapter Two
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Kiara Harvick stalked away form the garage, images of strangling her bother with her own two hands still burning in her mind. She glanced down at her cell phone rang, smirking when she saw the number.
“Did you kill him yet?” her best friend’s voice came through before she even had a chance to say hello.
“No, not yet.” She replied with a grin.
“Let me guess, you can’t find him, right?” Sydney Hudson asked with a laugh.
“The chicken went into hiding.” Kiara grumbled. Suddenly her bright smile was back on her face. “Hey, I forgot to tell you, I got the tickets you wanted.”
“Huh? What tickets?” Sydney questioned in confusion, wracking her brain trying to remember the tickets her friend was talking about. She was coming up blank.
“Oh yeah, that’s right I didn’t tell you I was getting them. Junior owed me a huge favor, so I cashed in on it. He got us two front seats tickets, with back stage passes, to see Fuel next weekend.”
She bit her lip trying to not laugh when she got nothing but silence on the other end. “Uh, Syd you there?” she teased.
“Hang on, I’m trying to breathe!” Sydney gasped. “OH MY GOD, you’re kidding right. No, wait, if you tell me you’re kidding, I’m going to kill you!”
Kiara laughed whole-heartedly. “Would I joke with you about something this serious? You finally get to see Brett again!”
Sydney was silent once again, memories overwhelming her all at once. She and Brett had been high school sweet hearts, and he had completely stolen her heart, no matter how young they had been. She had been in ninth grade when he was a senior, but it had been love at first sight for both of them. Their time together had been heaven, regardless of the age difference.
It wasn’t until his second year of college that things started going wrong. He was starting to focus more on his music, which she supported one hundred percent, and if it weren’t for their parents, who were against the relationship from the very start, they may have made it.
But they hadn’t. They’d broken up for reasons that were still unclear to this day for both of them, and he’d started his career and never looked back…at least not that she was aware of.
Now, years later, this would be her first time seeing him since he made it big. It wasn’t that she wanted him back, or wanted to see if those old sparks were still there…hell she didn’t need to see him in person to know that answer. Basically, she needed closure, which was something she had never gotten from him before. All those years and she was still hung up on her first love, but she was about to get over him once and for all…at least that’s what she kept telling herself.
“Syd?” Kiara said again with more urgency.
“Oh, sorry, I’m here. Got side tracked for a second there.” She laughed, hoping it didn’t sound as fake to her friend’s ears as it did to her own.
“Uh huh, sure. So, is next weekend okay?” she asked.
“I guess…I don’t really have a choice do I?” Sydney sighed deeply. The opportunity she’d been looking for was finally presenting itself…she just hoped she was strong enough to go through with it.
“Hey, don’t worry. You’re just going to say to hi to an old friend, and get the ending you always needed. No big deal. Besides, I’ll be there to kick you in your ass if you need it.” Kiara teased, smiling when she got a laugh.
“You’re absolutely right. I’m not going to let this affect me, just like I’m sure it won’t affect him.” She said, her voice a little tight. She had no doubt in her mind that he had no problem moving on. After all, he was the one who had ended things. The phone calls had just dwindled down to nothing, and even the letters had stopped.
Now she wasn’t even sure she wanted to know why. Now she just wanted the chance to show him the woman she had grown into, and that she was past him…even if it wasn’t completely true.
“Oh, thank Junior for getting the tickets.” She said.
“You can thank him yourself. He, Kevin and Delana are going with us.” Kiara informed her.
“They are?”
Kiara sighed heavily. “Yeah. I have no problem with Dale and De going…but I would much rather Kevin stay home. He doesn’t even like anything but country. Ugh, I swear one of us must be adopted!” she muttered.
She looked up when someone called her name, smiled and waved at Michael Waltrip, who she was PR for, before she turned back to the phone.
“Syd, I gotta run. Mikey is calling me, and we’ve got some press conference we need to be at in like…oh shit!” she exclaimed as she glanced at her watch. “We’ve got a half hour! I’ll call you tomorrow!”
“Bye, tell everyone good luck for me!” Sydney said.
“I will. Love ya, bye!” she quickly ended the call then rushed to catch up with her boss, knowing if they were late, not only would they hear it from NASCAR, but also from the Earnhardt’s…who they both worked for. And although she’d known Dale a majority of her life, and adored him nearly as much as her own brother, the last thing she wanted was an Earnhardt ass chewing.
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Chapter Three
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Kiara walked into the motor coach and smiled at her sister in law as she walked over to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water.
“Are you still after your brother?” Delana asked, not looking up from the magazine she was reading.
Kiara swallowed her water before shrugging. “Not at the moment.” She replied with a grin. “But I make no promises for later.”
Delana laughed as she stood up and set the magazine aside. “Just please don’t kill him, I don’t want to be a widow just yet.”
“Where is my darling brother?” she asked, already knowing he wasn’t in the coach. He wasn’t on her last nerve, which could only mean one thing…he wasn’t around.
“He saw you coming across the lot, and he took off to Junior’s trailer.” Delana giggled. Kiara shook her head.
“Wow, I can see why you married him, he’s so damn manly.” She deadpanned. “Oh hey, I told Syd about the Fuel concert.”
Delana nodded, knowing the whole story, since she was very close with both her sister in law and her best friend. “I definitely think it will be an interesting night to say the least.”
Kiara grinned. “I should say! I can’t wait too see Brett’s face when he sees her!”
Delana stopped in picking up Kevin’s recently vacated mess to look at Kiara. “Has she really changed that much?” she asked. She’d only known Sydney for a few years, but she’d heard Kevin talking on more than one occasion about how much she had blossomed over the years.
Kiara nodded. “Yup, I’d be surprised if Brett even recognized her! I mean, she was always pretty, but, how do I say this, she was plainly attractive I guess is the way to put it.”
“I find that so hard to believe.” Delana said in awe, picturing the beautiful woman they were talking about in her head. “There’s nothing about her plain now!”
Kiara grinned. “I know! And can you believe she doesn’t even see it? She still sees herself as ‘plain Jane’ when she’s anything but. I keep trying to show her, but no matter what, she doesn’t look at herself like that. And I think that makes her even more attractive!”
“Sounds like someone else I know.” Delana said pointedly, raising an eyebrow at the woman who was like a little sister to her, even though they were only a year apart in age.
Kiara just gave her a look and shook her head. “I’m not listening!” she said as she walked towards the back of the motor home.
Delana threw up her hands. “How you two don’t see how gorgeous you two are is beyond me! Hell, I’d give my right arm to look like you two do!”
“HA!” Kiara came back out, pulling a clean shirt over her head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. You’re stunning and you know it. All you have to do is ask any guy here.”
“Yeah right, they are all too scared of Kevin to say anything.” Delana laughed. Kiara shook her head.
“No they are too scared that Kevin will get Junior on them.” Delana thought for a moment and then nodded.
“Yeah I guess you’re right. Hey! Holy shit, I just thought of the perfect idea!” Delana’s eyes suddenly lit up.
“What?”
“Well, Sydney isn’t seeing anyone, and after this concert she is going to be over Brett once and for all, right?”
“That’s the plan, why?” Kiara asked.
“I’m just thinking that maybe we should try and hook her and Junior up. I mean, come on, they would make such a beautiful couple!” She held her breath as she studied Kiara closely for her reaction. She was more than aware of Dale’s feelings for her husband’s little sister, even though Kevin and Kiara were completely oblivious to it. She was taking it upon herself to find out if those feelings were mutual. And if the way Kiara’s face dropped for a split second was any indication, she just may have something to work with.
Kiara paused for a moment, frowning slightly when a strange sensation went through her. Almost like…jealousy? She mentally shook herself, thinking that maybe she was going crazy. Dale was like her second brother, and Delana was right. He and Sydney would make a great couple.
She might have to work on that, depending on how things went at the concert. Now, if only she could figure out why she suddenly hoped that Brett and Sydney found their way back to each other.
Again she mentally kicked herself. She forced a bright smile for Delana. “You know what, I think that’s a wonderful idea! Hey, and I bet Kevin would help us with it as well!”
Delana fought to hide her disappointment. That wasn’t the reaction she was hoping for. “I bet he would!”
“I’ll talk to him…after I finish kicking his ass for his stunt with my lap top. I’ll be over at Junior’s trailer if you need me…beating the shit out of your husband.” She said cheerfully as she opened the door and stepped outside.
“Don’t hurt him too bad!” Delana called after her.
“I won’t…but don’t look forward to any hanky panky tonight, I can guarantee he’ll be way too sore for that.” Kiara laughed. With a groan, Delana followed her out of the trailer, deciding it would be best if she were there, incase her husband needing saving.
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Chapter Four
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Sydney hurried around her apartment, looking for her favorite shirt that she wanted to wear to the concert. She had over a week to get ready, but she was feeling antsy and frazzled, and she was afraid if she didn’t get everything ready then, she would forget something.
She sighed when her doorbell rang, wanting to be left alone so she could concentrate on packing. Knowing whoever was there wouldn’t leave since her car was in the driveway, a clear signal that she was indeed home, she walked over to the door and pulled it open.
“Hey Mom.” She greeted, seeing her mother on the other side of the threshold. “What’s up?”
“Nothing, honey, I just thought I’d stop by and bring you some stuff I bought earlier.” Mrs. Hudson said as she came through the door, toting a bunch of bags.
“Geez, did you buy the entire store?” Sydney exclaimed, rolling her eyes. “Mom, you’ve got to stop doing this! I don’t have any more room as it is!” she looked around her full, but tidy apartment.
Her mother wrinkled her nose as she looked around. “Well, you’d have a lot more room if you’d move into the place your father and I found for you.” She said, her nose up in the air a little ways. Sydney gave her a knowing look.
“I told you I can’t afford that.” She sighed wearily, having had this conversation many, many times before. She almost knew the entire thing by heart.
“And I’ve told you that you wouldn’t have to worry about expenses. Your father and I would pay for everything. Please honey, you’re better than this.” She waved a hand around.
Sydney crossed her arms over her chest. “I happen to like this place very much, thank you, and I’m not leaving. And you and Dad may be better than this, but I think my apartment suits me just fine!” she snapped, beginning to get irritated.
Mrs. Hudson sighed as she laid a hand on her only child’s arm. “You know your father and I are only looking out for your best interest. We just want to see you live up to your potential.”
“I am, Mother!” she exclaimed, shrugging her mother’s hand off as she turned and stalked towards the kitchen. “I’m independent, and I don’t take any money from you or Dad, and that’s the way I want it. I enjoy being able to provide for myself. No, I may not have the maid, butler and cook like you do, but I don’t mind. I like how I live, and that’s final.”
Seeing she wasn’t going to get anywhere with this same argument her mother changed the subject. “Are you going somewhere?” she asked taking in the open suitcase sitting on the couch, half packed.
“Obviously,” Sydney mumbled under her breath. “Yes, Mom, I’m going to visit Kiara.”
“Oh really, and how is she doing?” Her mother asked, not really caring one way or the other. She had never really cared for Kiara, her family being beneath them, but she had learned a long time ago that nothing she could do or say was going to make her daughter get rid of her best friend.
“She’s doing great, Mom, I’ll let her know you asked.” Sydney said sarcastically, easily reading what was going through her mother’s head.
“Is she still hanging out with those ‘racers’?” she asked, saying the last work as if it were a bad word.
Sydney couldn’t help but laugh. “Well I guess she is since she works for one of them, and another happens to be her brother!”
“Well, I was just asking, there really is no reason to get snippy about it.” Mrs. Hudson said with disdain.
“Sorry,” Sydney apologized, realizing she was being a little unfair, when her mother had just stopped by to be nice. It just didn’t take much to piss her off where her parents were concerned. “I’m just a bit cranky from trying to pack and everything, you know how it is.”
Although her mother didn’t know how it was. Yes her parents went on trips just about every month, but she honestly didn’t think her mother had packed a bag a day in her life…and never would do such a ‘lowly’ thing.
“So, what are you planning on doing when you visit Kiara?” her mother asked with fake interest.
“Oh probably hang out with all the guys, go to the races…oh and we’re going to a concert. Junior got us tickets.”
“Junior?”
Sydney gritted her teeth; her mother knew damn well who ‘Junior’ was. “You know, Dale Earnhardt Jr.”
“Oh yes, him. Is he still seeing your friend?” she asked.
“Huh? He and Kiara aren’t together. They never have been.” Sydney said in confusion.
“Oh, well, I was just wondering. She sure does hang out with a lot of men who she’s not dating doesn’t she?”
Sydney turned to face her mother completely, her eyes narrowed dangerously. “I don’t know what you’re implying, but I don’t like it. Yes, Kiara has a lot of male friends, but that’s all they are, friends. And you know what, I’m friends with them as well, so if you’re going to say anything negative about Kiara, you better say it about me as well.”
Her mother held up her hands in defeat. “I wasn’t trying to imply anything, sweetheart, I was just making a statement.”
“Sure you were.” She mumbled. “Look, thanks for stopping by, but I’ve got stuff I have to do. I’ll call you later in the week before I leave, okay?”
Mrs. Hudson moved towards the door after giving her daughter a brief, unemotional hug. “You do that,” she said as she opened it and stepped outside. “Oh, by the way, what concert are you going too?” she asked turning back around.
Sydney couldn’t help the smirk that curved her lips, knowing full well her mother wasn’t going to like this one. “Fuel.” She answered simply before closing the door effectively cutting off any comment or protest she was certain her mother was going to make.
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Chapter Five
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Kiara sighed to herself as she sat on the workbench, watching Dale as he fiddled with something underneath the hood of his #8 Budweiser Chevrolet. Sydney was due to arrive the next day and Delana had been on her non-stop about getting Syd and Dale hooked up on a date. She chewed on her bottom lip, still trying to figure out why she was having such a hard time bringing it up.
“Something bothering you?” Dale asked, watching her out of the corner of his eye. She had been unusually quiet since she had stopped by the garage area before practice, which wasn’t uncommon. If she had free time, she always came by to wish him luck. Something that he found himself forward too more and more.
Kiara quickly glanced up and met his blue eyes and shook her head, smiling slightly. “Nope, not at all. There is something I wanted to talk to you about though.” She forced herself to say, making herself sound cheerful about it.
Dale straightened up and took the rag out of his back pocked, wiping his hands as he looked at her, raising an eyebrow, signaling her to continue. She looked down at her own hands as she started to swing her legs back and forth, clearing her throat.
“Um, I was thinking…”
“Uh oh, that’s dangerous.” He teased. She raised her eyes back up and glared at him.
“Shut up! Do you want to hear my idea or not?” she asked, grinning slightly.
“Sorry, go ahead.”
“Well, you’re not seeing anybody right now,” she started, unaware of the sudden stillness or the shock that went through his body, along with the sudden surge of hope at her words. He tried like hell to play it cool though.
“Gee, thanks so much for pointing out the patheticness that is my love life.” He grumbled, but she knew he was joking.
She giggled, the sound making his heart take flight. “Well, I think I have the perfect solution for you and your non-existent love life.”
Unable to help himself, he stepped closer towards her, his eyes intense. “Oh really?” he asked, his voice husky. Kiara had to swallow and blink a couple times, having never heard that tone before, it sending shivers curling around her spine.
“Uh…”she stuttered her throat going dry, suddenly forgetting everything but the look in his eyes. Was it her imagination or was he coming even closer...or was it her that was leaning toward him? She could practically feel the heat radiating off his body.
They both jumped when someone dropped a tool at the other end of the garage, the noise echoing through out the entire place, effectively breaking the spell that had fallen over the two of them.
Shaking her head, Kiara gave a nervous little laugh as she averted her eyes, getting back to the topic at hand. “I think that you and Sydney should go out together.” She blurted out. She missed the disappointment in Dale’s eyes, and the way he hastily retreated a couple steps from her, his shoulders slumping slightly.
“Sydney?” he asked softly, hoping he heard her wrong. It wasn’t that he didn’t like Sydney, he did. She was a wonderful woman, not to mention breathtakingly beautiful, fun to be around and also a really good friend of his. Hell, in all honesty he’d thought about asking her out a few times, but never did it because of his feelings for Kiara. He felt that if he went out with her best friend, he’d be betraying her in some way.
Kiara turned back to him, nodding with an excited smile, forcing herself to be happy and enthusiastic for them. “Yeah! De and I both think it’s an awesome idea! I mean, you two are a lot alike. Fun loving, carefree, two of my best friends, I think you’d be perfect together!”
Dale turned back to his car, unable to look into her eyes without revealing his true feelings. “I’ll think about it.” He said. Kiara jumped up off the bench and caught him off guard when she threw her arms around his neck in a tight but too brief hug. He allowed himself to marvel in the sensation of having her in his embrace for just a moment, his arms closing around her, holding her close for just a few seconds too long. He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply, taking in the scent that was uniquely hers and never ceased to drive him crazy.
“You’re the best.” She declared, pulling away smiling up at him. “The absolute best! Good luck in practice today, and be careful.” She said as she kissed him on the cheek, just like she always did then turned and walked out of the garage, needing some space. For the first time she had noticed how good his body had felt against hers, and the thoughts running through her head were beginning to not only confuse the hell out of her, but also freak her out!
Dale watched her as she hurried away. “Yeah,” He sighed, talking out loud to himself. “Just not the best for you, I guess.” He ran a hand over his face, feeling his heart breaking slowly.
He turned around and found his uncle watching him. He held up his hand when Tony opened his mouth to speak. “Not a word.” He warned his uncle. “Not one word.” He said as he turned back to the car…anything to get his mind of the woman who was slowly driving him insane.
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Chapter Six
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“Kevin, quit playing, it’s not funny anymore, and give me the damn keys.” Kiara growled as she followed her brother into his pit stall, where they were in the process of making final adjustments on the #29 Goodwrench Chevrolet for qualifying.
“I told you that you should have rented a car.” Kevin told her, paying more attention to his car than his sister. She put both hands on her hips, silently counting to ten as she glared at her brother.
“I didn’t rent a car because you insisted on picking me up at the airport!” she ground out through clenched teeth. “Now give me the fucking keys!”
Kevin’s head jerked up, giving his sister a stern look before turning around and glaring at his best friend who happened to be in the stall next to them. “She’s been hanging around you too much Junior. She even sounds like you now, and I don’t think I like it.”
“Fuck you.” Was all Junior said as he went back to talking to his crew.
Kevin rolled his eyes. “Such language in this fucking garage.” He said to the ceiling.
“KEVIN!” Kiara had reached the limit of her patience. “I needed to leave five minutes ago to get to the airport on time to pick up Sydney. Now shut the hell up, hand over the keys, and go qualify!”
“I don’t have the keys, Ki. They are back in the motor coach.” He told her. Her eyes got wide, and her cheeks flushed with anger.
“You told me you had them on you when I called you just a few minutes ago!” she nearly yelled at him. Everyone in the garage area looked up and shook their heads, seeing the Harvick’s were at it again. As much as the two fought, it was hard to believe how close they really were.
Kevin shrugged. “Sorry, sis, I forgot. I left them on the table.”
Kiara threw her hands up in the air in defeat. “You better be damn glad I don’t have a wrench or something near me at the moment.” She threatened as she turned to walk away.
Kevin grinned at the people around him. “Violent little thing isn’t she?” He grinned even broader when he heard her mumbling under her breath.
Dale shook his head, wondering how the two survived growing up together. “Kiara.” He called, walking towards her, fishing something out of his pocket. She turned to face him, looking completely stressed. Her eye widened in surprise when she saw what he was holding out for her.
“Take my truck,” he offered, handing her the keys.
“WHAT?” Kevin exclaimed stepping forward. “No way! That damn truck is your baby, you never let anyone drive it! Not even me!” he protested, looking from the keys to Dale to his sister, who was still looking shocked herself.
Ignoring her brother she continued to look at Dale. “You’re really going to let me take your truck?” Everyone who knew Dale knew full well just how precious his red Silverado was to him, and that he was the only one who ever drove his truck. For him to willingly hand over the keys was more than a honor.
Dale grinned crookedly. “Sure, just be careful. You mess up my baby, and it’s your ass.” He warned playfully.
The smile that lit her face was worth it to Dale, and he knew he would gladly hand over his keys to her any day. Hell, she already had his heart.
“I’ll be very, very careful and guard it with my life.” She promised. “Now, go capture that pole!”
“Hey!” Kevin protested again. “You’re supposed to tell me that.”
Kiara barely spared her brother a glance. “Remember that next time you decide to piss me off. I will tell you to be careful though.” She said as she waved to them both and walked away.
Kevin turned back to Junior after his sister was outta sight. “You suck.” He muttered before walking back over to his car.
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Chapter Seven
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Sydney stopped in her tracks when she saw the vehicle Kiara was talking towards. “Holy shit!” she exclaimed. “Tell me that isn’t Junior’s truck!”
Kiara grinned and nodded. “It sure is, can you believe it!”
Sydney turned wide eyes to her best friend. “Did you steal it? Oh god, he’s going to murder you!”
“I didn’t steal it. He gave me the keys.”
“Was he drunk?” Sydney couldn’t resist asking, getting a laugh from Kiara. Kiara shook her head. “Wow, I’m impressed.”
“I know! I about fell over when he held out the keys for me!” Kiara exclaimed as she unlocked the doors and helped Sydney put all her stuff in the back. Once they had everything settled, they got in the truck, Kiara instantly picking up her cell phone, punching in numbers.
“Can I drive it?” Sydney asked, her eyes gleaming mischievously, knowing full well what the answer to that would be. Kiara shot her a look. “Hell no! I don’t have a death wish!” she exclaimed, then turned her attention to the person on the other end of the line.
“Hey, Mikey, how did you do?” she asked, wanting to know about qualifying, unable to wait until they got to the track.
“Pretty good, I got the outside pole.” Michael Waltrip announced proudly.
“So? Who got the pole?” she asked in a rush.
“Junior.”
“YES!” she exclaimed, doing a little dance in her seat. She looked over at Sydney. “Junior got the pole.”
“Oh good!” Sydney said, truly happy for him.
“What about my brother?” she asked.
“He qualified tenth. Hey, was that Syd I heard?” Michael asked.
“Yup, we’ll be at the track in about fifteen minutes.” She let him know.
“Oh good, make sure you bring her by to say hi. I haven’t seen her in ages! Oh and when you get here, you’ve got to tell me what you did to be able to drive Junior’s truck.” He teased.
“You know about that?” she asked.
“Honey, everyone knows about that. And everyone is jealous as hell!” he laughed before hanging up.
She laughed as she turned off her phone and started the engine, sighing softly when it roared to life. “Purrs just like a kitten.” She said dreamily.
Sydney laughed. “Yeah a mountain lion kitten.” She giggled.
“So, you ready for this weekend?” Kiara asked a little while later as they were on their way back to the track in New Hampshire.
Sydney sighed. “As ready as I’m going to be I guess. When’s the concert?” she asked, realizing she’d never asked.
Kiara grinned. “Tonight.”
“WHAT?” Sydney shrieked, sitting up straight in her seat. “You’re better be kidding!”
Kiara shook her head as she turned into the back entrance of the track, slowing down to show her official NASCAR badge to the security. After being waved through she looked over at Sydney.
“Isn’t it better to get it over with, then enjoy the rest of your weekend?” she asked. Sydney chewed on her bottom lip nervously.
“I guess,” she answered although she didn’t sound completely sure. After parking the truck cleanly, Kiara turned off the engine and patted her friend on the leg.
“Don’t worry, you have a few hours to prepare yourself, and besides everything will be fine. You’ll have me, Dale, De and Kevin there to help you through.” She promised. She decided against telling her about setting her up with Dale, especially with Brett on her friend’s mind. Besides, she still wasn’t sure if Dale was going to ask her out.
Sydney gave her a hesitant smile as she got out of the truck, butterflies taking flight in her stomach as she thought of the night ahead. She had thought she was fully prepared, but now she wasn’t so confident.
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Chapter Eight
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“Hey there sexy.” Kevin hugged Sydney, lifting her off the ground. “You get better and better looking every time I see you.”
Sydney laughed and blushed as she stepped back. “I see you haven’t changed a bit.” She smiled affectionately up at the man who throughout most of her life had been the big brother she had never had but always wanted.
“Me change? And disappoint my fans? NEVER!” he looked appalled at even the mere suggestion of such a thing. He slung his arm around her shoulders as he glared over at his sister. “Did my darling sister tell you she jinxed me out of the pole position today?” he asked, looking for sympathy.
Sydney giggled as Kevin pouted and Kiara rolled her eyes. “I think she mentioned it. You poor thing.”
“I know, I get no love around here. But with you around, that’s will all change right! Now I’ve got my own personal cheerleader. All the guys are going to be so jealous!” he beamed.
“Uh, Kev, what about your wife?” she teased, smiling at Delana who had just walked up behind Kevin.
“Well, she’s great and all, but she’s just not the cheerleader you are.” He told her.
“Oh really, and how is that?” Kevin paled at the voice as his sister snickered. Kevin turned around and found his wife standing there with her arms crossed over her chest.
“Hi honey!” he exclaimed. Delana simply rolled her eyes as she stepped forward to give Sydney a tight hug.
“It’s good to see you, stranger. I’ve missed you.” She told the other woman.
“It’s good to finally be here.” Sydney told her, looking around the race track, feeling as if she was where she belonged.
She squealed when someone grabbed her waist from behind, lifting her once again off the ground, spinning her around. She turned and found Dale grinning down at her. She smiled happily as she went up on tiptoes to give him a hug.
Everyone but Delana missed the look that briefly crossed Kiara’s face before she turned away to catch up with Michael to go over scheduling for later that afternoon.
“Hi Dale.” Sydney greeted him. She and Dale had always gotten along beautifully, their friendship growing over the years. He’d been there to listen to her on more than one occasion, just as she had for him. He also knew how hard the evening coming up was going to be on her, seeing Brett again for the first time. The only thing they hadn’t discussed was his feelings for Kiara, although he had a feeling that would change before the weekend was over. He knew she would give him excellent advice, and right now, he needed it.
But he couldn’t get out of his mind Kiara telling him he should go out with Sydney. What would it hurt if he did ask her? The entire situation was just too damn confusing!
“How are you doing?” he asked affectionately as he leaned down and kissed her gently on the cheek.
“I’m okay…nervous, but okay.” She answered honestly. “Oh, congratulations on the pole!” she told him.
“Thanks.” He grinned, catching a glare from Kevin. “He thinks Kiara stopped him from getting the pole.” He told her, nodding towards his frowning friend.
Sydney giggled. “I heard! Hey, where did Ki go?” she asked looking around.
“Probably went off to wish someone else luck in the Bush race tomorrow, hoping they will win over me.” Kevin grumbled. They all laughed at his sulking expression.
“You’re such a pussy.” Dale told him.
Delana stepped forward taking Sydney’s arm. “Come on, let’s go back to the coach. We’ve got a concert to get ready for!”
“What about Kiara?” Sydney asked, needing her best friend’s opinion on what to wear, not that she didn’t trust Delana’s judgment, she just really wanted Kiara there.
“She said she’d meet us there in about ten minutes. Now come on…by the time Kiara and I are through with you, one look and Brett will probably fall off the stage!”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Nine
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“You gonna eat that?” Dale asked, grinning as he eyed the plate full of food sitting untouched in front of Sydney.
Sydney placed a hand over her churning stomach as she pushed the plate away from her with the other. “It’s all yours.” She told Dale, knowing she couldn’t possibly eat with the way her stomach was tied in knots. After Dale took the plate away from her, she turned to Kiara, feeling her friend’s eyes on her.
“I don’t think I can go through with this.” She whimpered miserably. They had gone out for dinner and were now only about two hours before the start of the concert. To say she was nervous was a huge understatement. Her heart was pounding, her stomach was doing cart-wheels, her hands were shaky and sweaty, her head ached…she was not doing well at all and she knew that the closer it became to seeing Brett again, the worse she was going to get.
Kiara gave Sydney a sympathetic smile as she placed a hand on her arm. “You know if you back out of this now, you’re going to regret it.” She gently told her friend, knowing full well that it was the truth…just as Sydney knew it too.
“Besides Delana and I spent way too much time on you to let you back out now.” Kiara told her. Sydney truly was breathtaking. Her hair was perfect, her make-up was flawless, and her outfit was stunning. “And if all you’re really looking for tonight is closure, you have no need to be nervous.”
Sydney remained silent as she contemplated Kiara’s words for a moment, then slowly smiled. “You’re right.” She told Kiara. She was certain that if Brett did know that she was going to be there, he would be no where near as nervous…in fact she was sure that he’d be indifferent to her presence.
“All I want to know is why he stopped returning my phone calls, why he stopped writing to me, and why my letters were eventually returned back to sender. I want to know why he cut off all contact with me without any sort of explanation.” Sydney said, the determination back in her eyes. She looked over at Dale, her appetite suddenly back.
“Give me that.” She grinned at him as she took her plate back, leaving Dale staring at her, his mouth open with disbelief. Sydney smirked at him as she took a big bite of her broiled shrimp. Dale just chuckled softly as he shook his head, glad to see that her mood had changed. Hopefully she could keep it up the rest of the night.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Ten
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Oh God, I think I’m going to be sick!” Sydney exclaimed as they sat in their seats for the concert. They were indeed in first row…right in the middle.
“That’s not funny, and don’t mention food!” she grumbled as she pressed her hand against her stomach. All her previous symptoms were back, but this time even worse. She honestly didn’t think she was going to make it through the concert.
“You know what, I don’t think I need this closure anymore.” She announced as she stood up. “I’m suddenly feeling a lot better about things.” She lied.
Kiara put her hand on her arm and sat her back down. “Oh no you don’t. You’ve gotten this far, you’re going to make it the rest of the way. It’s going to be fine, I promise!” she assured her friend.
Delana nodded. “Don’t let him have this kind of power over you, Syd. He’s not worth it. Besides, don’t you want him to eat his heart out when he sees what he just threw away?”
Sydney took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. “I guess you’re right.” She muttered, not feeling near as confident as everyone around her.
“Hey, anyone want a beer?” Kevin offered as he sat down and started passing out the cups he’d just purchased. Sydney shook her head, then changed her mind, grabbing the beer out of Dale’s hand, gulping half of it down in one swallow.
“You do know you never take beer from Junior don’t you?” Kevin laughed, seeing the look on Dale’s face. “At least not to live and tell about it.”
She grinned sheepishly at Dale. “Sorry. Courage in a bottle, or in this case a cup.”
“I’ll let it slide this once, only because it’s you. But next time you won’t be so lucky.” Dale joked as he took another beer from Kevin’s hand, then held it out for Kiara who didn’t have anything yet.
“Here, take this one.” He offered. Kiara smiled but shook her head.
“No thanks, you guys enjoy. I’ll be DD.” She said.
“You sure?” Delana asked, already sipping her own beer.
“One of us has to be.” She laughed then turned to Sydney who was sitting in between herself and Dale. “Hey, have you kept up on Fuel at all?” she asked.
Sydney shook her head. “Not really, why?”
“I was just wondering if Kevin is still single.” She grinned mischievously. Kevin looked up from his drink.
“What?”
Kiara rolled her eyes. “Not you dumbass. I’m talking about the sexy Kevin.”
Kevin looked at his wife, pouting. “Aren’t I sexy?”
“Of course you are, honey.” Delana patted his hand.
“Just not to me.” Kiara added.
“Or me.” Dale shuddered, earning a smack in the arm from his friend. Sydney giggled, suddenly feeling a little more at ease.
“I’m not sure if Kevin is single or not. Hey, you can always ask him after the concert.” She said, suddenly looking forward to seeing all the guys again. Not only had she lost Brett in the whole deal, but she’d also lost some good friends as well.
“Isn’t he old enough to be your father?” Kevin asked, earning a glare from all three women.
“Shut up Kevin!”
***
Sydney held her breath, forgetting how to breathe as Fuel took the stage. Her eyes were glued to Brett, her mouth dry and heart pounding. Damn but he looked even better than she remembered. The years had definitely been kind to him. And the way he was filling out those leather pants…she swallowed hard.
“Don’t forget, air is a good thing.” Dale whispered in her ear, causing her to jump a little. He was about to say something else, but the blare of music drowned out any words. She turned her attention back to the stage, staring up at him, all the times they shared together came rushing back…nearly suffocating her.
Now she had to be completely honest with herself. After seeing him again, was closure really what she wanted?
“Oh wow, that concert fucking rocked!” Dale exclaimed a couple hours later. Kiara studied Sydney closely, seeing the obvious disappointment on her friend’s face.
“Syd?” she asked softly.
Sydney shook her head. “He didn’t recognize me. He looked right at me and didn’t even recognize me.” She said more to herself. On more than one occasion during the concert their eyes had met, but not once had she seen any spark of recognition.
“Maybe the lights on the stage were too bright for him to really see.” Delana offered.
“Not when I’m practically sitting on his lap!” Sydney burst out. Suddenly she smiled. “You know what, that’s good though. It’s fine. I wanted closure, I got closure. Brett is nothing more than a complete asshole, and for me to have been wasting all this time thinking about him was stupid!”
“It wasn’t stupid.” Kiara countered gently. Sydney shook her head.
“Nope, it’s fine. I got all the answers I was looking for. No, you know what, I didn’t. Come on, let’s get back stage. I’ve got a few things I want to say to Mr. Scallions.” She said as she moved down the aisle.
Dale and Kiara’s eyes met and they both smile, glad to see that fire and determination back in Sydney’s eyes. “Brett’s in for it isn’t he?” Dale asked as they hurried down the aisle to catch up with Sydney.
“Let’s just put it this way. I wouldn’t want to be in Brett’s shoes right now for all the money in the world!” she exclaimed. Whatever happened, she knew this was going to be a night to remember…for all of them, but especially Brett.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Eleven
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sydney’s eyes searched for Brett as they walked down the long hallway in the direction of where the security had told them to find the dressing rooms after clearing their back stage passes. She came to an abrupt stop when she spotted him leaning in the doorway of one of the dressing rooms, a girl, who was obviously a groupie, hanging all over him.
Sydney stumbled back a step and probably would have fallen if Dale, who was behind her, hadn’t put his hands around her waist to steady her. She looked up at Brett, her stomach turning in disgust as she watched the girl press herself suggestively against him. He turned his head, a smug smile curving his lips as he met Sydney’s eyes. Sydney felt anger surge through her when there was still no hint of recognition on his part.
Narrowing her eyes in determination, Sydney was about to step forward and let him have it, but stopped when she heard someone calling her name. An instant later she found herself flying as Kevin picked her up and spun her around before setting her back on the ground.
“I thought that was you when I saw you out in the crowd.” He exclaimed, thrilled to see her again after so many years. His eyes swept over her and he smiled appreciatively. “Damn, but you are a sight for sore eyes.” He told her, causing her to blush a deep shade of red.
Sydney smiled as she glanced around him, feeling a bit of satisfaction when she saw that Brett had finally realized who see was. The look of shock on his face was priceless. She turned her attention back to Kevin, and was happy to see Jeff and Carl headed in their direction as well.
“It is so good to see you.” Kevin said, still unable to believe he was seeing her again after so long. “Are you still in Memphis?”
“Yes, but I’m looking to be leaving soon.” Sydney answered, not sure how much longer she could stand living around her parents. Her mom had been especially unbearable as of late.
After introducing everyone, they all chatted for about fifteen minutes before Kevin, Carl, and Jeff had to excuse themselves, but much to Sydney’s delight, she found out that they would be at the race on Sunday and they made plans to get together.
“Well, I think we’re just going to go…somewhere.” Kiara stated, gesturing to Dale, Delana, Kevin, and herself when she saw Brett approaching. Sydney heard the footsteps
behind her and automatically knew that it was Brett. And once again, she was suddenly not feeling so full of courage. She looked at Kiara, her eyes pleading.
Kiara shook her head, knowing full well what was going through her friend’s mind and there was no way that she was going to let Sydney out of it. “You’ll be fine. Remember he is not worth it and you’re finally going to get the closure that you’ve been looking for, for so many years.” Kiara gently, but firmly told Sydney. “We’ll be waiting out by the exit when you’re ready to leave." Then before Sydney could say anything to protest, Kiara hurried Dale, Delana, and Kevin out of there and she found herself alone with Brett.
Knowing that he was standing behind her, Sydney slowly turned around and looked at Brett. She felt a wave of heat flow through her at the way he was looking at her, but she refused to acknowledge it.
"Hi." Brett said after a few moments, finally breaking the awkward silence between them.
Sydney stared up at him, her eyes narrowed. She took in a deep breath and slowly let it out before speaking, knowing that this may be the only chance she'd have to get the answers that she wanted. "All I want to know, is what happened? Why did you cut off all connection with me without any explanation? Did you just suddenly forget that we had a relationship or that I even existed at all?" She questioned, her voice laced with anger and a bit of hurt as all of the emotions that she'd had in her over the last few years suddenly surfaced.
Brett raked his fingers through his hair, knowing that this moment would come someday. He'd tried to prepare himself, but it was impossible. "First of all, I want to apologize for that. I'm so sorry. You deserved better than that." He told her and then continued when Sydney said nothing in reply.
"What it all comes down to is me being weak...and selfish. You know how much my parents were against our relationship, just as much as your parents didn't agree with it. When they saw that I had real talent and was very serious about pursuing a music career, they bribed me. They told me that they would give me the money to get the band going, money for equipment, representatives, and everything else that I knew I could never afford on my own. The only stipulation was that I had to cut ties with you. By then I'd already had a taste of the lifestyle...everything that comes with being a rock star. And I wanted more...I wanted it all, so I agreed with their stipulations. What can I say? I was young and foolish then." Brett paused for a moment and looked down into Sydney's eyes, easily seeing the hurt there.
Brett knew that she had every right to be hurt and angry. Not only had he abruptly stopped seeing and all communications with her, but before he'd broken things off with her, he'd often talked to her about needing money to get the band and his career going. On more than one occasion, Sydney had offered to help him financially. She had money...loads of it. He knew that she wasn't offering to help just so she could flash all that money around either. She knew how much music meant to him and she just wanted to make him happy.
But instead, he'd accepted a bribe from his parents and ended things with her. At the time, it had seemed like the best thing to do, but now it was only something that he deeply regretted.
Brett opened his mouth to speak further, but shut it again when Sydney abruptly turned and walked away from him, finally having all the answers that she needed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Twelve
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Sydney, wait!” he called after her, not wanting things to end this way, although he knew he was just being selfish again.
She clenched her hands together in a tight fist as she clamped her teeth together. She stopped and turned back to face him, her expression completely neutral.
“Yes?” she asked, raising an eyebrow at him. Brett hesitated, not really knowing what to say. He was at a loss for words. He couldn’t get over the woman standing in front of him.
“I-I’m sorry.” He offered feebly, but honestly meaning it.
She shrugged her shoulders. “No big deal Brett, don’t worry about it. You didn’t before so why start now. I was just curious as to why, and now, after all these years, I finally have the answers.”
She mentally patted herself on the back for how well she was keeping it together. She wanted nothing more than to crawl in bed, pull the covers over her head and cry until there were no more tears left. Although she’d realized it a long time ago, it hurt to hear just how little she had meant to him when he’d been her whole world.
She held her head up high, refusing to let him see how much his words had hurt her.
Brett sighed as he again raked his fingers through his hair. “Well, for whatever its worth, I am sorry.” When she didn’t say anything, he said the first thing that came to mind, not quite ready to just let her walk away.
“You look wonderful.” He said softly, once again allowing his eyes to roam over her, still not believing all the changes. He’d always known she was a beautiful person, both inside and out. It just seemed in the years they were apart, the outer beauty was showing more and more.
She studied him for a moment before turning away. “Thanks.” She said over her shoulder. “Nice to see you again, Brett.”
She was halfway to the door when she heard him hurrying to catch up with her. She sighed, just wanting to get the hell out of there with what little dignity she had left.
“How have you been?” he asked, and she bit her lip to keep from screaming. Again she turned to face him, a bright smile in place.
“Wonderful, actually.”
Brett nodded. “I’m glad to hear that.” He said sincerely, suddenly wanting to know everything about her. A little voice inside his head warned him that he was too interested, but he chose to ignore it.
“So…are you seeing anyone?” he asked trying not to let her see just how much her answer meant to him.
She shot him a dirty look, ready to let him have it about not having the right to even ask her that when an idea formed in her mind. It wasn’t as if she was really going to see him anymore after tonight, since the guys had told her he wasn’t going to the race on Sunday, so what would one little white lie hurt? Maybe this way he wouldn’t think she was just sitting at home pining away for him, which she had been. She had wanted him to know what he gave up right? Well, what better way?
“As a matter of fact I am.” She sighed dreamily, making her expression soften. “He’s wonderful.”
A muscle in Brett’s jaw jumped as a surge of jealousy swept through him. He knew he was acting ridiculous, hell he’d walked away from her. She could have had a million boyfriends since they broke up. So why did it bother him so much? Maybe because since her he’d never been in a serious relationship, unable to completely give his heart away?
“Oh, well, that’s great.” He smiled weakly. “Who?”
She was going to hell and she knew it, but she couldn’t help herself. She said the first name that came to mind.
“Dale Earnhardt Jr.”
***
“Morning you two!” Michael Waltrip called out seeing Sydney and Kiara walking towards them. He glanced down at his watch and grinned at Kiara. “Decided to sleep in a little this morning, did ya?”
Kiara wrinkled her nose. “Ha, I wish. I’ve been here since six this morning and just went back to the hotel to get Syd. You, on the other hand, slept in. If I hadn’t sent someone over to your trailer to get your lazy ass out of bed, you’d have been late for the race!”
“I—“ Michael cut himself off and grinned sheepishly when he realized she was correct. He then turned his attention to Sydney. “You’re looking better today than you did when you left the track yesterday. Good night?” he asked.
Sydney thought about it for a moment. “It turned out okay.” She said honestly. After telling Brett she was seeing Dale, she quickly made an excuse about him having to get back to the track and was able to leave without Brett trying to stop her.
She’d been very quiet the entire way back to the hotel, and she’d been grateful when everyone had pretty much let her be, giving her the time she needed. She was surprised when she got back to her hotel room and the tears she’d felt threatening all night, didn’t come. Instead she felt numb.
She’d taken a nice long hot shower, and went to bed, again surprising herself when she feel asleep quickly, waking only when Kiara called and told her she was on her way.
In the light of day, she was feeling a hell of a lot better. Maybe she had needed that closure more than she thought. She felt like she was finally ready to move on, and look for that someone special.
“You coming to driver introduction?” Michael asked Kiara, who shook her head.
“Nah, you’re a big boy, I think you can handle it on your own. I’m going to take Sydney over to hang out with Delana during the race.” She told him.
Michael, Kevin and Dale were both involved in the Bush series race, taking place in about an hour. Michael and Kevin were driving, where Dale would be on top of the pit box being crew chief for the car he and his stepmother owned.
“Oh shit, I nearly forgot. Kevin told me to tell you, Sydney, that some friends of yours are here. Everyone is over at the garage.” Michael said, then with a wave he walked away.
“Friends huh?” Kiara teased as they started towards the garage area. Sydney looked perplexed.
“I don’t know. The only people I can think of are Carl, Kevin and Jeff, but I thought they said they were coming to tomorrow’s race.” The words were barely out of her mouth when she gasped and froze in her tracks. Kiara looked up, her own eyes going wide when she saw who was there.
It was indeed Carl, Kevin and Jeff, but there was someone new and unexpected. Brett.
“Huh, this could get interesting.” Kiara said softly as she smiled and started towards them, only to be stopped by Sydney who grabbed her arm and pulled her back out of the garage a little.
“I’m screwed!” Sydney cried frantically.
“I know it’s awkward, but I’d hardly say you're screwed. Just ignore him.” Kiara told her. She didn’t need to hear what happened between the two the night before to know there was tension there.
“No you don’t understand! I told Brett I was seeing someone!” Sydney cried. “I never thought he’d actually come here and catch me in my lie!”
“Who did you tell him you were seeing?” Kiara asked confused.
“Dale.” She confessed grimacing when Kiara’s eyes went wide in surprise.
“Yes?”
Both girls spun around to find the man in question standing behind them, looking at them curiously. He took in Sydney’s horrified expression, then Kiara, who looked like she was desperately trying not to laugh.
Sydney was at a complete loss, wishing the ground would just open up and swallow her. Shaking her head, Kiara turned back to her. “Listen, it’s going to be fine. Talk to Dale, in the mean time I’ll go stall the guys, okay?”
Sydney gave her a grateful look. “Thank you so much! What would I do without you?”
“I’d hate to even think about it.” Kiara laughed as she went back to talk with the guys.
Sydney took a deep breath then raised her eyes to meet Dale’s who was growing more and more confused. She glanced over her shoulder and saws the guys watching her and Dale. She quickly grabbed Dale’s hand and pulled him away from sight. She said a silent thank you when he followed her without question.
Once they were clearly out of sight, Dale crossed his arms over his chest, looking at her expectantly. “Well? You going to tell me what’s up, or are you going to keep me in suspense all day?”
Sydney sighed. “Okay, it’s like this. I need your help.” Her eyes pleading with him. He nodded for her to continue.
“Um, last night things obviously didn’t go to well with Brett, and once he and I got talking, I was really upset, and I guess not really thinking clearly. Anyway, he asked me if I was seeing anyone, and I told him I was.” She explained, dropping her eyes, not able to continue looking him in the eyes.
Dale shrugged. “Nothing wrong with that. Hell if I’d been in your position, I’d probably done the same thing. So how do you need my help?” he asked.
“Well, um, he asked me who I was seeing, and my mind went blank. I named the first person I could think of. Now, I honestly never ever thought I’d actually have to prove it...or that after last night I’d even see him again. Apparently I was wrong.”
She took a deep breath. “I need you to help me by pretending that we are a couple. I told him it was you that I was seeing.” She held her breath waiting for his reaction. She hated lies, and wasn’t honestly sure she could pull this off, but not wanting Brett to find out how much she’d thought about him outweighed the lying factor. If Dale were willing to help her out, she would find a way to pull this off.
If not, she didn’t know what in the hell she was going to do.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Thirteen
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Me?” Dale questioned his eyes and voice filled with disbelief. If Sydney hadn’t looked so completely serious and desperate, he would have laughed and thought that she was joking.
Sydney bit her lip as she looked away for a moment before she turned her eyes back and met Dale’s. “I know I’m a terrible person for lying, but I couldn’t let Brett see how much he hurt me. I couldn’t give him that satisfaction…not after hearing his reasons for just throwing away the almost three years that we spent together.” Sydney told Dale, her eyes pleading with him to understand.
“Your name was the first one that came to mind. I honesty did not think that he would show up out here or I would not have said your name. It was wrong and I’m sorry that I got you involved.” Sydney finished. She looked down at the ground, her bottom lip trembling as tears began stinging her eyes. After a few moments passed and Dale remained silent, Sydney apologized once more before she turned and began walking away, knowing that now Brett was not only going to know how much he’d hurt her, but also that she’d lied to him. Nothing like adding insult to injury.
Sydney had only taken a few steps when Dale stopped her by taking hold of her hand and tuning her around to face him. “I will help you.” He told he. Even though he didn’t know the full details of why Brett had walked away from her, it was easy to see how it had and still was affecting her.
Sydney looked up at Dale, her eyes wide with surprise as she began to realize that she wasn’t going to have to face total humiliation. “Thank you!” She exclaimed, the relief evident in her voice as she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tight. She knew that she could never express how grateful she was for his help.
“Hey, what are friends for?” Dale told her, a devilish twinkle in his eye. "But you owe me big time!" He teased, his own smile forming when he saw her genuine happiness.
Sydney nodded her head in agreement with Dale's last statement. "Anything at all. Just let me know what I can do to return the favor." She promised.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Fourteen
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“So, how long have you and Sydney known each other?” Kevin asked Kiara, who was keeping them company until Sydney got back.
“Since college.” She smiled. “We were dorm mates.” She glanced over her shoulder when her brother stepped up next to her.
“Kevin, thanks so much for the passes. We really appreciate them, this is awesome!” Carl exclaimed as he looked excitedly around the garage. He’d always been a huge fan of NASCAR and had gotten the other guys addicted as well.
“No problem.” Kevin smiled, then looked at his sister. “Have you seen Junior? His crew is looking for him.”
Kiara nodded. “Yeah, uh, he and Sydney had to talk, but they will be here shortly.”
“Hey, speaking of the devil!” Kevin grinned when he saw Dale and Sydney walk in together. “What the…” he trailed off when Kiara poked him in his side to shut him up. His mouth fell open and he looked from the couple walking towards him to his sister then back.
Kiara shot him a look to keep quiet. “I’ll explain later,” she said out of the side of her mouth. She knew it was killing him to know why Dale and Sydney were holding hands. Obviously Dale was going to go along with Sydney’s story.
Dale quickly glared at everyone who was smirking at him, and they knew immediately not to start with the teasing, or even to ask any questions. Sydney came forward and quickly hugged Kevin, Carl and Jeff, only nodding an acknowledgement to Brett.
“I didn’t expect you guys today! What a surprise!” she said happily, careful to keep her eyes away from Brett.
“Well, we weren’t planning on coming, until Kevin here offered us passes.” Jeff told her. She turned and smiled at Kevin.
“You didn’t tell me.” She accused playfully, but he swallowed knowing if he didn’t hear about this from Sydney, he’d either hear about it from Kiara or Delana…or both.
“Uh, it was a surprise?” he grinned, his grin widening mischievously when Sydney stepped back next to Dale and he put his arm around her shoulders. Oh it was killing him not to say anything.
Brett never said a work, standing back as he took everything in, fighting against the jealousy raging inside of him.
“Hey all!” a loud cheerful voice said from behind them as Michael waltzed in the building, then stopped in his tracks. “What the hell is going on with you two?” he asked, looking at Dale and Sydney, completely ignoring the warning look he was getting from Junior.
Kiara immediately stepped forward. “You’re such a goof!” she told him, then looked at the guys who were standing around looking a little confused. “You can never take anything Mikey says to heart, he’s such a jokester!” she covered nicely, taking Michael’s arm. “Come on, we’ve got a couple interviews before the race.”
“But I’m not joking, what--” he cut himself off when her words registered. “Interviews? You told me this morning I didn’t have any!” he whined.
She smirked. “Well, I changed my mind.” She grinned, pulling him along after her. “Good luck guys,” she called to Kevin and Dale, then looked at everyone else. “Enjoy the race, all!”
The instant they were out of the garage, Michael stopped. “Okay, what the hell is going on, and why do I feel like I’ve suddenly stepped into the ‘Twilight Zone’?”
“You just almost blew it!” she told him. “Brett Scallions, who’s in the garage…” Michael cut her off.
“I know who he is, hello, I listen to cool music.”
Kiara rolled her eyes, but let the comment pass. “Anyway, he and Syd used to date, and she just saw him again for the first time since breaking up last night. Brett was the one who ended things, so she told him that she was seeing Dale. Of course she thought that would be the end of it, but since my darling and wonderful brother wanted to be so helpful and invite them all here, she and Dale now are pretending to be a couple.” She explained, the very short version, but knew with Michael, it would be enough.
“Oh! Okay, I see. Huh, now that I think about it they make a good-looking couple. So…do I really have interviews, or were you playing?” he asked. Kiara simply rolled her eyes and walked away, leaving him laughing behind her.
But, she didn’t feel like joining in. The image of Dale and Sydney walking in, looking very cozy together was still playing before her, and Michael’s comment hadn’t helped.
‘They are just pretending, it’s not real.’ She kept telling herself, then suddenly stopped in her tracks. “And why in the hell am I even worried about this?” she demanded out loud. With a groan of frustration, she started towards Michael’s pit box, where she sat for nearly every race, hoping to clear her mind of the confusing thoughts and the new feelings she was having.
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Chapter Fifteen
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After things had been tied up after the race, they’d all decided to hit an exclusive club nearby that catered specifically to celebrities so that they could enjoy the club without the hassle of it being public. Brett had thought seriously about not going along with the group, not sure how much longer he could handle being around Sydney and Dale. At the same time, he knew very well that this could be the last opportunity that he had to be around her and he didn’t want to waste it. Even if they weren’t talking and she pretty much refused to acknowledge his presence, just being around her; seeing her and hearing her voice was enough.
But after they’d all gotten to the club, he began wondering if that really was enough. Although on the outside he seemed to be indifferent to Dale and Sydney being together, if anyone could have seen what he was feeling on the inside, they would have known the truth.
Jealousy like he’d never before experience ripped through his entire being as he observed Dale and Sydney embracing in front of him. He felt all the air leave his lungs as he watched them share a couple of kisses. Even though they were quick and not very passionate kisses, it was still enough to make him feel as if his heart was being ripped apart.
But as the night wore on, and Brett continued watching them, he began to notice something else…something that disturbed him enough to allow his jealousy to take backseat to the anger that was building inside of him. On more than one occasion, he noticed Dale’s eyes straying and for the most part he paid little attention to Sydney, his mind and attention almost completely on the woman sitting across the table from him…Kiara.
And now as he watched Dale and Sydney on the dance floor, it was pretty obvious to him that Dale was much more interested in someone other than the woman who was in his arms.
Snapping his eyes away from them, Brett sat back in his chair as he raked his fingers through his hair. He glanced over at Dale and Sydney again, seeing him laughing at something that she had said, his attention completely back on Sydney.
Maybe it had all been in his mind…his jealousy making him see things that weren’t really there. Suddenly needing some fresh air and some time to clear his head, Brett mumbled some excuse and headed outside. Once outside, he leaned against the wall, lighting a cigarette and taking a deep drag from it as he went over everything in his mind.
Ten minutes later, Brett had convinced himself that he was being ridiculous and that it was indeed his feelings of jealousy and regret that were making him…well, crazy. He told himself that he was happy that Sydney had found someone was wonderful as Dale and he wished them happiness. He was about to head back inside when Carl came outside.
“Ya okay, man?” Carl asked, worried about his friend. He and Brett were long time friends and he knew what Brett had done to Sydney. He also knew how much Brett regretted what he’d done…even if he’d never said it, Carl could easily read the depth of Brett’s guilt.
Brett sighed heavily as he met Carl’s eyes. “Yeah, I’m good.” Brett told him as he dropped his cigarette on the ground and ground it out with the toe of his boot. “Just needed some air. Let’s get back inside.” Brett said as he began walking toward the door. At the last minute he stopped and turned back to Carl, who was behind him.
“What do you think about Dale and Sydney? Do you think that he seems…I don’t know…not as attentive to her as he should be for a couple?” Even though he’d convinced himself that it was all in his head, he still had to ask.
Carl was silent for a moment before he nodded and spoke. “Yeah, I did notice that he does seem quite a bit interested in Kiara.” The words were barely out of his mouth before he saw the fury glowing in Brett’s eyes.
“That’s not right.” Brett ground out through clenched teeth and before Carl was able to stop him, he disappeared back inside, walking back toward Dale with purpose in his step.
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Chapter Sixteen
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“Hey, you okay?” Sydney asked as she sat down next to Kiara, who hadn’t moved from her chair much that night.
“I’m fine.” She answered, not taking her eyes off the dance floor. She knew she was being a huge pain, but at the moment she didn’t care. She witnessed more than one kiss between Sydney and Dale, and each one had made her even madder. She had felt like someone was ripping her heart out every time their lips touched. She honestly didn’t know how much more she could take.
“Are you sure?” Sydney asked concerned. Before Kiara could answer, Kevin walked over, grinning at both women.
“You’ve been sitting here all night!” he said to Kiara. “It’s about time you get you’re cute ass out on the dance floor, come on!” Before she could protest he grabbed her hand and led her out to the dance floor, Sydney watching them with a smile. Aside from loosing Brett, the one thing she had regretted was loosing Kevin.
She turned, about ready to go back over to Dale, who was waiting for drinks at the bar, but saw Brett approaching him rapidly and though better of it. She did, however inch a little close to hear what was being said, having a sinking feeling this wasn’t going to be a friendly conversation.
“You got a moment?” Brett demanded when he stepped up to Dale, who merely raised an eyebrow at him and shrugged.
“What do you want?” Dale asked in pretty much the same tone. In all honesty, he didn’t know the man before him, but had immediately taken a disliking towards him for what he had done to Sydney.
“What I want is to know what the hell you’re trying to pull.” Brett snapped through clenched teeth. He sensed Carl walking up behind him, and even felt his hand on his shoulder to try and calm him down, but he just shrugged his friend off, all his attention and anger riveted on the man before him.
Dale’s eyes narrowed dangerously as he straightened and stood eye to eye with Brett. “What the fuck are you talking about?” Dale asked, fighting to keep a hold on his own temper, but knew it wouldn’t take much to push him over the edge.
“I’m talking about how you’re about to screw Sydney over!” Brett yelled, causing all the noise in the place to stop, everyone’s attention on the two men arguing.
Now Dale looked confused as hell. “Excuse me?”
“I’m talking about the fact that pretty much all night, you’re attention seems to be else where, and definitely not on your girlfriend!”
Dale was about ready to let him have it, when he realized whom Brett was referring too. And he also knew this had the potential to not turn out very well, especially for him or Sydney. He didn’t want Brett finding out it was all an act, and he most certainly didn't want Brett saying anything about Kiara. He didn’t want her finding out that way…or Kevin, who might very well kill him, himself.
Thinking quickly, Dale put his calculating mind to work. “You know, for someone who walked away without so much as a good bye, you sure are attentive to your ex, all of a sudden.” Dale threw back at him, causing Brett to be at a loss for just a moment.
“I just don’t want to see her get hurt!”
“Little late for that, don’t ya think?” Dale sneered, letting go of the little control he had over his temper. “Oh no wait, you didn’t stick around to see it, did you?”
Before Brett could react, Carl grabbed him and moved in between him and Dale, knowing this was about to become a rather physical confrontation. “That’s enough!” Carl said sternly to Brett. “I think it’s time for us to leave.”
“Harvick, get you’re fucking hands off me!” Kevin had come forward and grabbed Dale, pulling him away from Brett and Carl.
Brett looked over at Sydney, who was looking at him, her eyes spitting fire at him. She shook her head, then turned and walked over to Dale, who was still fuming.
Jeff stepped over to Sydney, “I’m so sorry about all this,” he said apologetically to everyone around them. “Syd, we’ll see you at the race tomorrow, and don’t worry, we’ll leave Brett home.” He promised.
Sydney shook her head giving him a tight hug. “It’s not your fault, don’t worry about it. Thank you guys for coming.” She told him. He nodded then turned towards the dance floor where Kevin was still dancing.
“Kev!” Jeff yelled, getting the other man’s attention. “Time to go…NOW!”
Kevin turned to Kiara, raising her hand to his lips as he gave her a big smile. “You owe me a dance.” He told her, winking at her. She laughed as she nodded.
“Anytime.” She smiled genuinely. She now knew why Sydney raved about Kevin so much. He truly was an amazing man, and she could see herself being really good friends with him.
As the four men left, Kiara walked back over to the table. “So, that was interesting.” She said softly, trying to ease the tension. Sydney looked sadly at Dale.
“I’m so sorry. None of this would have happened if I hadn’t asked you to go along with my lies.” Her eyes filled with tears. Dale pulled her into a tight hug.
“Hey, it’s not your fault, don’t worry about it. Besides, it’s over, and no harm done, right?” he asked. Looking hesitant, she nodded.
“I hope so.” She whispered.
Dale, however doubted that it was. He’d been right when he said that Brett was paying a lot of attention to Sydney. He had a feeling it was far from being over. He just hoped this time things would work out better for Sydney and Brett.
2003 K&K Productions