[chapter one]
Disclaimer: If you've heard of
them, I don't own them. Everything else is mine, so no stealing, pretty please.
;-)
A/N: This story is a challenge as issued by Carrie. It's Robby, it's Mary
Sue, and it's all for making her happy. Okies? :-)
**
Robby heaved a sigh of relief as his impromptu speech came to a close. He had been eager to volunteer to speak to a group of engineering students on UNC-Charlotte's campus a few weeks ago, but was completely unprepared for a huge group of students, armed with questions about weight ratios, g-forces and chassis creations.
This was no second grade class, that's for sure.
"Any other questions for our guest?" The professor, Dr. Hale, Robby thought his name was, asked of the group. Seeing none, he nodded and stood up. "Then let's thank our guest for his time today."
The room burst into applause and Robby blushed a little, smiling as the crowd began to disperse.
"Again, my thanks to agreeing to speak to us today." Dr. Hale said, shaking Robby's hand firmly.
"Not a problem - I enjoyed it, but they were a tough crowd." Robby smiled and Dr. Hale grinned in response.
"Yes, they are serious about their schooling." Dr. Hale agreed before turning to answer a question of one of his students.
Robby began inching his way off the auditorium stage when a voice halted him.
"Mr…Mr. Gordon?" An uncertain female voice asked.
He spun on his heel, his eyes meeting the most unbelievably clear pair of grey-green eyes.
"Do you mind if I ask you a…a question?" The pretty girl in front of him asked hesitantly.
"Not at all." Robby smiled. "What can I do for you?"
"I…um…I'm actually working on a thesis for my graduate degree based on engineering stress tests and driver resistance in open wheel versus stock car racing. Since you have so much experience in both, I was wondering if perhaps I could…I could interview you sometime for some background information. From a firsthand source. Since you are…you know, the most accomplished and experienced in both forms of racing?" She asked.
Robby smiled at her compliment. "Sure, I don't see why not." He couldn't seem to stop smiling at the perk brunette in front of him.
"Oh. Um, great." She said, her facing lighting up in a smile. "Uh…whenever you, uh…"
Robby dug around in his pockets for a moment, producing a business card. "Here's my card. Just call this number and ask for me. If I'm not around, I'll get back to you, Miss…" He trailed off, searching for her name.
She blushed a little. "Sorry. Alexa. Alexa Carmichael."
"Okay, Alexa. Just give me a call, and we'll set something up." Robby said magnanimously as she took the card from him, shifting her notebook and sliding the card inside.
"Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. And I really enjoyed your talk today. It was really interesting." She grinned, her cheeks still flushed.
"Thanks, Alexa. It was nice meeting you." Robby smiled, holding out his hand to shake.
She extended her arm and he enveloped her small hand in his. "And you as well, Mr. Gordon." She breathed.
"Robby."
"I'm sorry?" She asked.
"Call me Robby."
"Nice to meet you, Robby." She said after a moment's pause.
As Robby strapped himself into
his Tahoe for the ride back to Welcome, he couldn't get the vision of those
eyes and that angelic smile out of his head.