[chapter four]
Disclaimer: If you've heard of
them, I don't own them. Everything else is mine, so no stealing, pretty please.
;-)
**
Jimmie ran a hand through his damp hair as he stepped out of his motorcoach,
nearly crashing into Kick as she reached to knock on his door.
"Good timing." She laughed as she stepped back to give him some room. "I just wanted to drop off these papers for you guys - Chad's already taken off. By the way, your car passed inspection with flying colours. I told you not to worry." She smiled and Jimmie couldn't help but heave a sigh of relief.
"I still hate getting asked to go. I always feel like I'm going to the principal's office." He explained and Kick laughed again.
"I told you not to worry." She said with a winsome smile. "You getting ready to go too?" She asked, looking around at the emptying parking area.
"Yeah. Dad's finishing a few things, then we're out of here. You?" Jimmie asked, gesturing to some nearby lawn chairs and inviting Kick to sit.
"In a bit." Kick said, sitting down. She cocked her head to one side and regarded him for a moment. "Why are you suddenly being friendly, happy Jimmie instead of sullen, I-hate-your-living-guts Jimmie?" She asked seriously.
Jimmie laughed and watched her as she laughed with him. "I'm sorry for the way I acted. I just…just personal stuff getting me early today. I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to be such a dick."
Kick narrowed her eyes slightly. "S'okay. Chad already warned me you were a dick."
Jimmie's jaw dropped and he rushed to defend himself. "He did? What? I mean, I know I have days, but…"
Kick raised a hand with a grin. "I'm just teasing. Seriously. He's always singing your praises. He thinks the world of you. I've heard of nothing but how fabulous you are."
"Oh." Jimmie said, looking down. "Thanks. But he's the brains of the operation. I just work here." Jimmie said with a small smile.
"He's always been like that." Kick said knowingly.
"How long have you known him?" Jimmie asked curiously. "He's mentioned your name a few times, but…"
"Oh god…years. We've mostly been in email touch since we both got jobs with NASCAR. But I've been in Daytona Beach, and he's been everywhere else. Hard to keep up with each other. He's great, though. I'm really looking forward to hanging out with him, and the rest of the guys, every week." Kick said easily. "I'm glad NASCAR said it's okay for officials to be friends with the crews. It'd be hard, otherwise."
"No non-fraternization rules?" Jimmie questioned.
"I'm pretty sure if I start dating someone, I'm just supposed to notify them, and then make sure I'm not assigned to them. Something about 'conflict of interest'." Kick said with a grin. "There goes my plan for dating a guy from every crew." She pouted mockingly and Jimmie laughed a little. He couldn't imagine her…well, he just couldn't see it in her. Kick shifted in her seat, as though getting ready to stand.
"You want something to drink?" He asked, suddenly unwilling to let her just get up and go. For some ungodly reason, he wanted to talk to her for a little longer.
He didn't know why.
Because she was Chad's friend. He should know Chad's friends. Seems like the thing to do. Yes.
"Uh…sure." Kick said, slightly confused. "I'd like that, as long as you aren't going to revert back to meanie Jimmie anytime soon."
Jimmie laughed and stood up. "I'll do my very best to control it." He said, hurrying inside to rustle up something to drink.
A big drink. So she'd have to stay for a while.
But he still didn't know why he cared.