Chapter Five

Trixie removed her earrings and placed them on the dresser. She gazed at her reflection in the mirror. "I should have never, ever gone to that barbecue. Speed's marriage is in bad enough shape, I didn't need to show up and add fuel to the fire." With a sigh she went into the bathroom. "I think a hot bath would do so much good right now to relax me."

She had filled the tub and was about to get in when her cell phone rang. "What's that old adage about the phone ringing when you're taking a bath?" she wondered. With a towel wrapped around her body, she went back into the bedroom and glanced at the number on the phone noting its familiarity. "Hello?"

"Hey."

"Speed... Or should I call you Greg since that what everyone else calls you?" she said attempting to keep her voice calm.

"You can call me Speed. Kind of brings me back to my youth, you know?"

"You're not old," she said.

"Thanks. But there are days when I feel ancient, like life has passed me by."

"We all feel that way sometimes," she said. "Speed, why are you calling?"

"I just wanted to apologize for arguing in front of you. It was rude," he said.

"You didn't know I was there. It's my fault for not leaving the minute I heard your raised voices," she said.

"No, it was very rude of Vicky and me. We shouldn't have been fighting with company right outside."

"If I hadn't been there you wouldn't have been fighting at all," she noted.

"No. It still would have happened. If not about you it would have been about something else." He paused. "Trix, my marriage is... pretty much over."

"Oh Speed, I'm so sorry to hear that."

"Thanks. But it's all for the best," he said. "Listen, I can't talk long. Gotta tuck the kids into bed." There was another pause. "What are you doing tomorrow?"

"Uh... I've got to run some errands, go to the real estate office," she said. The realization that she might run into Vicky made her feel a bit of panic. "Actually, I'm probably just going to call the real estate. It's easier than dealing with all that traffic."

"Yeah traffic is a bitch. Anyway...I was wondering if maybe you'd like to go for lunch or something."

She thought about it for a moment. "I don't know, Speed. If Victoria finds out she'll make your life hell."

"Find out about what? Two old friends having lunch?"

"Speed, I heard what you said, about what you'd do if the opportunity arose," she said.

"Trix, I just said that in the heat of anger. You know how it is, you say the one thing that you know will hurt the person you're arguing with the most. I didn't really mean it."

"Oh, I see," she tried to keep the disappointment from her voice.

"I'm glad you understand. So how about it? I'd really love to catch up on old times with you. Heck, I don't even know what you've been up to these days."

Her heart was pounding. She knew it would be the wrong thing to do, but she had to see him one last time if just to get closure on the relationship. "All right, lunch it is."

"Great!" he exclaimed. "I've got to work tomorrow, even though it's Sunday. No rest for the weary! Is noon good for you?"

"Noon is fine. Should I meet you at the Interpol building? I know where it is."

"That would be perfect. See you tomorrow!"

Her cell phone went dark and she placed it on the nightstand. "I must be insane to do this." She went back to her bath, which wasn't quite as relaxing as she originally thought it would be.

---

Speed sat at his desk thinking about the phone call he had just finished. Just her voice was enough to take his breath away. She was even more beautiful than he remembered. With a great sigh, he stood up and stretched. Real life beckoned. "Guess I'd better go say goodnight to the kids."

He went upstairs, going first to Gregory's room. The boy was at the age where he felt he was too old to be tucked in, but he still wanted his parents to come and say goodnight to him. Victoria had already done that. Now it was Speed's turn.

"So, did you have a good time today?" Speed asked.

"Yeah. Havin' Jared back here was so much fun. I wish he didn't have to leave tomorrow."

"I know. But his parents have to get back to Florida to run their nursery. You guys can keep in touch by email and phone. Who knows, maybe someday we can go down there and visit them."

Gregory's eyes lit up. "Really? Could we maybe go to Disneyworld, too?"

"We'll see," Speed said.

He looked at his father with pensive eyes. "Dad, I'm sorry about Stephanie getting hit with the ball. I really didn't mean it."

Speed nodded. "I know. And I'm sorry that I punished you before hearing your side of the story. Your poor old Dad unfortunately often acts before he thinks."

"Like Steph," Gregory said. "Mom said she's got your temperament."

"Yes, I think she might," Speed agreed.

"I'm just glad Aunt Trixie was there and saw what happened."

"Yes, I'm glad, too." He cocked his head to the side. "Aunt Trixie?"

"Stephanie and me decided that's what we should call her, if it's okay with you and Mom."

"It's fine with me and I'm sure your Mom, too." He hoped his son couldn't see the he was lying about Victoria. All she would have to hear is that the kids called his ex-girlfriend Aunt Trixie and she would explode. "I bet Trixie will be very happy to hear that."

"She's gonna come see us again, right? I really like her and she promised to tell me some of the stories about when you raced."

"Oh she did, huh?" He grinned. "I'm sure you'll see her again before she leaves."

"I hope so."

"How about you get to sleep? It's getting late."

"Okay. G'night, Dad."

"Good night, Gregory." Speed ruffled the boy's hair and left feeling a little sad that only a year ago his son didn't think he was too old to kiss his father goodnight.

In the next bedroom, Stephanie was reading a picture book. She smiled when her father came in. "Hi Daddy."

"What's the light still doing on?" Speed asked. "Do you know what time it is?" There was no anger in his voice; there was more amusement than anything else. Even at this tender age, his daughter loved books and would gladly stay up all night reading.

"Sorry. I was just finishing this 'cause it has to go back to the liberry Monday," she explained.

"Stephanie, the word is library."

"Oh, that's right. I always say it wrong," she said.

Speed sighed and remembered when she was about three and couldn't pronounce the letter L. She substituted a W instead and he found the way she spoke to be adorable. Those days were long gone. Why did kids have to grow up so fast?

"Did you have fun today, pumpkin?" he asked as he sat on the edge of the bed.

"Lots! I got to swim in the pool with Gregory and Jared. And Mommy made really good food. I fell, too. But you made it all better. You should be a doctor, Daddy. Then you could work in a big hospital and Mommy and me could be your nurses. Think of all the patients we could save!"

Speed laughed. His daughter's imagination was in full gear tonight. "I think it might be a little late for your mother or me to make that kind of career change. But you, honey, can be whatever you want."

"Really?" she asked, her gold eyes sparkling. "I can be anything?" Her creative mind marveled at the possibilities. "Could I be a spotter for race car drivers like Aunt Trixie was for you? Gregory said one day he's gonna race and he'll need somebody to spot for him. Could I really do that, Daddy?"

Speed nodded slowly. "Anything you want, Steph," he said softly. "Now... " He took the book from her and closed it. "It's time for you to go to bed."

"But I'm not tired," she protested. She then yawned and saw her father's knowing smile. "Okay, maybe I'm a little tired."

Speed bent down and pulled the covers over her. "Goodnight, Kitten. I love you."

She reached up and kissed him. "I love you too, Daddy."

He sighed and left the room, his thoughts on his children. "They've got their whole lives ahead of them. I wonder if they know how lucky they are?"

---

Victoria rinsed the plate and placed it on the top rack of the dishwasher. Methodically, she rinsed another. It was odd, but she actually liked doing it. "Mindless activity, something I don't get to do very often," she mused. She started at the sound of footsteps padding towards her.

"Need any help?" Speed asked, entering the kitchen.

"No, I can handle it," she said.

He took a dish from the stack on the counter. "Well, I figure that two of us could get it done faster than one."

"I prefer to do it myself, Greg," she said grabbing the dish out of his hand.

"Vicky, this has to stop. We need to talk things out."

She shook her head. "I'm tired of talking to you, Greg. So please, just go in your office, play on the computer, watch porn or whatever you do to pass the time and leave me alone."

"If that's what you want." He walked towards the living room and turned to her. "I don't watch porn," he said before continuing on to his office.

"Sure you don't," she muttered as she glared at his retreating form. She shook her head. "Although, I wouldn't be surprised if what you do consider to be porn consists of watching a continual loop of Trixie climbing in and out of her helicopter."

She finished loading the dishwasher and cleaned the counter. Not wanting to retire to bed just yet, she dusted the wall shelf, being careful not to break any of the decorative plates and mementos. Her hand brushed against a seashell. Gingerly, she picked it up, a sad smile on her face.

Flashback

Vicky Kingston ate her salad while she read the Real Estate Exam Study Guide. It was her lunch hour. She didn't mind answering the phone or seeing to clients, even though it was her time and she wasn't on the clock. "As long as can I get my study time in." The bell above the door rang, signaling a customer or as Maggie the owner called them, clients. She looked up and found herself face to face with a very handsome young man.

"May I help you?" she asked.

"Uh yeah, I'm hoping you can." He noticed the half-eaten salad and open book on her desk. "You're on lunch. I'm sorry. I could come back later."

"Oh no, that's okay." Vicky said brightly. "I can eat my lunch and talk to a client at the same time." She smiled. "Do you have an appointment?"

The young man grinned sheepishly. "Actually, I don't."

"That's no problem. I just need some information from you and then I'll set you up with an agent."

"Sure," the young man said, his blue eyes twinkling.

She pulled out a clipboard. "Name?"

"Sp... Gregory Racer."

"Are you looking to buy or sell?"

He pursed his lips. "Buy, I think. Or maybe rent. I'm not sure."

"Well," she said, "If you want my opinion, you're much better off buying than renting. Just the savings on taxes alone would make it worth your while."

He pondered her words. "I see... Well, thanks for the information, I'll definitely consider it Ms... " He glanced down at the name plate on her desk. "...Kingston."

"Anytime. Now... What made you decide to choose Superior Real Estate?"

He shrugged. "I figured with a name like that you would probably have superior quality."

She smiled. "Really?"

He rubbed the back of his neck. "No, not really... Actually, yours was the first real estate office I came across."

"Oh!" She chuckled. "Honesty. I like that in a man." She quickly realized what she had just said and tried to cover it up. "I mean, I think honesty is very important in a business relationship."

"Business relationship, huh?" He leaned in towards her. "I like honesty in my relationships, too. Business or otherwise."

"Uh yes... " She rose from her chair, her face burning. "Let me see if I can get you in to see one of the agents, Mr. Racer." She walked, a little too quickly, through the reception area and nearly tripped. She thought she was going to die of embarrassment when she heard an amused chortle coming from behind her.

A few minutes later she returned with one of the agents. He extended his hand and introduced himself. "Come right this way, Mr. Racer." Gregory Racer winked at her and followed the man into his office.

Half an hour later, he left with the agent. They were gone all afternoon. Vicky was just getting ready to leave when they returned. "Wow, you guys were gone a long time!"

The agent smiled. "Greg here is a very discriminating man. He wanted to find just the right home."

"And did he?" Vicky asked.

"Yes, he did. A beautiful little two bedroom, one and a half bath cottage on a quiet street not far from town." He smiled, probably thinking more about his commission than anything else. "Greg, why don't you have a seat while I finish up the contract?"

"Sure." He sat in the chair closest to Vicky's desk. "I guess you're leaving now, right?" he asked, noting that her computer was turned off and her tote bag was on her desk.

She shrugged. "Not yet. I have to wait until Jon draws up your contract. You must be very excited."

He nodded. "I am and little scared also. Me? A homeowner? I don't know if I'm ready for that kind of responsibility."

She laughed. "They all say that. You'll do fine, Mr. Racer."

"Please... Call me Greg," he said.

"Okay, if you'll call me Vicky."

He nodded. "I like the name Vicky, it's very pretty. Listen, I don't mean to sound forward or anything." His voice was soft, almost shy. "But I was wondering if maybe you'd like to have dinner with me tonight to celebrate? I know it's kinda short notice and you don't know me from a hole in the wall."

She looked down for a moment, pretending to read her appointment book. "Well, it would seem as if I'm not busy tonight." She looked back up. "Sure, I'd love to have dinner with you. I think I know you well enough."

"Thanks! I'll just sign that contract when Jon gets it ready and we can be on our way."

As if on cue, Jon motioned the new homeowner into his office. "Be right back," he said with another wink.

She blushed. Gregory Racer was someone very special and she had a feeling deep inside that he was the man she would one day marry.

---

"This place is beautiful, Greg and the food... " Vicky beamed as they stood on the outside deck of Rusty's Inn, "I've never tasted anything like it!"

He nodded. "Yes, it's very special and kind of out of the way so not many people know about it."

"It's a wonder they stay in business."

"It's got its core group of regulars who eat here. That's the way the owner likes it. No big crowds, just nice, local folks who know good food when they taste it."

Vicky gazed over the deck; the sun was just starting to set over the ocean. It was picturesque. "The sunset is going to be spectacular."

"Let's go down to the beach and watch it," he suggested. He took hold of her hand and led her down the wooden path to the nearly deserted shore. "I never get tired of watching this." He bent down to pick up a seashell and placed it in her hand. "A memento of the first date of what I hope will be many more."

She gazed at him, the shell clenched in her hand, and nodded. As her mother would say, "He's a keeper."

The sun slowly fell towards the horizon. Without even thinking, Vicky rested her head on his shoulder. He put his arm around her. They stood there until the sun disappeared. It was now dark and the wind had picked up. A shiver went through her. Greg removed his jacket and placed it on her shoulders. "This should help keep the cold at bay," he said. "And if that doesn't help, maybe this will... " He drew her to him and lightly brushed his lips against hers.

She pulled back slightly. "Yes," she whispered, "that definitely helped."

"Good, because I think I need a little warming up, too." Their lips met again, this time the kiss was deep and full of passion. The shell was still clutched in her hand as she wrapped her arms around him wishing she could stay with him like this forever.

End Flashback

Victoria sighed. She held the shell up at eye level. "I wonder who'll get custody of you?" With one last inspection of the kitchen, she turned off the lights and retreated to her bedroom, the thought of another night alone in her big, cold bed nearly driving her to tears.