Chapter 17
Speed emerged from the bathroom running a hand through his wet hair. "Your turn," he said. "Aren't you going to shower?" he asked, noticing that she'd changed into her clothes.
"No, darlin', I decided to wait until I get home. Ah forgot mah lavender body soap," she explained, "it helps keep mah skin all soft and supple."
He gathered her into his arms. "Well, it certainly seems to be working because your skin is very soft and... " he kissed her, "supple."
"Hmm," she sighed, "I wish we could stay here all day."
"Me, too," he agreed, slowly pulling away from her. "But, unfortunately, we can't. I've got to go home and face my folks. It's not going to be pleasant, I'm sure of that."
"Well, honey, if you need moral support, Ah'm here for you."
"Thanks," he said, "I just might take you up on it."
There was a knock on the door. "I wonder who that can be?" she asked, trying to keep a straight face.
"Only one way to find out." Speed went to the door and opened it. "What the...?" he cried, as a crowd of people tried to push their way into the room. He quickly jumped back and slammed the door, pressing his body against it. "Yikes!"
"What was that?"
"Reporters, gotta be a hundred of 'em!" he exclaimed, locking the door. He slid over to the window and peaked through the blinds. "How the hell did they know we were here?"
"One guess," Dallas remarked.
"Trixie? No, she wouldn't be that spiteful," he said. "Would she?"
"Sweet pea, Ah'm sure you've heard of that old saying, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Well, Trixie's been scorned, an' you can betcha she's madder an' a cat in a washin' machine."
He furrowed his brow. "Yeah, I know she's really upset. But, to do something as low as this..." He shook his head. "I can't believe it."
"Ah can," she said, putting her arm around him. "She's a nasty, vindictive shrew who will stop at nothing to keep you all to herself. Ah hate her!" she declared, "and after what she's done today, you should hate her, too!"
"I don't know if I hate her," he said. "But, right now she's not on my top ten favorites list. She's gonna have to answer to me." He turned his head to the door; the knocking by now had turned into pounding. "They're gonna break the thing down!" He balled his hand into a fist and slammed it against the wall. "Damn her!" He narrowed his eyes. "She's gonna pay for this, I'll see to it!" he shouted indignantly.
Dallas turned from him and smiled."Trixie was so right about his temper. Ah think I can use it to mah advantage," she mused.
He collected their things, tossing her bag to her. "Let's get out of here."
She took a tight hold of his hand, her face serious. Though, inside she was giddy with excitement. Soon, the whole world would know about them, thanks to that little phone called she had made.
"Here goes nothing," he said, taking a deep breath before opening the door.
The reporters were on them in a flash, barraging them with questions, cameras trained on them as they attempted their escape.
"Don't talk to them," Speed hissed in her ear, "don't even look at them." He pushed the reporters to the side, his eyes straight ahead. He started to run, the reporters followed relentlessly behind.
"This is like a horror movie!" Dallas exclaimed as they made a mad dash for their cars.
"Tell me about it!" He pulled her along; they were only a few yards ahead of the pack. They reached the Mach Five first. "You're coming with me." He picked her up and literally threw her into the passenger's seat. He flew to the other side of the car and vaulted in. His keys were in the ignition before he even landed. The engine roared to life. "Hang on!" he cried, pressing down hard on the accelerator.
"Speed, we're gonna run right into them!" she cried as the car headed towards the throng of reporters.
"No we won't," he said as he deployed the auto-jacks. The car sailed neatly over the, now angry, press.
"Wow! That took care of them. Didn't it, honey?" Dallas cuddled close to him.
"For now. I shoulda rammed right into them, the lousy vultures," he said. "I always hated the press and their nosy questions."
"Speed...What about my car?" she asked, looking back towards the Pines.
"We'll come back for it later," he replied. "Maybe by then those creeps will be gone."
---
"Damn," Pops groused as he slammed the phone on its cradle. "The check still hasn't been deposited in our account. What's taking so long?"
"Now dear, it is early. Maybe it will show up later today," Mom said, trying to soothe him. He was upset enough, as was she, about Speed and his odd behavior of late. The last thing her husband needed was to worry about the money Paladin Maverick had promised him.
"Yeah, you're right. The money will probably show up later today."
"Maybe you should put off building the prototype until the check comes through," she suggested.
"I can't do that," he explained, "I signed a contract stating that I'd have the prototype completed by the twelfth."
"I guess you have no choice, then. I just hate having to use money from our savings to finance it, though," she said.
"Don't worry, honey, the money we make off this deal will more than reimburse our account."
"I certainly hope so..." Mom Racer had reservations about the deal Pops had made with the Texan. She didn't trust the man, or his conniving daughter.
The phone rang. "Maybe it's the bank returning my call," Pops said as he answered it. "Hello? Huh? Speed is where? I have no idea what the hell you're talking about!" he bellowed, slamming the phone down.
Mom looked quizzically at him. "What was that all about?"
"Some crank from one of the local rags yammering about Speed being at a sleazy motel. I tell you, those reporters will stop at nothing for a story."
"I don't know..." Mom said in a worried tone. "He didn't come home last night. He could have been afraid and figured that a motel was the safest place to stay," she reasoned.
"Well, if that's true, he's an even bigger moron than I thought he was. He's gotta face us eventually, putting it off won't make things go any easier for him."
"Dear, please try to control your temper when he gets home. Yelling at him won't do anything to help."
"It'll make feel better," Pops grumbled, Mom shot him a look. "Alright, alright... I'll go easy on the little ingrate. I tell ya, it won't be easy, damn kid is driving me nuts.
"Maybe I should call Trixie," Mom said. "He could be with her. Though, from the way she spoke yesterday, that doesn't seem very likely." She went to the window and looked out. "Oh my goodness!"
"What is it? Is Speed finally home?" Pops asked.
"There are two news trucks outside and some reporters. What's going on?" she wondered.
"Only one way to find out..." Pops went to the front door and opened it just as the Mach Five barreled past the trucks and into the drive way. "It's about time," he said, feeling his temper rising.
Mom heaved a sigh of relief. "Now, dear, remember what I said..."
"Don't worry, when I let him have it, I'll do it with a smile."
"I don't believe this..." Speed groaned as the reporters ran to the car.
"Ah'd just like to know how they got here so fast," Dallas said.
Speed shook his head. "They're not the same reporters."
As soon as they emerged from the car they were surrounded. Speed pulled Dallas close, his arm protectively around her.
"Speed, Dallas," one of the reporters shoved a microphone in front of them. "Is it true? Are you a couple? How long have you been together?"
"No comment!" Speed growled as he pushed the man aside. "C'mon," he said, trying to keep from completely losing it. "Let's get inside."
Pops held the door open for them; his face was a blistering shade of red. "Get the hell out of here!" Pops screamed at a reporter who tried to gain entry with Speed and Dallas. He shut the door hard. "This place is a mad house!"
"Tell me about it," Speed mumbled.
"This is all YOUR FAULT!" Pops screamed as he descended upon him. "You've really crossed the line this time!"
"Sorry Pops," Speed said apologetically. "I know I messed up really bad."
"Messed up is an understatement," Mom told him sternly. "You have humiliated this family, the team, not to mention yourself, with your actions. I'm very disappointed in you, Gregory Racer."
Speed was stung by his mother's words. She was the one who always took his side whenever Pops would ride him. He'd never seen her this way before. "Gosh Mom, I never meant to hurt you. Please don't cry."
"I'm too angry to cry," she said sadly.
"What the hell is going on here?" Pops demanded. "The damn press has called; they're outside on the lawn. What's this about you staying at a sleazy motel?"
"Oh, Ah wouldn't call the Pines Motor Lodge sleazy, Mr. Racer," Dallas interjected. "Ah think it's quite cozy and accommodating, don't you darlin'?" she smiled, addressing Speed.
Mom blanched. "You two were at a motel together?"
"Yep," Dallas nodded proudly. "Several times."
"Dallas, honey, please..." Speed implored her
"Dear God," Mom said, dropping to the couch. "I don't believe this."
Pops became more incensed. "What the hell is wrong with you? You drive the race like a drunken mad man, I find a ticket in your wallet and now this!"
Speed's eyes opened wide. "Whoa, wait a minute. What were you doing snooping through my wallet?" he asked, angry that his father could betray his trust.
"I wasn't snooping. Your wallet fell on the floor, I noticed the ticket sticking out when I picked it up," he explained. "The ticket wasn't the only thing I found, by the way."
"You mean...?"
"Yes, I found your... er... protection."
Speed sat down slowly on the couch, dizziness overtaking him. Dallas was immediately by his side. He looked at his mother; her face was a deep shade of scarlet. "You know, too, don't you?"
"Yes, I do. I'm not happy about it, but at least you're being responsible. I didn't think it was her you were involved with..." She motioned to Dallas, hoping the expression of pure disgust didn't show on her face.
"No," Dallas said sweetly, "he's been with me, only me, right sugar?"
"Yes," Speed said a bit defiantly. He knew his mother disliked the young woman, and it infuriated him. "I've been with her and I'm not ashamed about it."
"But, what about Trixie?" Mom asked.
"She's history." Speed said, his voice cold. He went over to the window and pointed outside. "See those reporters? You can thank her for them being here."
His mother was confused, what did Trixie have to do with the reporters. "I don't understand..."
"She's the one who tipped them off to where I was," he said, his voice rising. "She had no right to do that!"
The phone rang yet again. "I'll get it. It's probably another reporter," Pops said glaring at Speed. He picked up the phone. "Now, listen I've got nothing to say to you people...Huh? Oh, I'm very sorry, I thought you were someone else...Yes...I understand... I agree with you...Yes, I'm sure he'll agree to it, too...I can assure you he'll cooperate with anything you suggest...Uh huh...yes...We'll be there...I'll see what I can do about the rest of the team...sure...yes...I'll see you then. Goodbye." He slammed the receiver down. "Great, that's just great!"
"Now what?" Mom asked wearily.
"That was Mr. Andrew Coretti from the Racing Commission. He wants the team to report to him ASAP. He said after wonder boy's latest exploits he feels the sooner we get things straightened out, the better. I gotta see if I can get hold of Sparky and Trixie...see if they can make it this early."
"I'm sorry about all this, Pops," Speed said again apologizing, "I don't know what else to say..."
"Don't say anything. Just go changed into a suit. I want you going to that meeting looking like the responsible adult you're always claiming to be. And don't think I've forgotten about the ticket. We'll tackle that one after we deal with the Racing Commission."
"Whatever," Speed said as he started up the stairs, Dallas following close behind.
"And where do you think you're going?" Mom asked her.
"Why, upstairs with Speedikins, of course!" she replied brightly.
"No, Speed needs his privacy."
"That's just silly, Mrs. Racer. Ah mean, we've already been intimate. Ah've seen what he has to offer, and oh mah, he offers quite a bit, if you know what Ah mean," she said winking.
Speed's mother now felt an anger unlike anything she had ever experienced before. This was her SON the little tramp was talking about. She wanted to ring her neck at the moment. But, being Mom Racer, she hid her wrath. "Dallas, go home. I'm sure your father is wondering where you are."
"I think might be a good idea, honey," Speed said. "Things are really getting intense here, you're better off out of the line of fire."
"Okay, Darlin', if you think that's best..."
"I do," he replied. "I'll call you later, okay?"
"Sure." She put her arms around him and kissed him passionately, knowing it would upset his mother.
Mom crossed her arms. "That's enough you two."
Dallas slowly pulled back from a smiling Speed. "See you later, Angel."
"You bet!" he exclaimed. His eyes were on her as he walked backwards up the stairs.
She opened the door and stood in the threshold. "Mrs. Racer, Ah have to say your son is incredible, if you catch mah drift. Ah just wonder if Speed takes after his Daddy," she purred, turning to Pops and smiling flirtatiously.
"He-he. Well, like father, like son, I always say" Pops said, laughing, his ego stoked by the young woman's remark.
"Bye," Dallas cooed, "Tells Speedy Ah'll see him later. She opened the door and before leaving, blew a kiss at Pops.
"Nice girl, isn't she?" Pops asked.
"You're as bad as your son." Mom shook her head and went into the kitchen. The rattling of pots and pans reverberated throughout the house.
---
Trixie removed a gray sweatshirt from her closet. The words "Pop's Motors - Collision and Auto Parts" were splashed across the chest in bright red, block letters. It was Speed's. He had given it to her during a picnic at the beach last fall. The air had grown cool and she was shivering. She still remembered how he had pulled it off and handed it to her. "Don't want you to catch a chill," he said smiling. She worried that he might be cold himself, now only wearing a t-shirt, but he assured her he was fine. She sniffed the shirt, though she'd worn and washed it several times, she imagined she could still smell his cologne.
"Oh, Speed...How could you do this to me. I thought you loved me..." she sobbed. Then imaging Dallas wearing the shirt, she angrily threw into the box where she'd been collecting everything he had ever given her. "Let her have it, though it's probably too icky for her to wear anyway."
She wasn't sure what she was going to do with the stuff. Part of her wanted to toss it in the trash; the other, more rational, part thought she should give it back to Speed. "It would be the mature thing to do," she said, hoping to show the class that Dallas lacked. "Maybe I should bring it to the meeting today, give it to him there. Yeah, I'll wish him well and be on my way..." This elicited another round of tears. "How will I even be able to face him without crying?"
She was going through her jewelry box when the phone rang. It was Pops telling her about the meeting change. "Oh wonderful...I thought I'd be able to put off seeing him until this afternoon. Maybe I'm better off seeing him now and getting it over with."
---
The family managed to ward off the press when they arrived at the Racing Commission's headquarters.
"Looks like where the first ones here," Mom remarked noticing that nobody from the team had arrived yet. "I'm glad that they stationed guards at the door to keep the press out."
"They had to do something or else the meeting wwould turn into a circus," Pops said.
Speed was starting to feel nervous. "What do you think they'll do to me, Pops?"
His father shrugged, " I don't know, but I can guarantee that it won't be good."
"Oh God," he said, his color fading.
The door opened, Mr. Maverick and Dallas joined them in the room.
"Oh baby, I am so glad you're here," Speed exclaimed, giving her a big kiss.
"Ah had to come by to give you moral support, sugar," she replied, wrapping her arms around him.
"Paladin, thanks for coming," Pops shook his hand.
"Ah thought the boy could use a character witness." He turned to Speed. "Don't worry, son, Ah'll do right by you."
"Thank you, sir," he said, "I really appreciated it."
"Daddy said it's only proper that we come to your defense today. After all, you are mah boyfriend." She smiled sweetly at Mom, who kept her expression neutral. "You know mah place is by your side. As Granny Maverick always said, a woman should stand by her man."
"You're wonderful, you know that?" Speed brought his lips full on hers, not caring who was watching.
Mom walked across the room, massaging her temples. Speed had never been so demonstrative with Trixie. Didn't he even care how uncomfortable his public displays of affection made others feel? She was glad Trixie wasn't here yet, but wondered what reaction she would have at seeing her son and Dallas together?
It wouldn't take long for her to find out, as Trixie was the next member of the team to show up. She carried a medium-sized box. Even with make-up concealing her tear stained face, it was easy to see she had been crying.
Mom approached her. "Trixie, honey, how are you?" she asked sympathetically.
The young woman forced a smile. "As well as can be expected, I guess."
Mom squeezed her hand. "I'm so sorry about all of this. I wish I could pound some sense into that boy."
"Thanks, Mrs. Racer." She sighed sadly as she watched Speed and Dallas. "Excuse me, I have to give this stuff to Speed."
"I can take it to him, if you want," Mom offered.
"No, it's all right, I can do it. I have something I want to tell him anyway." She smiled again and slowly started walking towards the couple.
"I like to see her pound Dallas into the ground with that box," Mom said to herself.
"Well, look who's here," Dallas said as Trixie approached them.
Speed grimaced. "What the hell does she want?"
"Wonder what she's got in that box?" Dallas whispered.
"After the crap she pulled today, I wouldn't be surprised if it was a cobra," he replied.
Trixie stopped a few paces before them. "Hello Speed," she said, ignoring Dallas. "I um...have some stuff of yours that I don't want...need...anymore. I figured you should have it."
He glanced at the box. "Uh huh, so I see," he said flatly. "Would you mind coming out in the hall with me? I need to have a word with you, privately."
She hesitated a moment. There was something about the tone of his voice that made her nervous. "Um...okay...I guess."
She followed him into the hall, still holding the box.
