Page 42 of Wrecking Boundaries (SteelTrack Racing #2)

“We’re doing a ribbon-cutting today, sort of,” I say. “Except there’s no ribbon and no building. Mostly, we’re shoveling a few scoops of dirt.”

“The ceremony is a good idea. It helps us remember that some occasions should be acknowledged and celebrated. It often helps when there is family with you,” Mom says.

I pull the phone from my ear with a sigh, knowing she’s getting a little dig in. Julia Knowles was not pleased when I told her that Sarah and I had a courthouse marriage. She also told me that finding out during my interview was especially aggravating. I reminded her of her own marriage, and that appeased her somewhat.

The reaction from Sarah’s parents was more difficult.

“That’s a good point. Have you moved out of the house yet?” I ask to change the subject.

“It’s done, and the new family moved in this past weekend. Condo life suits me, Jake; I know that’s where this question is leading. Your mother isn’t dumb.”

My childhood home is gone forever. I rarely visit nowadays, but the knowledge still feels unnatural. “And the job?”

“I’ll be ready for another promotion soon.”

I chuckle. “You’ll be in charge of it all pretty soon.”

“After five kids, that will be easy.”

“True enough.”

I choked when she told me about the selling price. It was also the last time I asked if she needed help with anything. Mom hasn’t asked for it once, and neither have any of my sisters.

We hang up with promises to visit soon.

∞∞∞

It’s hot outside. The late summer breeze helps, but the humidity seeps into my skin, causing my t-shirt and shorts to cling.

Boone catches my eye, beckoning me over. I won’t call us friends, not yet. Is it possible to be friends with Boone Rivers? I’m not sure. Sarah claims we’ve approached a comfortable rapport, whatever that means.

“I have something for you.” He hands over a business card.

“A real estate agent?” I ask after noticing the unfamiliar name. “We already have a commercial space.” I tap the card with my thumb. “It’s right next to yours.”

“She specializes in residential.” Boone huffs, which I ignore. “This is the woman who helped us buy our place last year. A house three doors down from us will be on the market soon.”

I glance over at Sarah, who is busy talking with Maddie. She’s not paying either of us the slightest bit of attention.

“No, she doesn’t know,” Boone says, already guessing where my mind wandered. “It’s a similar layout, although smaller. Call our agent; the place is yours if you want it.”

Boone’s suggestion surprises me. Sarah and I discussed moving, but neither of us has taken the first step. She officially moved in after her apartment lease ended, and with a new race every week, there was never time. “Thank you for thinking of us. ”

Boone’s trademark frown appears, although I’ve learned it’s hardly the offputting expression it seems. As Sarah says, her older brother is a sweetheart underneath. A sweetheart who would deck me if I shared any of my thoughts.

“It’s not for you. This is for me. Madelyn can’t stand having her friend so far away, so I need you to buy this house.”

Okay, now that explanation makes sense. “I’ll call tomorrow.”

“Yeah, good.” He starts to leave, so I call him back. “What’s wrong?”

It’s amusing that he assumes there’s a problem.

“It’s not just Madelyn that will appreciate it. Sarah, too. Both of us.” He once demanded proof that my love for his sister was sincere, and I did it. It angered me then, but in retrospect, it’s nearly the same as what I did to him. “She looks up to you, and I get it. I get why.”

Not all connections are instant. Some grow slowly, one awkward exchange at a time.

“Same,” Boone says and leaves.

It’s progress.

∞∞∞

Bert’s poor face and arms are red.

“This is a gift for you,” I say, handing over the white bottle. “SPF 50 will help.”

The sunscreen was Sarah’s idea. After sitting with him during last week’s race, she demanded to know why no one had told him about proper skin care. Honestly, it never occurred to me .

Bert reads the bottle’s description and chuckles. “I always forget, and then it’s too late.” He liberally slathers the white goop on. “Phase one will finish before the new season begins.

“A lot to do after that.”

Sarah is managing this part so Bert and I can focus on the motorsports parts of our business.

“We didn’t lose a single member of the team, Jake. It will work out. The bones are in place, so all that’s left is filling in the guts.”

It’s another of Bert’s made-up sayings, and I’m secretly coming to love them.

∞∞∞

“Look what Lily made us,” Sarah says.

“The intern?” I’ve yet to speak to the mysterious Lily Webb since she leaves whenever I enter the room. Sarah claims the girl is shy, so I’ve left her alone.

It’s a simple sign with our new company’s name and logo. Exposure to the elements will eventually destroy it, but it’ll work until we install a permanent structure.

Yesterday, Bert, Sarah, and I used string to mark crude lines where our new headquarters will be located. It was a primitive effort but an absolute blast. We then went to a local BBQ joint to celebrate. Construction on the administrative section starts tomorrow.

Not long ago, I was a dumb sixteen-year-old kid signing his first contract, and now I’m proving my father was correct all those years ago.

“What are you thinking?” Sarah asks, leaning into me.

I’m thinking that I’m the luckiest man in the world .

“I wish my father was here. Like you said, he was the first to believe in me.”

“Jake.” She picks up my left hand and points at the thin golden band. “He’s here right now. I promise.”

I blink to clear the sudden tears in my eyes. Her simple words hit hard. “I think you’re right.”

“I know I am.” She kisses my cheek and puts an arm around me. “What do you think of the sign?”

Black Castle Motorsports.

“I wouldn’t change a thing. Not a single thing.”