Racing for Keeps

Chapter 13

Shawn's POV

It's been two weeks since I've seen Camila.  Apparently watching her go through what she is, really did trigger a lot of old memories in me.  I remembered all the times I was so harsh with her and in turn, how much I hurt her.  I know it's all water under the bridge now, but I realized in the early stages of our relationship, we weren't the greatest to each other.  And, until now, I never put two and two together.  Camila had been suffering at the hands of her father for much longer than I knew, so when she had any reason to doubt me, she got angry.  But come to find out, it wasn't anger out of anger.  It was anger out of love.  Because she loves me and she trusts me.  At least now she does.  After all we've been through...

My therapist and I talked about how Camila's accident, in ways, mimicked my own.  We were both gravely hurt and a lot of time was spent wondering if we'd make it out alive.  God, she was just as scared as I was.... Overall, I knew I did that right thing by stepping away.  James would give me updates when he could. 

Becca had flown in the other day and his time was consumed with his sister and his fiancé.  I couldn't blame him for not keeping me in the loop.  He'd gone months without seeing her face to face, feeling her touch, going through life without his partner in crime by his side.

Becca stopped by the house one afternoon when I was there.  It was good to see her, but I could tell something was weighing on her.

"B what's wrong?" I asked her.

Sighing she replied, "I'm so heartbroken over what's happened with Camila.  I know she's going to be okay, and I'm so happy for that.  But god, it made me realize that life is too damn short.  I don't want to wait to marry James.  And the more I've thought about it, the more I don't want to get married in a place where his father's name has come to be hated.  Indy has not been the same since the scandal broke" she admits and in the midst of all that's happened, I didn't even give a thought to Mario.

My therapist and I had talked about something that would help me.  Getting back in a car.  Not just a car, but my IndyCar. 

I knew the time would come sooner or later, but the thoughts hadn't recently crossed my mind until she mentioned Indy and unfortunately, Mario.

Is it something I really wanted to do anymore?  Would people still love me if I wasn't the playboy racer I once was?  Would my short lived affiliation with Mario Cabello change anything?

So many questions ran through my mind as Becca looked at me expectedly.

Walking to meet her across the kitchen island, I pulled my phone out. 

"Josh and Bella are due back any day from Sedona.  I sent them on a mini vacation to one of the best resorts and spas there is in Red Rocks.  If you'd let me.... I'd like to help you make your wish to marry James a reality" I said as I sent her the link to the place I was thinking they could host their wedding.

Gasping, she looks back across the kitchen island at me.  "Shawn!  This place is beautiful!! There's no way we can get it on such short notice though!"

"Becca.... I own the place now.  You can have it whenever you want" I told her.

"You own this place?" She smiles, looking suspiciously, but also shocked.

"Well... I own half of it, my friend Connor owns the other half.  We've been looking at buying the place for awhile.  Arizona has always been a second home for both of us.  You know I like parties and he likes taking photos, so we wanted to restore it to a perfect wedding venue.  Connor and I would be honored to have you and James as our first wedding!" I smile at her, showing her that I'm completely serious.