Violet Smith is part of a racing group with her two older brothers. She has had the biggest crush on her brothers best friend, Mason for years. It was a crush she thought would go away eventually, but it never did. She catches herself staring at him...
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In the mechanic shop, the hum of tools and machinery created a familiar rhythm as Violet worked on a car. It had been a week since the race, and she was finally back to riding her bike and her car's tires were finally fixed again. Despite the return to normalcy, there was still a lingering tension with Mason that Violet had yet to be addressed.
Zach, working on an engine nearby, glanced up at Violet and frowned, "You know, I've noticed you've been avoiding Mason lately. Why's that?"
Violet glanced up at him for a moment before focusing back on the task at hand, and shrugged, "I've just been enjoying having my bike back."
Zach raised an eyebrow, "You got your bike back two days ago. You've been avoiding Mason for the past week."
Violet changed the subject quickly, trying to steer the conversation away, "So, how's it going with you and Carrie?"
Zach caught on immediately, "Oh, no. Nice try, but you don't get to change the subject that fast. Did Mason do something to you?"
Violet shook her head, "No."
Zach pressed further, "Did he make you uncomfortable?"
"No," Violet said, her frustration starting to show.
Zach's eyes narrowed, "You always leave whenever Mason is around the shop. Why?"
"Why do you care so much?" Violet asked, her patience wearing thin. As she looked up at Zach, stopping her work. Zach sighed. "Because you and Mason were always such good friends, and I'm wondering what happened to make you avoid him."
Violet threw her hands up, "Just drop it, okay?"
"No," Zach said firmly, "No, I'm not going to drop it. I want to know."
"Why do you want to know so bad?" Violet asked, frustration clear in her voice. Zach told her, "Because that's my best friend and you're my sister. If something happened, I want to know!"
Violet's frustration boiled over, "You don't always have to fix everything."
Zach, sensing he was on the verge of getting through to her, replied, "You're implying there's something to fix."
Violet hesitated, almost spilling her feelings for Mason but stopping herself just in time, "I don't want to talk about it."
She began to walk away, just for Zach to follow her, his voice rising with concern, "Come on, just tell me what's going on."
Violet's temper flared, "Leave me alone, Zach!"
At this point, the entire shop had gone silent, all eyes on the escalating confrontation. Mason and Gabe stood nearby, their expressions a mix of concern and confusion. Gabe glanced at Mason, who looked as if he was trying to piece together what was happening.
