Start Small, End Big.

New Face? Faces?

Liam wiped the sweat from his brow as the Montreal heat bore down on him. He was drying a Toyota Camry, the sun glaring mercilessly. Despite the heat, he loved working at the car wash. It gave him the chance to see so many different cars-some remarkable, others less so. But Liam didn't believe in "bad cars." As a true car enthusiast, he respected all vehicles, no matter the make, model, or country of origin. As he finished drying the Camry, he waved goodbye to the driver, who returned the gesture with a smile before driving off. Suddenly, the deep rumble of a powerful engine caught Liam's attention. He looked up to see a red Kia Stinger GT slowly pulling into the lot. His breath hitched as he admired the sleek lines of the car.

Liam: Oh mon dieu (Oh my God). A Stinger GT? Ouah (Wow).

The Kia came to a stop in front of him, and a striking girl stepped out. She was dressed simply in a car cap, T-shirt, and jeans. She greeted him casually.

Hope: Quoi de neuf (What's new)? Can you dry her off for me?

Her voice carried a blend of American and Canadian accents, much like Liam's. Snapping out of his admiration, Liam nodded quickly, a bit flustered.

Liam: Oui, it won't take long, madame (ma'am).

As Liam got to work drying the car, Hope leaned casually against a nearby pillar, her smile warm and genuine.

Hope: Like the car? I take good care of it, so it's always looking nice. Hehe.

Liam: Oui! Kia's only real sports car-and a belle (beautiful) one at that.

Hope: Yeah, most people overlook it because it's a Kia, but it's special. Are you a car guy?

Liam: That would be an understatement. Hehe.

Hope: Well, you're not alone there-I dabble myself.

Liam's surprise was evident. It was rare to find a girl who shared his passion for cars. He immediately felt drawn to her.

Liam: Sérieusement (Seriously)? It's rare to meet a girl who's into cars. What do you like about them?

Hope grinned.

Hope: Tout (Everything). There's nothing specific-I love how they work, how they sound... I could go on for ages. What about you?

Liam: Eh, I'm more into motorsports, but I like everything too.

Her smile widened.

Hope: You wanna be a racer, then?

Liam: Yeah, but that's a long way off. I need to go to school, get my racing license, and hone my skills.

Hope: I'm sure you'll get there. By the way, what's your name?

Liam hesitated, slightly nervous.

Liam: Um... it's Liam.

Hope: Nice to meet you, Liam. I'm Hope. Out of curiosity, what car do you have-if you even have one?

Liam's face lit up as he talked about his pride and joy.

Liam: I have a '19 Veloster N.

Hope looked genuinely impressed and nodded.

Hope: Ooh, bonne (Good). Is it modded, or is it stock?

Liam: It's stock for now, but I'm working on modding it.

Hope: Bonne (Good).

Liam: Is yours modded?

Hope: Non (No), not really-just a drift charm. I'm working on mods too. Do you have a favorite car?

Liam: Je ne sais pas (I don't know). I like all cars equally.

Hope looked surprised.

Hope: Hmm. Most guys have a favorite. I like that you don't. But you must have a dream car, at least.

Liam: Je fais (I do). I'd love an NSX or an R8.

Hope's eyes lit up.

Hope: NSX? That's refreshing. People underestimate how underrated they are.

Liam: Ouais (Yeah). They're unique and robust.

Hope: Well, I wish you the best in your endeavors.

Liam: Thanks.

Liam finished drying the car, and Hope handed him a CA$20 bill, smiling warmly.

Hope: Thanks. Here you go.

Liam: Merci (Thanks). Have a great day.

Hope: You too.

She got into her car, started it, and drove off. The engine's roar echoed as the Stinger disappeared into the distance. Liam smiled as he watched it go, but his attention was soon drawn to another car pulling up. This one was different-clearly modified. It was a Subaru WRX with a big wing, diffuser, tow hook, canards, and carbon fiber skirts. Its distinct exhaust note-likely the result of a removed muffler-stood out. A young guy in a hoodie and sweatpants stepped out of the car.

Barrett: Nice Stinger, wasn't it?

Barrett's voice carried an American accent with subtle Irish undertones. Liam nodded, surprised.

Liam: Oh, you saw it too?

Barrett: Yeah, it was a sweet ride. Anyway, I need my car dried-think you can handle it?

Liam: Of course, monsieur (sir). I'll get right on it.

As Liam began drying the WRX, Barrett leaned casually against his car.

Barrett: I overheard you talking earlier. You said you wanted to be a racer? Well, you're in luck-I dabble in racing. Let's just say it's heavily underground.

Liam looked intrigued.

Liam: Are you a street racer?

Barrett: Spot on. I've got a few wins and even outrun the cops a couple of times. You know, the usual.

Liam's curiosity grew.

Liam: Do you race in this car?

Barrett: Yeah, she's my baby. Tuned for racing but still good as a daily. All that highway darting cakes it with dirt, though-hence the frequent washes. Hehe.

Liam: Are you good?

Barrett: Let's just say I know my way around Montreal's roads. The ones near Mount Royal? Basically Canada's version of Japanese togues.

Liam smiled, excitement bubbling.

Liam: Do you have a racing nickname?

Barrett: Nah, people just call me Barrett. Suits me-I fly like a Barrett sniper, hehe.

As Liam finished drying the car, Barrett smiled and got back in.

Barrett: Thanks, boss. Hope to see you on the streets someday. Who knows? Maybe we'll go head-to-head.

Liam: Thanks, Barrett. Maybe we will.

Barrett gave a two-finger salute before revving his engine and roaring out of the lot. As Liam watched him leave, a spark ignited within him. Maybe street racing wasn't such a bad idea after all...