BANE OF HIS EXISTENCE

Chapter 20: DON'T HATE THE PLAYER (PART 2)

MAYA.

I stepped into position beside Andrew, maintaining a deliberate distance between us as we faced the frenzied audience of thrill-seeking racers. My heart was racing like a jackrabbit in my chest, threatening to burst free at any moment. I felt like I was standing at the edge of a precipice, staring into the abyss.

"What in the name of all that's sane am I doing here?" I muttered under my breath, my voice barely audible over the din of the crowd.

Meanwhile, I passed a confident look, trying to project an air of fearlessness as the audience cheered and chanted our names. My facade was a thin veneer, but I hoped it would be enough to conceal the turmoil brewing inside me.

The announcer's voice dripped with obnoxious enthusiasm as he declared, "It was a long shot, but I knew for sure that if anyone was crazy enough to take up this challenge, it had to be none other than our very own infamous hooded rider himself!" I rolled my eyes so hard they almost got stuck that way. Seriously, dude, calm down. I'm not exactly thrilled to be here, risking life and limb for a prize that's only marginally worth it.

Andrew's expression was a picture of bewilderment as he glanced at Hossein and Min, his eyes wide with disbelief. It was clear he hadn't expected me to accept the challenge, and frankly, I was surprised myself. Well, that makes two of us, buddy! I thought wryly. As the crew scrambled to prepare our bikes, I discreetly pulled out my cell phone and made a split-second decision to take a risky gamble.

It was a long shot, but it might just be the difference between life and death, ensuring that both Andrew and I returned home safely to our loved ones tonight.

I typed out the message with a sense of trepidation, unsure if I'd get a response. "Fifty percent of tonight's win for a safe passage into your territory. As long as both riders are unharmed." I hesitated for a moment before hitting send. To my surprise, my phone chimed almost instantly, signaling an incoming text. I glanced at the screen, and a wave of relief washed over me as I read the simple, four-letter response:

"Deal."

A small smile crept onto my face as I shoved my phone into the pocket of my cargo pants and zipped it securely. I sat securely on my bike, waiting for the starting signal that would send us hurtling into the night. The truth was, winning or losing didn't matter to me. I could easily part with the promised amount, drawing from my past winnings without dipping into my upkeep money or touching my trust fund. This was about something far more valuable – ensuring Andrew's safety, and mine. The label of "trust fund baby" didn't faze me. It was a fact, plain and simple. So, what about it?

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Three hours later, the night had transformed into a vibrant, pulsating party. Maya let out a contented sigh as she downed her drink, the warm liquid sliding smoothly down her throat. She closed her eyes, savoring the sensation.

"This is what dreams are made of," she whispered, her gaze drifting back to the glass of amber liquid in her hand, the ice cubes clinking softly.

Maya used to find it amusing when people would say, "There's no time like the present." But in this moment, surrounded by the thrum of music and the joyful laughter of friends, she couldn't agree more. The present was all that mattered, and she was determined to live it to the fullest, letting go of worries about the past or future. The here and now was all that counted, and Maya was reveling in its beauty.