Backroad Fate

Chapter 31

       Sunday afternoon- race day:

       45 minutes till green flag:

       (Madison's point of view)

      Denny was about to go up for driver intro's. He said that he wanted to take Taylor and Sophia up with him, because he wanted to show off their matching fire suits. Of course I said yes. I love that Denny is so passionate about family and racing. He really is incredible. 

      (Denny's point of view)

    Casey Mears and I are going out during driver intro's at the same time. Sophia and Taylor have their headsets on, that are pink and have the number eleven on it. When the announcers called my name, I grabbed the girls' hand's and we walked out and I waved. I looked down at both of them and they were both smiling and waving. I laughed at how natural they both seemed in front of a huge crowd like this one. 

     When we came back to pit road, Madison and my Mom were talking. The conversation seemed pretty serious. When they saw me they stopped talking. 

.

         "Hey. What were you two talking about?" I asked.

        "Uh... Nothing. Just the race." Madison replied. 

      I decided not to push the issue, because I didn't want to make her mad. I have a feeling that the conversation was about me. 

       20 minutes until green flag:

        (Madison's point of view)

    Denny's Mom took Taylor and Sophia back to the motor home. I'm currently sitting on the pit wall. I've been in deep thought all day about what Denny and I are. Are we both just together because of Danny and Jordan, or do we really care about each other. Mary and I were talking about it when Denny interrupted us. She told me that I'm all he talks about. 

   I still can't figure out why I was so surprised, I mean after everything I've been through, shouldn't I be able to allow myself to be happy. But it's like my mind never stops doubting myself. Every decision I make, all I ever do is think about how it will affect everyone else. It's time that I start making decisions for myself. 

   While I was sitting there I hadn't noticed that it started raining. I also didn't notice Denny sitting next to me and holding an umbrella over me. I looked at him and he smiled at me. I smiled back at him, looking into his deep green eyes and blushing. I also forgot to tell him that I filed divorce papers against Danny. I petitioned for joint custody of Sophia. I could never take her away from her Dad. I'm not that evil. 

    I scooted closer to Denny so he could be under the umbrella, too. 

      "Thank you." I said to him. 

      "For what?" 

     "For holding the umbrella over me while I was day dreaming." I said, chuckling. 

     He smiled, "What were you day dreaming about?" 

   ...... "You." I said, blushing.

      Denny gasped and put on a fake surprised face, "Little ol' me. Really?" 

     I playfully punched him on the arm. "Haha. You already knew I was thinking about you." 

       He smiled and winked at me. I looked around and we were the only ones on pit road. Everyone is either on the pit box or in the garages. It was surprisingly quiet out.

         "We should get to racing soon." Denny said. I nodded and Denny looked at me with a concerned face. 

         "What's wrong?" Denny asked. 

  ...... "I sent the divorce papers to Danny." 

    He nodded, "... I'm sorry that must've been hard." 

   I shrugged, "Yeah, it was. But I've come to the conclusion that there is nothing left between Danny and me. The only connection we have between us is Sophia."

           "Are you going to to petition for full custody of her?" Denny asked. 

          "No, I wouldn't take her away from Danny. I'm going for joint custody. It's the right thing to do." 

        Denny grabbed my hand and looked at me. "I'm so proud of you. I couldn't ask for a better role model for my daughter."

        I smiled at him with tears in my eyes. "Thank you so much. That means a lot."

       I put my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes. He leaned down and kissed my forehead and squeezed my hand. 

         "I love you, Maddie." He whispered. 

         "I love you, too, Denny." 

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720 words.