Heated Nights

Chapter 2: The New Girl

Nikki Akimura was a young girl who lived in Australia for most of her life with her mother. She grew up in a wealthy family and was not happy about it. She hated how her mother would always spend money on her, buying her things that she didn't need. Nikki wanted to earn things for herself instead of taking hand outs and being spoiled.

After graduating from high school and college earlier than expected, She competed in almost every local race event she could find. Despite winning almost every race she participated in, She still felt the need for competition. Later on, She met up with her friends, Amy and Greg at a small cafe'. They both understood why Nikki didn't enjoy being wealthy and were surprised when they saw her arrive in an Orange Lamborghini Huracan.

"Where did you get that?" Amy asked. "This, this is a Graduation gift, a reward for doing so well." She said in a moody tone.

"I thought you didn't like getting free things." Greg said to her. " I don't, This was from my dad, and I haven't seen him since he left to Japan." Nikki explained.

Nikki explained that the last time she saw her father was at the age of 5. She told Amy and Greg that she wanted to find a way to clear her head and get away from the money. "How about you going on a trip?" Amy Suggested, "I hear there are lots of Races happening in the States."

"That's exactly what I need, I'll talk to me mom about it later." Nikki replies with joy.

Later that evening, She spoke to her mother about the idea. "A trip by yourself?" Her mother asked worried.

"It just feels like something I need to do, it's not like I'm running away." Nikki replies to her.
"Well you are an adult now, I guess I can't say no." Her mom said with a smile.
"Thanks so much, mom." She said whilst hugging her."

Nikki planned to leave in a week and rushed to her room to call her friends.
"Nikki wait!" Her mother yelled, "What about your car?" Her mom asked with concerned face.
"I guess I'll take it with me, I kinda like the colour." She replies to her.

A few days later Nikki arrives in Chicago. She drives around for a while to take in the scenery while finding a place to stay the night. After her first week in the City she was employed at a diner, not to far from her apartment, so she wouldn't have to use her car too often.

"Well, This is a bit boring." She said to herself, "I went the entire week without driving, maybe I'll go for one later." She continued. Nikki leaves work in her Lamborghini and drives around for a bit. She is then suddenly confronted by a Mustang owner to a race. The man confidently makes a big wager whilst taunting her and Nikki accepts the Challenge. "Finally, a Race, time to see what this car can do." She says to herself as the man lines up his car.

The man tells her where the race will end and loudly revs his engine at the cross walk. They both go on the third sound of his horn and rapidly launch off the line. The mustang takes an early lead but Nikki wasn't far behind as the flow of the traffic got thicker. The two powerful cars roar down the street at high speeds whilst dodging vehicles and other obstructions. Nikki maintained her focus as she adjusts to her car's acceleration and handling.

They both slam on the brakes and make a sharp turn to pass the half way point. After driving three more blocks, the drivers were nearing the finish. They drove side by side for a brief moment then Nikki turns of the main road. Her opponent Laughs believing that she made a mistake or forfeited. He drives around the final corner then Nikki suddenly slides her car ahead of him then crosses the finish. The man could believe or understand how he lost.

He exits his car then walks toward her with his keys in his hand. "Not bad kid, The car's yours now." He said with his hand out.
"I already have a car, I don't need two." She says to him.
"However I do need money, so if you have any I'd accept that instead." She told him. The man reaches into his pocket and hands her one thousand, five hundred dollars.
"Is this a good amount?" He asks her. "It's just enough, Thanks so much." She replies before entering her car.
"Oh and if you're looking to earn some money, There's a Tournament happening soon." He says to her then hands her the address.

"I'll check it out, Thanks for the heads up." She says to him before leaving.