Speed Queen (GxG)

Chapter 7: Hidden Romance

   I looked at myself in the bathroom mirror, applying the last of my makeup for my first official date with Judy tonight.

   I stood up straight, inspecting my look one last time with a slight smile before heading out.

   "Where are you off to all dressed up like that, sweetie?" Trisha asked.

   I glanced over at her, my dad was nowhere in sight.

   "Getting dinner with my friends."

   She smiled, looking me up and down. "You sure? Because it looks more like you're dressed up for a date."

   I nervously shook my head. "Nope, just a bite to eat with friends."

   She folded her arms over her chest. "You sure a nice country boy didn't grab your fancy? You don't have to be embarrassed, sweetie, you can talk to me."

   I lowered my head. "Fine, you're right."

   She jumped up, excitedly clapping her hands. "Ooh, what's his name?"

   Before I could answer, my father walked out of his study. "I'd also like to know." He said, folding his arms over his chest.

   I nervously glanced between the two of them before blurting out the first name that came to mind. "Rex... Um, his name is Rex."

   Trisha smiled. "And what does this 'Rex' do?"

   I rubbed the back of my neck. "Uh, he's a mechanic."

   My dad grunted, seemingly out of disapproval.

   "But, he's really nice and he treats me well." I answered before he could get a word out.

   "When do we get to meet him?" Trisha asked.

   "How about tomorrow?" My dad chimed in.

   I quickly nodded. "He'd love to."

   "Great, we'll see him for dinner then." My dad said before walking back into his study.

   Trisha sat back down. "Well, don't let me hold you up any longer, go enjoy your date." She said with a wink.

   I just sighed before walking out the door and down the street.

   Judy was already sitting on her front porch when I approached.

   She stood up and pulled me into a quick kiss. "What's with the long face?"

   I lowered my head. "My parents, they pried out that I was going on a date tonight."

   Judy lowered her head a little as well. "Oh... what'd you tell them?"

   I sighed. "That I'm going on a date with Rex."

   She looked up at me before starting to laugh. "Why Rex?"

   I shrugged. "His was the first name that popped into my head."

   She patted my shoulder. "Don't beat yourself up, it's not like they'll ever have to meet him."

   I looked down at my feet, fiddling with my fingers. "About that..."

   She looked at me. "What about it?"

   I looked up to meet her gaze. "They invited him to dinner tomorrow... and I told them he'd come."

   She squeezed my arm. "Well, he'll be there then."

   "How can you be sure?" I asked.

   She smirked. "'Cause, I'll kick his ass if he doesn't show up."

   I smiled before looking down again. "Thank you."

   "No problem, he probably won't be to happy about it, but he's your friend and I'm positive he'll do whatever he can to help you out."

   I looked back into her eyes before planting a soft kiss on her lips. "I guess this means we have to tell him about us."

   "True, but that can wait for later. For now, let's just focus on this date."

   I smiled. "You're right, let's go."

   She patted my shoulder before leading me to her car.

   We got in and sped off towards the restaurant.

We pulled into the parking lot shortly after and headed inside, taking seats at a table in the back.

A waiter walked up and took our orders before leaving us alone for the time being.

Judy smiled at me from across the table.

I returned it. "What's up?"

"Nothin', just happy to be here with you."

I looked down, attempting to hide the growing blush. "Me to."

   She reached across the table, taking my hand in hers. "Angela, I know we haven't known each other for very long, but you've truly made this one of the best months of my life and I'm so grateful to be able to call you a friend... Maybe even more than a friend."

   I smiled. "I feel the same way. I've had more fun this last month than I ever have in my whole life and that's all thanks to you."

   She returned my smile, leaning over the table to press a sweet kiss to my lips.

   When she pulled back, we gazed into each others eyes, comfortable silence filling the table.

   Then, the waiter returned, interrupting our moment.

   "Well, the food certainly looks great." I said.

   "Just wait 'till you taste it." Judy replied.

   I took a bite of my steak and groaned in approval.

   Judy giggled. "Can't beat good old fashioned southern cookin.'"

   "You're not wrong." I replied with a laugh of my own.

   "So, how're you enjoying our little town so far?" Judy asked.

   "It's amazing. I never knew small town living could be so fun and so full of adventure. And it's all because of you and Rex and The Rocket." I replied happily.

   She smiled. "Well, thank you."

   I nodded. "Speaking of, what got you into racing in the first place?"

   She set her fork down, looking up wistfully. "My dad. I still remember the first day he took me to the track. He set me up with a nice little spot near the finish line and I got to watch his car fly by at a hundred miles an hour all day long. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face and I don't think I wanted to. Ever since that day, I knew that was the only thing I'd ever wanna do."

   I smiled. "I felt the exact same way the first time I watched you fly down the track. I can't really explain it, but something about that speed and the adrenaline made for one hell of a way to spend your day."

   She smiled back. "I couldn't have said it better myself."

   After our meal, we paid and headed back to Judy's car.

   We got in and Judy started it up before making her way back to my house.

   Tonight was amazing and I wish I could live in it for the rest of my life.

   Unfortunately, though, I couldn't. And I still had tomorrow to deal with...