Like Old Times, a short story

This Whole Thing Was Planned?

"What was that all about?" I asked him after I'd found where he'd parked. We were standing just outside the car. Luke didn't even look like he'd put in any effort.

"I have no idea." He set his helmet down in the passenger seat. "I didn't even know Chuck would be out here today, he never told me. When I saw his spots through the glass... well, there's only one leopard around here that's got an F430. I've won almost every race we've both entered. He doesn't drive pro. It gives him a disadvantage. So I just pulled off. I wanted to give him that satisfaction. I get first place enough of the time."

"You know... you're sweet sometimes too."

Shelby appeared behind me at that moment, seemingly out of nowhere. "You ready to go?"

I gave him a confused look and turned back to Luke. He had a bit of a sly smirk on his face.

"You mean..." I wasn't sure exactly how to say it. "This whole thing was just a way to get me to Shelby's place?"

Luke nodded. "It was his idea. 'Just like old times' was how he put it. Thought you'd enjoy it, with Tails not being here and all..."

I gave Shelby the biggest hug I think I ever had. "How long can I stay?"

"As long as you want. All day, if that's what you feel like." He looked at Luke as if to ask if he was right. Luke glanced back at him approvingly. "My dad's already waiting for us." He tilted his head for me to follow him.

It was actually a pretty long drive from there to Shelby's house. I always forget he's in the opposite direction of most of the places we go, so the 30-minute drive up to the track turned into almost an hour on the way back. We were pretty quiet for most of the trip, which surprised me. Shelby usually always has something he wants to talk about, but maybe he was just saving his enthusiasm.

We pulled into the driveway at a bit past 10:00. I remembered how much more "upscale" their house is compared to me and Luke's as soon as I saw it.

Marc shut the car off and stepped out, waiting for us to follow.