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CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Nicole’ s plan was working flawlessly, so far. She approached one of her friends who had mentioned her sister thought Ryan was kinda cute but had never asked her out. The passing comment had been stored for future reference and came in handy. She passed the information on to Justin.“ All you have to do is ask her,” Justin said, pointing out the red haired girl in the cafeteria.“ Be yourself. I’ m right here. Sam thought you you were cool enough to to invite you and a date,” Justin encouraged. Ryan hesitated.“ How hard is it to ask if she has ever driven a race car and would she like too try?”“ Right,” he said, heading across the lunch room. The table was occupied by a few other girls. As Ryan approached he saw one of the girls nudge Jackie.“ I’ m Ryan, and I wanted to ask if you would go out with me Saturday. But I don’ t know if you would like to drive a race car,” he said nervously.“ That’ s an original line Ryan. Don’ t you mean watch race cars?” she laughed.“ No. I said, and meant drive,” Ryan said seriously.“ I go out with you Saturday, and I get to drive a race car?”“ Yes. I drove one last weekend, and I’ ve been invited back but I have to bring a date.”“ Why me?” she asked, not wanting to seem too enthusiastic. Ryan said the first thing that popped into his mind as walked across the room, preparing himself for rejection.“ One of the cars is green, and I pictured you in the driver’ s seat with your red hair blowing in the wind.”“ Don’ t race car drivers have to wear a helmet?” she teased. Ryan didn’ t catch the joke.“ I didn’ t picture it that way.”“ You’ re funny. I’ ll be your date,” she said, writing her phone number on his hand.“ I’ m Jackie.”“ That is vital information before I call,” he said, unknowingly playing the perfect straight-man.“ My parents get upset when someone calls asking for the cute, little, redhead.”“ Can I call you before Saturday?”“ You better!” she said. Ryan nodded, and left the group of giggling girls. The, now, cold lunch, and his wing-man awaited his return.“ How did it go?” Justin queried.“ I have a date,” Ryan said, showing Justin the phone number.“ Write it down before you sweat it off. It’ s already starting to smear.”“ Is that a four or a nine?” Ryan said staring at his open palm.“ Why did you make a fist? You should have left your hand open.”“ I’ ll dial both. What are the odds both numbers have a Jackie,” Ryan said. Justin was shaking his head as Ryan jotted down the numbers, grabbed the tray of food, and dumped it in the trash.
Sam began to get excited as Saturday approached. Nicole called to tell her how much everyone was looking forward to a day of racing. None of her friends cared about her pretty cars. Now eight teenagers were thrilled at the chance to drive them. Arriving before the party, Eddie and Tanya came by to help chaperon.“ I may have gotten carried away,” Sam said as she drove the golf cart toward the track. The three yellow and white striped canopies sat side by side on the green lawn. Tables, chairs, and glass domed, dishes sat beneath the festive arrangement. Ice buckets with bottles of sparkling apple cider sat near each table. As they drove closer Tanya could see the feast that awaited. Finger sandwiches were piled under the glass domes along with freshly sliced vegetables and a variety of dips. Two swans carved from honeydew melons were filled with fresh fruit. Eight place settings were set with fine china, and crystal stemware. The linen napkins were held in place by polished silverware.“ Bottled water and soft drinks are in the ice chest,” Sam pointed at the huge white cooler placed at one end of the lavish party area, next to a hat tree adorned with black and white helmets.
The group was due to arrive any minute, and Sam asked Eddie to start the cars. Her plan was to have the three adults and Nicole park the race cars on the track in view of the tents. She went over racing format as she swung the golf cart toward the garage. Sam stared open mouthed when she opened the garage. Justin and Ryan had found the cabinet housing the car care products. The cars had been waxed, and the tires shined.“ They look new!” Sam said, remembering how John had surprised her with the unusual present, and she fought back the tears. Her phone chimed.“ They’ re here,” she said, as she, and Tanya jumped onto the golf cart.