Page 76 of Call it Reckless

She laughed. “Two words. Soapbox. Derby.”

My head fell forward. I should have known that I’d lose that battle. Yet somehow, it didn’t feel like a loss at all.

“Only if you’re involved with us. I’ve heard it can be a family event.”

“But I’m not—”

I shushed her with a finger over her mouth. “Whatever we are right now, it’s close enough. It’s something we can all build together while we build our relationship.”

For the first time, I left Bristol speechless. But I knew by her smile she was completely on board.

CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE

Reid

It was a surprisingly large crowd that had gathered at the opening of Head to Tow Salon and Garage. I was sure many were genuinely curious about the unusual combination of a mechanic’s garage and side beauty shop, but I suspected several were curious about the semi-famous hometown girl who’d returned. There were also some people who I suspected were journalists, as well.

Curiosity might have drawn customers in, but their feedback suggested they’d be back because of good service.

Bristol might have said that she wasn’t sure what to say or do once she was in front of those attending the opening, but she was either downplaying her skill or she’d figured it out. Not only did I enjoy her introduction of herself and Paige and the idea behind their business, but I felt an enormous sense of pride in her. She was making her mark once again. She was warm, witty, and genuine.

“We really look forward to serving you and helping you multitaskers be more efficient.” She pointed to the mayor’s secretary. “Darcy, I’m talking to you, girl!”

The crowd laughed because everyone knew that Richard Bowen was reliant on her for just about everything.

“I’ll let you check what makes my engine run anytime, Bristol,” a male voice hollered out.

The innuendo pissed me off. I wanted to tackle him myself, but I needn’t have worried.

As the crowd laughed, Bristol put a hand to her face to shade her eyes and peered out into the crowd. “Is that you, Owen Berger?”

“You know it,” he called back.

“You come on in, Owen. If I recall the rumors correctly, you always were stripping your gears and running out of gas too early.”

The crowd hooted and called out Owen on his takedown. Typical of him, he took it good-naturedly and slapped his hat on his thigh, roaring with laughter, too.

She and Paige each spoke a few more words, then Mayor Bowen welcomed them, and the party began. I watched as she smiled and greeted everyone.

“She’s really something, isn’t she?”

I turned to the male voice that distracted me. A man a little older than me was watching Bristol with a look of pride on his face, along with something that looked like adoration. Was he a former boyfriend? She’d never mentioned one, but Bristol wasn’t one to offer extra information that she didn’t consider anyone else’s business.

“She is. Do you know her well?”

“I know her from back home, near Charlotte.”

“You traveled all the way out here for this?”

“Wouldn’t have missed it for anything.”

My gut twisted. I suddenly understood her jealousy of Rhonda. But if I’d learned anything about her, it was to not make assumptions.

“I’m so damn proud of her,” he went on. “I owe her everything.”

“Mmm, she’s incredible,” I responded, not sure what else to say. It galled me that he sounded like he knew her better than I did. “Reid Braxton,” I said, offering him my hand.

He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, a nearby squeal interrupted us.

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