On Any Day

On Any Day

NE Sully

Copyright 2011 NE Sully

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter 1

A thin cloud of dust floated in toward the bleachers from the riders already practicing when Jayson Kennedy arrived for the Friday night race. He pulled his pickup in next to Matt Schultz’s truck, and looked around for his best friend. Deciding Matt must be signing in, Jayson pulled down the gate to his truck and changed from a baggy pair of jeans and a ratty pair of sneakers to his racing pants and riding boots, then pulled a wrinkled t-shirt over his head and made way for the clubhouse. Jayson spotted Matt talking with a couple of their fellow racers just at the end of the sign up table. He registered, and then joined the group.

Hey Matt, what's going on? Jayson asked. A couple of their peers who had been speaking to Matt had looked surprised, which had Jayson curious.

There's a new girl, Matt informed him, once the group had dispersed and the two were heading back to their trucks to unload and start practicing. Motocross was a sport that was relatively newer to the female base, so a new girl in town—whatever town that may be—usually caused a stir.

A new girl? So Sara and Laurie will have their own class now, he surmised. The track only had the two other female racers, and it was track policy that there had to be three riders to make a class. As it was, Sara Johnson and Laurie Lindsay were racing with the men's classes, but weren't gaining a lot of points because they couldn't keep up as well. Sara mostly kept to herself and her father, but Laurie had always been outgoing. She and Matt had been dating for just over a year.

Yeah. Laurie's pissed, Matt replied.

Why? I would think she would be happy about it. I haven't ever met a girl who races as well Laurie does. She definitely does much better than Sara at keeping up.

Well, you know how Laurie is about other girls. I guess she got a glimpse of this chick at the practice last night. You didn't hear it from me, but I think she's intimidated.

By the girl's racing or looks or what?

Matt shrugged as he pulled on his helmet and made sure the strap was not too tight under his chin. He waited for Jayson to gear up and then they headed to the line together. Both of the men kept their eyes open, but this new girl was nowhere to be seen. After five practice laps, they met back up at the trucks. Laurie was waiting for her boyfriend, who greeted her with a kiss.

Hey Jayson, Laurie greeted after realizing Matt wasn't standing by himself.

Laurie, how's it going?

Right now, fine. Waiting for the new chick to show up. Then we'll see.

Feeling a little intimidated? Jayson smiled. He and Laurie clashed most of the time. Out of respect for Matt, he usually opted to keep his sarcastic comments at bay, but tonight he was feeling a little more mischievous. He felt less guilty about it when Matt looked away, attempting not to laugh.

What's that supposed to mean? Laurie snapped back.

Oh, come on, Laurie. You consider yourself to be pretty hot stuff around here, and if this new chick comes in and is better than you, well, I don't foresee you taking that very well.

Look here, Jayson Kennedy. I am the best female racer around here, and that's not going to change. I am not intimidated by this girl; I just don't need her coming in here acting like she's hot when we know there’s no girl in this area who can top me.

Yeah, okay. If that's what makes you feel better about it.

What is this chick's name, anyway? Matt interjected.

Rylan Cael, Laurie replied. She's from California, I think.

I guess she'll have to be warned about you Southern girls, Jayson teased Laurie. They lived in southeast Kansas, but Laurie always said that her tough girl attitude came from living in the South. Jayson often liked to point out to her that they actually lived above the line that divided North and South, but figured maybe the geography was just too much for Laurie to comprehend.

All right, Jay, give my girl a break, Matt broke in. Come on, L. Let's go get something to drink before the first heat.

Jayson scowled behind Laurie's back. He pulled out his toolbox and began making a few minor adjustments to his bike. He remembered the days before Laurie, when he and Matt would ride every day, rain or shine. Most of Matt's time was now spent with Laurie; Jayson tried to understand, knowing that at twenty-two they were still young, but getting more serious about relationships. Part of him was jealous about losing the time with his best friend, but the other part of him just plain couldn't stand the girl. The nice case of Third Wheel Syndrome didn't help, either. Matt encouraged him to date, but Jayson found that the girls who usually showed interest in him weren’t much for a long term relationship. If he could have it his way, it would be him, his motocross, his best friend, and no other worries in the world.

It was just more than an hour later when Matt and Jayson were finally able to see the new girl ride. Rylan Cael missed practices that day, giving everyone at the track a chance to speculate about her riding ability as well as her commitment. Jayson needed to be headed to the line, but he told Matt to go on ahead without him. He leaned on the fence that separated the spectators from the track and watched as the three girls waited for the gate to drop. What was actually seconds felt like minutes, but the gate did finally hit the dirt and sent the three riders out on to the track. Laurie came out first, but Rylan was right behind her, gaining the holeshot. As the first lap of five progressed through the first set of doubles and a set of whoops not long after, it became very clear to Jayson why Laurie was intimidated by the newcomer. Rylan was a strong rider, and knew how to handle the bike she was riding. She anticipated every move Laurie or Sara would make to pass her. Rylan took first, Laurie second and Sara third, moving the first and second place riders to the main event later that evening. Jayson just shook his head, knowing Laurie would be full of things to say about Rylan for the rest of the evening. He couldn't stay around to watch her and find out where she was parked, already way behind his group gathering for their moto, but he would be on the lookout for Rylan Cael for the rest of the evening.

Jayson waited impatiently in line at the concession stand. It was a warm night, and the crowd was larger than the previous week. He stretched his neck from side to side, and brushed more dirt off of his pants. His front tire planted before the rest of his bike did going off the first jump, and the humiliating face plant he performed knocked him into the second heat to make the main. Unfortunately, his bike had other ideas, and he called it a night for racing. He was right now trying to invest in a cheeseburger but the family of four at the front of the line seemed to be holding that up. Letting out an exasperated sigh, he almost didn't hear the voice behind him.

That was quite a digger. Jayson turned to see a petite girl standing behind him. Her riding gear was covered in the same dust that seemed to be settling in on the crowd. Jayson knew immediately who she was without a hint or having to ask.

Excuse me? Jayson asked. He had heard her the first time, but now was having trouble processing her comment.

I said that was quite a digger you took in the first heat.

Oh, yeah. That was one of those jumps where you know you're going to case it by the time you're about halfway back to the ground.

I know what you mean. Back in California, where I'm from, coming out of the first straight, there was this huge tabletop and I cased it bad. I mean like, on my side, not even face first or anything half as embarrassing. She laughed remembering it.

Jayson realized that the line had moved up, so he followed. California? You must be Rylan Cael, then.

Guilty, Rylan winced. I love being the new kid in town.

Well, I haven't seen you around before, and my friend's girlfriend was telling me earlier about the new rider being from California.

Does she race?

Yeah, in your class. Laurie Lindsay.

Oh, yes, Laurie Lindsay. I think she's warming up to me, Rylan joked.

Jayson chuckled at Rylan's sarcasm. The girl apparently already had some interaction with Laurie, and was on the same side as Jayson with her perspective. He faced the front of the line again, as Rylan seemed to be talking to someone else she had already met. While she was distracted, Jayson came up with any reason possible to talk to her again. He got his cheeseburger and a bottle of water and started the walk back to his truck. Rylan was just a few feet away from him minutes later, and he decided this was his chance.

Hey, he said, tapping her shoulder. I'm Jayson Kennedy, by the way.

Rylan flashed him a smile. Nice to meet you, Jayson Kennedy.

It's nice to meet you, too. They stood awkwardly for a few moments. Well, look, I've been coming to this track my whole life, and I've lived in this city for about the same amount of time, so if you need anything, let me know.

Thanks, I will. Do you want to sit and eat with me? I have about twenty minutes before I have to get ready for the main.

Jayson agreed, and by the time Rylan headed off for her main event race—which she again took first in—he was completely hooked. The conversation between them was good, and he loved her sense of humor. If that first meeting was any indication, Jayson knew he was going to fall for this girl one day soon.

Chapter 2

Jayson spent the entire week thinking about Rylan Cael. He even made a couple of trips out to the track in hopes of seeing her, although to no avail. Thursday night, he had Matt come over to help him fine tune his bike in hopes that he would actually make a main and be able to race it the next day. After purchasing several parts, they went back to Jayson's and were in the garage until late, putting everything together.

Hey man, I appreciate you taking time with this. I'm sure Laurie could've used the time with you, Jayson commented.

Don't worry about it. She was practicing hard tonight; bound and determined to beat the Cael girl, Matt answered. He checked his friends face for any change in expression at the mention of Rylan. Sure enough, a small smirk floated across Jayson's face.

I've been thinking about her all week, he confessed.

I couldn't tell, Matt joked sarcastically. This chick is really doing a number on you.

Yeah, I think she is. I tell you, no one girl has had this affect on me. I feel like I’m being such a wuss.

She seems like a good catch, Jay. I mean, it kills the idea of double dates, but I'm sure we can work it out.

No kidding. Hand me that wrench, please.

Here you go. I don't know, Jay. I mean, if we've got our respective girlfriends, they could at least be polite to each other, right? You're my best friend, and since we were kids, we always talked about us and our girlfriends hanging out. You can't seem to snag a girl long enough to call her your girlfriend, so if this thing with Rylan works out, we have to make these girls get along somehow.

Right you are, my friend. It's a deal. Is that my phone ringing?

Matt reached for the phone that was sitting on a nearby crate. Yeah, it's you.

Does it say who it is?

Just a number, no name, Matt replied, handing Jayson the device. Jayson looked at it, recognizing it as a local number, and decided to answer.

Hello?

Um, yeah, can I talk to Jayson Kennedy, please? A somewhat uncertain voice on the other line asked.

This is Jayson. Matt asked who it was, but Jayson motioned for him to wait a minute.

Jayson, this is Rylan Cael, from the track. I got your number from one of the other guys at the track tonight; I hope that's all right.

Yeah, of course, Rylan. Matt's eyes widened when Jayson said her name. You practiced tonight?

No, I just went to watch. I tell you, Laurie looks like she's really going to give me the what for on the track tomorrow night.

I'm sure you'll do fine. She's a lot of talk.

And a lot of talking she sure did tonight. I'm sorry, I don't want to keep you for very long. You said to let you know if I needed anything. Is that offer still on the table?

Of course. What can I do for you?

Normally my dad takes me to the races because we take his pickup. He had to go back to California for the next week to close some things on the house and other stuff, so I was wondering if maybe I could hitch a ride with you tomorrow night, if you have room?

Of course. I can pick you up around six thirty when I get off work. We'll get you loaded up and head out.

That sounds great. Here's directions.

Oh, let me grab something to write with. Jayson scrambled for paper and pen, writing down her address