Colby was skeptical. “I don’t know, Dad. Brian’s a little young.”
“He’s about your age.”
Colby smirked. “We all know women are more mature than men.”
“Ha!” Cyrus laughed. “We let y’all think that.”
“Riiight. Okay.” Colby laughed too. “I did my own little internet sleuthing. Brian’s kind of a playboy who likes to party.” Colby decided to leave out the fact she’d done a bit of research on Liam too.
“That’s not surprising at his age.” Cyrus nodded.
“You just defended his age. Now, you’re using it as an excuse?”
“No. I’m not defending him one way or the other. I said he is about your age.”
“That doesn’t bother you?”
“Nope.”
“C’mon, Dad. Not even a little? This is probably all just a game to him. What happens when he gets bored?”
“Like I said, I’ve got a gut feeling about a few things.”
She sighed. “I’m glad you do because Brian has no idea what is about to hit him.”
“True. But Liam is smart. He seems to be able to read the room and adjust.”
Just the mention of his name made Colby squirm. “He’s not the owner. He’s just his brother.”
Finally, Cyrus took his eyes off the road and stared at Colby. “That’s what you think, huh?”
“Well . . . yeah. Is that not the case?”
“I’m going to need you to do a little less talking and a lot more paying attention, Ms.,” his eyes danced with laughter, “women are more mature than men.”
They pulled up to the garage, and Colby’s eyes widened. “What in the world?” The Daughtry Racing signs were gone. There were men high in the air installing what she figured was the new one, along with construction workers in hard hats all over the place, and other people she didn’t recognize surveying the property.
Cyrus drove into his parking spot. “It appears the younger Lockwood wasn’t kidding when he said he was ready to put his stamp on the place.”
Colby spoke softly. “All these changes feel like they are taking a bit of my childhood away, and, with it, some of my best memories. I want a fresh start, but it's all happening so fast.”
Cyrus rested his hand on Colby’s shoulder. “Nothing can take away our memories.” He glanced around at all the activity surrounding them. “No one can take anything away that we are not willing to give.” He allowed Colby to have another moment before patting that same shoulder. “Now, let’s go inside and create some new memories.”
*****
When Cyrus and Colby arrived, they were greeted at the door by Gonzo. As they looked past him, there were even more workers inside.
“What are they doing in here?” Colby asked.
“Brian is giving Lockwood Racing a facelift. It’s great, right?” Gonzo asked excitedly.
Cyrus was a bit melancholy about all the changes happening so quickly, too, but needed to put on a brave face for Colby’s sake. Instead of answering honestly, he dodged the question. “You’re here early.”
“Not early enough. I wanted to make a good first impression, but Brian and Liam were already making coffee when I walked through the door.”
“Liam?” Colby was surprised. “I thought he was flying out this morning?”
“Don’t know when he was supposed to leave, but he and Brian are in Tom’s old office. I mean, Brian’s new office.” Gonzo chuckled. “Some big dude named Markos and a few others tore the place apart, basically tossing out all of Tom’s stuff.” Gonzo leaned his head over in the direction of their work area.
“Don’t worry, Mr. James, Brian said he wouldn’t touch our work area until he’d spoken with you.”
“That’s probably best.” Cyrus sighed.
“What about those other guys in suits just standing around? What are they doing here?” Colby turned around in a semi-circle.
Gonzo hunched his shoulders. “Don’t know, but they look a little too serious for my taste if you ask me.”
Cyrus wasn’t too keen on all the action taking place, but Brian had a right to make changes as he saw fit. “If the Lockwoods are here, I’d better go find out what’s going on.”
*****
Colby was irritated by all the noise. It was hard to talk over it. Still, Colby held the engineering team captive as she explained in minute detail exactly how she built Asher’s engine, and why she made specific modifications. It was made a lot easier since she was able to remove the engine from the car and show them.
There was a lot of head nodding and agreeing going on within the group until Asher, and the other drivers showed up.
“Well . . . looky here. Ms. James has taken over the garage.” Asher sneered her name. “No wonder Daughtry racing is such a disaster.”
Cyrus stepped away from the group. “Watch it, Asher.” His tone changed. It had hardened and was laced with unchecked bits of anger that caught everyone’s attention. “Don’t forget who you’re talking to and about.”
Asher took two steps back and away from Cyrus. He placed his hands palms up in the air as if surrendering. “My bad. Calm down. Can’t take a joke?”
“Not when it comes to my daughter.”
“You’re a little too serious this morning, old man.”
This old man will whoop your ass and stomp you to hell. Cyrus needed to keep his cool. The team was watching, but if Asher stepped out of line and disrespected Colby one more time, he wouldn’t be responsible for his actions. Cyrus put his hands in the pockets of his coveralls to make sure he didn’t reflexively choke the shit out of Asher. “You fellas were supposed to be here a few hours ago.”
“Is that right?” Asher asked with a cocky grin.
“Yeah. That’s right!” Cyrus yelled.
The garage suddenly quieted down.
“I was busy.” Ever so nonchalant, Asher shrugged. “But the way I figure it, you are lucky I’m here at all.”
Colby squeezed the wrench she held in her hands and shook her head in disgust. He was such a little dick.
Liam had stepped out of the office to take a private call and saw the entire exchange unfold.
