She had only been in town a few days but apparently not a moment too soon. Her father, the most even-tempered man she had ever known, was mentally all over the place. He was almost too irritable to be around. She would deal with whatever mood he threw at her. He had always been her rock, and now, it was Colby’s turn.
Her dad was trying unsuccessfully to hide the stress of the moment and downplay what was going on around him. He ambled into the small kitchen. Colby had gotten up early and beat him there.
“Morning,” he grumbled.
“Morning.” Damn. He needed a shave. She said brightly, “Want some breakfast?”
“Nah. I’ve got to get to the garage early.”
He was dragging, and she could see the exhaustion on his face. “How about some coffee? I made a fresh pot.” Her parents’ kitchen would never win any awards from Better Homes and Gardens. It was as old-fashioned as it got. There wasn’t a modern gadget anywhere in sight. She even had to make the coffee using the percolator. The kitchen was just one giant metaphor for her father. The man did not believe in modern technology and fought fiercely against it.
“Maybe I will have a cup.” Casually, he asked, “What’s on your agenda for today?”
Colby handed the strong dark brew over to her dad. She lifted a shoulder. “I figured I’d drop by the garage and visit with the fellas. I hear Zander is in town. It’s been a while since all of us have been home at the same time.”
“You don’t have anything else to do?” Ever the protective father. Colby was sure he just wanted to keep her from the shit show that had become Daughtry Racing. His head waffled from side to side. “Today might not be a good time.”
Colby’s gaze was pointed as she lifted her cup to her lips. “Why would I want to do anything else?”
Cyrus couldn’t maintain eye contact. “It’s just going to be crazy. Our lead driver and his little entourage will be there.”
“Asher?”
“Yep.” Cyrus took another sip of his coffee.
“You know, he’s been with Daughtry for a few years now, and I still haven’t met him. He’s been all over the news and really raising his profile. Didn’t he qualify top five for the starting lineup in the last race?” Colby had been impressed.
“Yep. The last two. You’ve been following him?”
Colby leaned up against the counter. "Of course. I still keep up with Daughtry news even though my own daddy doesn’t like to give up any juicy details.”
“If you mean keep up as in ‘Gonzo can’t keep his mouth shut,’ I can see that.”
Colby tried to hide her smile behind her cup. She mumbled more to herself than to him. “That too.”
Cyrus turned somber. “You said you were done with this life. I don’t give you details because I figured you didn’t want any.” There was an edge to his voice.
Colby had to agree. “That’s what I said. I just needed . . . some time.”
Her father was skeptical. “You were very adamant.” She didn’t know that he’d known about her every move from the moment she moved away. Hearing about it from others was hurtful.
“Things change, Dad. I’ve changed. I’m home because . . .” She didn’t want to say because she never felt fulfilled with her work and friends in Washington, or that she continued to race in her free time. Although, she was pretty sure he’d known that. Instead, Colby switched subjects. “Isn’t there an important practice run or something today?”
Cyrus tensed up. “Something like that.”
It was more than something. Colby already knew what was going on. Her father was right about one thing. She had kept in close contact with Gonzo. He was her best friend, and they had remained close throughout the years, even though life had taken them on different paths. Gonzo was the one who told her that the very existence of Daughtry Racing was on the line—that it was solely dependent upon impressing one potential buyer. Daughtry Racing was her family. It was also an organization that her father had given not only his life but his blood to. Most of the people surrounding the team had seen Colby take her first steps. There was no way she wouldn’t be there for them. Nor would she allow her dad, or this team, to go through this situation without her.
Colby could help. She knew it.
Her father finished his coffee and put his cup in the sink. “Yeah. Like I figured. Gonzo and his mouth.” He sighed. “You sure you don’t want to go to the mall?”
“Really, Dad?”
“Maybe you can save that for tomorrow and go with your cousin. Don’t forget she’s coming into town tomorrow night.”
Colby had already forgotten. “She and I are as different as night and day. Why is she coming again?”
“She’s coming because I’m her favorite uncle, and she wants to see me,” he said cheekily. “You might be a little older, but that girl worships the ground you walk on. She seems to only come to visit when she knows you’re going to be in town.”
Colby grimaced.
“Are you sure you two are so different now? I think you’re both cut from the same cloth.” Cyrus added sarcastically, “With all those fancy clothes you’ve been wearing, I’m not so sure.”
Colby rolled her eyes. “I’m still the same girl. I just grew up, and now, I have a few designer outfits in my closet, mostly because of work.”
He grunted. “Mostly, huh?”
“I will always be more comfortable rocking jeans, a t-shirt, or a good old pair of coveralls. You know that.”
“If you say so. Just remember, no red bottoms are allowed in the garage.” He laughed. It was the first one she’d heard since returning from
