Not A Secret

Rick

The qualifying race was being held in an old industrial park just outside of Jackson Heights. It took me close to forty-five minutes to get there, and I arrived just before eleven-thirty at night. When I pulled up in my Jeep and parked, it was clear to me that the race had ended. A lot of people had already cleared out, and those who had stayed back to linger and socialize were packing up their cars now.

A few people waved to me as I walked by and made my way to the registration booth. The sign had been taken down, but I could see Harley and her red hair from a mile away. She and Charlie were bent over the table collecting all the paperwork. My boots scuffed the gravel, and I slid my hands in my pocket and cleared my throat.

“Ladies.”

Charlie and Harley both turned around. Harley gave me a big smile, and Charlie watched her watch me.

So, Charlie knew about Tuesday night then.

Harley gave me a one-armed hug and then seemed to remember where she was. She let her arm fall from my wa