bring you any because I don’t know which your favorite is. Yet.” I tack on the last word, hoping she’ll notice it before a woman comes through from the kitchen and smiles at me.
“Hello, Kayden,” she says with a friendly grin, holding out her hand to me. “I’m Caroline, Haelee’s mom.”
“It’s so good to meet you,” I respond, then offer her the flowers. “I brought these for you. I hope you’re not allergic,” I continue, realizing I should have checked with Haelee beforehand.
“They’re gorgeous. I’m not at all allergic, and you’re welcome to bring some any time you visit,” Caroline tells me. She brings the pink roses to her nose and takes a long inhale as a smile spreads across her face.
“Come,” Haelee whispers excitedly, and we move through the living room, which I note is warm and welcoming, into a kitchen with modern appliances, along with a black marble countertop filled with three mugs, a large bowl of fresh fruit, and a French press.
“I made some coffee. If you youngsters aren’t in a rush, you’re welcome to have a mug before you leave,” Caroline invites, and I nod. Rushing out of here with her daughter wouldn’t look gentlemanly, and I want to make a good first impression.
“Of course,” I agree. “I take mine black with two sugars.”
With a smile, she pours the dark, steaming brew and passes me the sugar along with the mug. We settle on the high stools with our drinks before Caroline asks, “So, Haelee tells me you’re a racer as well.”
“I am. I have been since I was about sixteen. My dad used to pay for me to race on a Sunday afternoon while the track wasn’t being used. It was the only time I truly felt happy.”
“And are your folks happy with your choice of career?” I knew this question was coming. And as much as I don’t always want to talk about my dad, I know that setting her mind at ease is a good thing.
“My dad passed away three months ago, but he was proud of me. He supported my choice, although at times begrudgingly. He wanted me to take over the family business, which is more into finance, and it’s not my area of expertise.”
My honesty is responded to with a friendly smile. “I’m sorry to hear you lost your dad as well. Haelee’s father was a good man. He was the reason she got into racing, and even though I didn’t like it, being so dangerous, he always ensured she was safe.” I can tell she misses her husband. The pain in her blue eyes flickers with the heartbreak of losing the love of your life.
I never thought I would be able to understand that. Even now, I don’t think I could ever love someone because the example I grew up with is so far removed from the happy families most kids I went to school with had. I think it’s a beautiful thing to have that one person who can complete you in many ways. But to find it, is rare.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” I tell her before taking a sip of the strong caffeine. The delicious flavor bursts on my tongue when Haelee informs her mother that I’m one of Colton’s new drivers as well as her coach. We settle into a comfortable conversation, and I’m happy to have come in to meet the woman who raised Haelee.
“Can we go now?” Haelee asks, and her mother laughs.
Caroline rises from her seat with a grin on her face before she says, “Of course. Kayden, thank you for spending some time with me. I’d like to invite you to dinner one night. I’m not sure what you kids have planned over the weekend, but let me know.” I haven’t been called a kid in a long while, but it feels good. My mom would hate Caroline since she still thinks my father and I were the banes of her existence.
“I’d like that. Perhaps we can come back here tonight for dinner?” I offer, hoping it’s not too much of an imposition, but her face lights up, and I know I’ve made the right decision.
“Great. I’ll make my famous chili. I know Haelee loves it.”
“That sounds delicious. I think I may overstay my welcome if there’s such good food going,” I tease Caroline as Haelee grabs her purse, and soon we’re saying our goodbyes. I finally have my girl in the car, and we’re off on an adventure.
“Where are we