“Not exactly,” April says. “She was accepted… without having to present at all.”
“I don’t understand.”
“That’s all I’ll say for now. Chance, I’ll call Rebel again. It’s been a while since I talked to her and I want to check in.”
“I’m almost at the mechanic shop,” Chance says. “I’ll wait with you until Rebel comes.”
Chance steps on the gas and I wish he’d go even faster.
What did April mean by that last statement? Rebel got the funding without having to do anything? That doesn’t sound like something that would make her cry. Unless one of the men came on to her? Is that it? Did someone do or say something inappropriate to her?
My fingers fist at my sides.
Chance parks the car in front of the mechanic shop and I notice a motorcycle glinting in the sunshine.
That’s not the only vehicle parked outside.
I recognize Benji’s fancy black car from that day at the community project. He sprints out of the vehicle, hurrying into the garage.
“Isn’t that…” Chance is saying.
I’m already hopping out and storming into the auto shop.
An unfamiliar woman with short black hair looks up from behind an open hood. Her eyes skate past me, flit to Benji and then widen. She ducks her head under the hood again and doesn’t look up once.
I ignore her and look across the bay just in time to see April send Benji a scalding look.
“What are you doing here?” the female mechanic fumes.
Chance walks in, his eyes narrowing. “Sounds like my girlfriend wants you to leave.”
The tension in the air is high.
I stand beside our team captain, my arms folded over my chest and my heart speeding up from the anticipation of a fight. I’ve been searching high and low for a reason to punch Benji in the face and I feel like my time might be coming.
Unfortunately, April puts her hand on Chance’s arm and whispers, “It’s fine.”
My fists twitch in disappointment.
Benji looks haggard. “Is Rebel here?”
“No, she hasn’t gotten back yet.”
He runs a hand through his hair, his voice faint. “I heard what happened at the meeting. I drove straight over to clear things up.”
“There’s no need, Benji. Your dad made everything exceptionally clear.”
“I had no idea he would pull something like this. Honestly.”
“Tell that to Rebel, not to me.”
Actually, I’d prefer if he kept a five mile distance from Rebel at all times.
Benji scrapes his hands through his hair again. “Rebel’s not answering my calls. Can you please tell her I need to speak with her. I’ll wait at the burger place. I’ll wait as long as it takes.”
“No need. I’m right here,” an upbeat voice says.
We all turn to face the door.
