Chapter Three

Tracey awoke to a loud banging on her door. Hair disheveled she got up, slipped on her robe and went to answer it.

“Who is it?” If it was Shane again, at least he’d be pleased that she’d remembered to ask. But it wasn’t Shane.

“Open the door, Tracey,” her brother’s voice boomed.

Opening the door, Tracey was surprised to find not just her brother but an entire delegation of family members who stared at her with expressions ranging from surprise to outrage.

“Have you seen the news?” Declan asked, pushing past her and into the room.

“Please come in,” she smarted.

Her brother marched over to the television and turned it on. Everyone else followed him into the room. She opened her mouth to demand some respect for her privacy, but the image on the screen silenced her immediately.

Right there, in full color, was a picture of Shane leaving her room in the wee hours of the morning. As she watched, another picture flashed on the screen, one of him entering her room while she stood there in nothing but a towel. Tracey began to sweat. One picture might just be a coincidence, a member of the stalkarazzi getting lucky. But two pictures? It could mean only one thing. She and Shane had been set up. They were definitely being watched.

“What do you have to say for yourself?” Her brother demanded, pushing out his muscled chest like a banty rooster.

“Everybody get the hell out of my room.”

“Not until you explain just what is going on here,” Declan demanded.

Tracey walked up to Declan to stand directly in front of him. She got right in his face. “Listen and listen well, Declan. There is nothing going on and if there were, it would have nothing to do with you. So back off,” she said in a voice laced with acid.

“When it has something to do with the team and this family, it is my business,” he yelled.

“Hold on, Declan, let Tracey explain. I am sure there’s a reasonable explanation for this,” her father said. “Well, Tracey?”

“Well, what?” she responded.

“Explain yourself young lady!”

“Explain, what, Daddy?” she snorted.

“Don’t get flippant with me, young lady. Show some respect,” he said.

“Oh like the respect you all showed me by showing up at my door and banging on it like you were the police,” she snapped.

“Tracey, don’t be disrespectful,” her mother chastised. “You have to admit that all of this is kind of odd.”

“Why is it odd, Mother?” Tracey asked eyeing her mother. “Is it the fact that he’s white, or is it that fact that he’s supposed to be our ‘rival’?”

“Both,” Declan screamed.

“Oh screw you. You would do kindly not to raise your voice at me again Declan,” Tracey turned her frosty glare on him. “I already have a set of parents. You’d do well to remember that.”

“You’d do well to remember that Shane’s a rival competitor. The newspapers are going to have a field day with this. I knew you were angry with us for replacing you with Daniel, but who knew you’d go as far as sleeping with the our chief rival to show just how much,” he barked.

“Well according to you and Daddy, Daniel was an addition and not a replacement, although we all knew the truth. So now you all see a news report that has Shane entering and leaving my hotel room, and now I owe my family an explanation. Not to mention that I’m a grown woman who doesn’t need to report whom I’m sleeping with. But, here’s the kicker: you don’t even know that I slept with Shane. You’re assuming, just like the news reporters. If I had an entire army of Shane’s in my room, it still wouldn’t be anyone’s business but mine. Understood? Now get the hell out of my room,” she yelled.

“Tracey…” her mother started.

“No, Momma!” Tracey cried her voice full of emotion. No matter how hard she tried she couldn’t stop the tears streaming down her cheeks. “I’m tired, I’m sore and disappointed. Not one of you even thought to ask how I was feeling after my car flipped yesterday. Your only concern is that Shane Westbrook was caught leaving my room and it might look bad for the great almighty ‘Powells’. Well at least Shane had the decency to check and see how I was doing. Can’t say that for my ‘supposed’ family, now can I?”

“Tracey’s right,” Sam chimed in. “Declan, you don’t know what happened, nor do you care. You’re thinking of yourself as you always do. Tracey had a freak accident yesterday that not only scared her but me, too. You don’t even know Shane, and you’re condemning her for something you don’t even know happened. Shane is not the bad guy here. He’s a much respected racer who has done nothing to this family as far as I know. I suggest before you start peeking in someone else’s window, you’d do best to make sure yours are clean.”

“What’s that supposed to mean, Sam?” Declan barked.

“Enough, all of you,” Barbara Powell said firmly.

“But, Mom…” Declan started.

“Don’t you ‘but’ me, Declan. J.D., you and Declan get lost for a bit. I need to have a word with my daughter,” she said to her husband, giving him a keen stare.

“Come on, Declan, your mother has spoken. Let’s leave these ladies alone for a moment. Just so you know, Tracey, we will talk,” her father said sternly.

Although Tracey gave an affirmative nod she knew she didn’t have any intentions of speaking with her father for a while. She’d had enough of him and Declan. Tracey loved them both dearly but enough was enough. It was time for her to either sink or swim, and swim she would.

Tracey watched her father and brother leave the room. She couldn’t bring herself to say anything. She was still seething inside.

“Have a seat, Tracey,” she heard her mother say.

Tracey just stared at her mother without saying anything.

“Now!” her mother barked out.

Tracey rushed over to the bed and sat on the edge, as did Samantha. Her mother’s tone brooked no argument. Their mother rarely raised her voice but when she did…watch out.

“So tell me what’s really going on with you and that Shane man?” she asked, taking a seat on the bed next to Tracey.

“There’s nothing to tell, Momma,” she said running her fingers through her disheveled hair.

“Please, little girl, don’t lie to me. I’m your mother. I know you like the back of my hand,” she scoffed. “Talk.”

Tracey inhaled and then exhaled heavily. “Shane and I are not seeing each other…anymore,” she spoke quietly.

“So you two did have a relationship?” her mother asked.

“Yes, but not anymore.”

“When?” Sam cut in surprise evident in her voice.

“It was before you came back home, Sam. Before all this mess started with Daddy and Declan…about a year ago,” she murmured. “Shane’s brother, Adam, told him about the accident and he came by to see how I was doing.”

“And you guys kept it quiet for this long? Wow,” Sam laughed. “How in the hell did y’all manage that?”

“Samantha, watch your language,” their mother chided.

“Oops. Sorry, Momma,” Sam flushed.

“Just how did you two keep this quiet?” Barbara asked with a lift of her delicate brow.

Tracey snickered. “Please, you two forget that half of America thought I was into women. It wasn’t that hard.”

“So why’d he break up with you?” her mother asked.

“He didn’t. I broke it off with him,” she said getting up from the bed and pacing the floor. “It was just complicated. Declan and Daniel had started this war campaign against Shane and his family, and I didn’t want to add fuel to the fire. Besides, when I win I don’t want people thinking that Shane gave me any special treatment or let me win because we were having sex.”

“Lordy, you young people…so he was just here to see how you were ‘doing’ last night?” her mom asked suspiciously.

“Yes, Mother. Shane and I stopped sleeping together a year ago,” Tracey lied. She would leave out the part that she and Shane had had the most mind blowing sex just hours before.

“Umm hmm,” her mother murmured, eyeing her with a look of disbelief.

“Seriously. He must have waited until I fell asleep because I don’t remember him leaving or me falling asleep. Lo and behold, I’m being awakened by loud banging on my door and Shane’s face splattered all over the television. Ohmygoodness! Shane! He’s had to have seen the broadcast by now,” she groaned, covering her face with her hands, and plopping back down on the bed. “Oh, my life is always such a mess.”

“Umm, hmm, not to mention the slew of reporters that are camped outside of the hotel just waiting for you to appear,” Sam said with a note of humor.

“Oh hell! Oh hell!” Tracey chanted.

“Tracey, watch your mouth,” her mother reprimanded.

“I don’t have the time or the patience to be proper, Momma. Still I’m sorry,” she moaned. “I have a headache for real now. Oh gawd!”

“Well you can hear what the man has to say himself. He’s on the television now,” Sam chuckled. “Damn that man is fine.”

“Samantha Powell, will I have to wash your mouth out with soap?”

“Oops, my bad, Momma,” Sam giggled. “Come on, Momma, you have to admit that he’s got that something. Lordy! The swagger on that man. Tracey you’re crazy for letting that go.”

“Well…yes, he’s a handsome devil. Don’t tell your father I said that though.” She smirked at her girls.

“Hush, you two, I’m trying to hear what he’s saying,” Tracey shushed her mother and sister.

“That’s easy, just turn the television up,” Sam said, getting up, picking up the remote control, and turning up the volume on the TV.

“Shane, are you and Tracey Powell seeing each other?” one reporter asked.

“It depends on what you mean by seeing,” Shane joked.

“Are you lovers?” another reporter asked.

“A gentleman never kisses and tells,” he laughed.

“So we can assume that since you were seen in her hotel room that you two are having some kind of relationship?” the reporter said slyly.

“You can assume anything you want. You will anyway,” Shane mocked.

“With your reputation, it’s safe to say that you two are sleeping together?”

“No it wouldn’t be safe to say that at all,” Shane barked. “Listen, folks, Tracey is a fellow racer. She had an accident yesterday and I went to check on her. I thought it best to go later as to avoid precisely what’s happening now. I respect her as a woman and as a fellow competitor. Now I have someplace I need to be. Talk to you good folks later. I need to have all of my wits about me for the race,” he said and turned towards his car.

“Well done, Shane,” she heard her sister say.

“I like him,” her mother said.

“Hmm,” was all Tracey said. She was still staring at the television when she heard the firm knock at the door.

“That would be your father and brother,” her mother said. “Get dressed. You can’t stay here now. You’ll never get any rest. How are you feeling? For real, Tracey?”

“I feel fine, Momma,” Tracey murmured. “Will one of you let Daddy and Declan in before they break the door down. “I’m staying here, Momma. I’ll be fine. There are so many racers here that I’ll be old news in no time.”

“We’ll see sweetheart,” she called out walking over to the door to let her husband and son in.

“Why are you all making so much fuss?” Barbara asked them as she opened the door.

“We got cornered by a bunch of reporters,” Declan said. “We bought Tracey some food.”

“Really?” Tracey questioned. “I thought you hated me.”

“I don’t hate you, Tracey. You’re my sister. Not only that, you’re my twin,” Declan said.

“I’m glad you remember,” she muttered.

“What does that mean?” he barked.

“Will you two be quiet?” Her father demanded. “This bickering is getting on my nerves. Tracey, we’re sorry for busting in here on you like that. Now will you take the olive branch that your brother is trying to extend to you and be happy?”

“What about you?” she asked her father.

“Don’t push your luck, young lady. I’m still your father,” he said slowly.

Not saying anything, she followed her brother over to the little table where he was emptying the contents of the bags. “Thank you,” Tracey murmured. “What is it?”

“There’re pancakes, bacon, eggs, sausage and orange juice. There’s coffee and tea as well. I got both because I didn’t know which you’d prefer,” Declan smiled at her. “How are you feeling?”

“Okay I guess.” She smiled back at him. “I was more shook up than hurt.”

“Good. You think you’ll be okay to compete?” he asked with real concern.

Tracey heaved a heavy sigh. “Yes, Declan. I’m not dropping out of the race.”

“Did I ask you to?” he shot back.

“Please. You want your boy Daniel to win this race and you know it,” she snorted.

“I knew it was too good to be true,” their mother said. “What am I going to do with you two?”

“Tracey I was merely asking after your well-being. Do you honestly think I’d put Daniel over my own sister?” he continued as if he hadn’t heard his mother.

Tracey quirked her brow. “Are you serious?” she snorted.

“Let me rephrase that. I would never put Daniel over your well-being. I’m a business man, Tracey, but regardless, we’re still blood,” he barked.

“You make me wonder, Declan,” Tracey whispered.

“You know I wouldn’t. Now eat,” he demanded. “You look like crap.”

“Geez, thanks a lot. You know I could have just as well ordered from room service,” she said, taking the containers from him.

“You’re welcome,” he said, sitting down at the table next to her. “So what happened on the track yesterday?”

Tracey gave her brother a rundown of what had happened. “I’m telling you everything was fine and then boom. I don’t know what happened.”

“Thank God you weren’t hurt. I don’t like this racing thing, baby. I know this is your dream, but couldn’t you just collect some dolls or something?” her mother asked.

“Eww,” both Tracey and Samantha said simultaneously.

“I give up,” Barbara Powell said throwing up her hands. “I have two daughters that race things and a son that sits in an office. I just don’t get it. J.D., this has to come from your side of the family.”

“Why my side?” he asked throwing up his hands.

“Because my people just don’t do things like this,” she huffed.

“Sure they don’t. I guess that was my sister mountain climbing with strangers?” he retorted.

“Bernadette is considered the black sheep in the family; she doesn’t count,” Barbara complained.

“She’s your twin, honey,” he laughed. “And let’s not forget I was against this racing thing from the beginning. You were the one that wanted the girls to explore their ‘creative’ side. Well, you can’t get any more creative than this.”

“We’re not identical twins. So there,” Barbara countered, and they all laughed, knowing that their mother had been bested.

“Okay, people, it’s been fun but I really need to rest a bit more before I get my day started. I have a lot to get done,” Tracey said, finishing off the last piece of bacon.

“Just what are you trying to prove, Tracey?” Declan asked.

“I’m not trying to prove anything, Declan. I am going to win this year’s Royale Cup race,” she said confidently.

“You and I both know you can’t beat Shane,” he snorted.

“Maybe not, but I’m sure as hell going to give it my best shot. So I’d tell Daniel not to be doing any celebrating,” she snickered.

“Tracey, regardless of how you may feel about the man, you’re both on the same team,” Declan said.

“Are we? Humph, maybe you should tell him that. I have to take a shower. I have a meeting with one of my sponsors in an hour. Don’t want to be late. Mommy…Daddy, I’ll talk to you soon,” she said getting up and placing a kiss on both her parents’ cheeks before turning to her sister. “Ready for this, sis?”

“Of course, let’s do this,” Sam chuckled, giving Tracey a high-five.

“Oh goodness, I feel faint.” Their mother pretended to swoon.

“Well faint on the way home,” Tracey laughed. “I’m sure you don’t want to fall out in this hotel room.”

“And that’s another thing. Why not stay at one of Maximillian’s hotels? I think you go out of your way to provoke us,” her father chimed in.

“Daddy, this hotel is just as good as Maximillian’s. It’s closer to the track and more convenient. Stop being a snob. It could have been worse. Most times I’m in a motor coach. As far as I’m concerned this is the Grand Hyatt,” Tracey admonished. “Goodbye, family.”

“I’ll call you later, Tracey,” Declan said.

“Sure. Whatever you say, Declan.” She smiled, shaking her head.

With that they all took their leave—leaving Tracey staring at the closed door.

“I love my family, but they can all be a bit overbearing at times,” Tracey said to the empty room, and then turned and grabbled some underwear and headed for the shower. “Shane, Shane, Shane, from the first time I met you a few years ago, I’ve been getting into trouble. The key is to stay away from you.” He was right whenever they were alone with one another they found themselves in bed together. “Oh Well, I am planning on beating the fineness out of him on that track.”