The Meeting
NASCAR 2006- Atlanta
A/N - Thanks to all who read these stories! And thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review. It means a lot to me!
I also want to Thank the two people that Beta read for me, TweedleDuh and Cynthia, and to let you all know that my stories are written in advance, and sometimes I write something, then 3 weeks later it happens in real life. (Like crashes, headlines, on-track confrontations etc..) Then I think “OMG, people are gonna think I copied that.” Then I think “Oh, I should go and change that in my story…” but if I did that, it would screw up my story. So, I’m just leaving it as is! And, sometimes, I do read or hear something, and put it in my story, as my way of making a social commentary! (ie, the “letting other drivers win” thing, and you’ll see one in the last chapter of this story, and the first chapter of Darlington 2006.) I am, after all, an avid race fan, and I have been following this sport my whole life. I gotta put my two cents in somewhere!!
This story is the 4th in a series, if you haven’t read Daytona 2006, you may want to because it lays the foundation for the subsequent stories.
Highlights from Daytona 06: Carly’s beginnings as a racecar driver, and her first race and her relationships.
Highlights from The Rock 06: Revenge, Romance and Secrets Revealed.
Highlights from Vegas 06: The past comes back to haunt the Bud Teammates, sentimental for Dale, scary for Carly.
Chapter 1 The Meeting
Dale and Carly pulled into the parking lot at DEI at the same time. They had been ordered to meet with Teresa and their crew chiefs at 8:30 am, to discuss their relationship. Dale didn’t seem too worried, as they really couldn’t tell him what to do, but Carly was worried. Dale opened the door of her cherry red Chevy Trailblazer for her, and she hopped out.
“I feel like I’m going to the gallows. “Carly Grant, you are hear by sentenced to hang for getting caught making out with Dale Junior on the job.” She mimicked.
Dale laughed. “Teresa’s not that way! Hell, she caught me doing worse than that once.”
“Really??” Carly was caught by surprise. “Gad, how embarrassing is that? How old were you?”
“I dunno, about 18 or so. That’s when they said I could go live with Kerry. They must of thought I was a bad influence on Taylor Nicole or something.” He laughed.
“See, you were sent away! What’s gonna happen to me?” she said. “They can’t send you away now! But me – that’s another story. And besides, you weren’t at work!”
He stopped her. “Do you really think that? Hell, Carly, we’re adults. They can’t do anything to you. They won’t. I know they won’t.”
“Then why have we been summoned?” she asked.
“You obviously worried about this all night, didn’t you?” he said, slipping his arm around her shoulders. “I think Teresa just wants to set Uncle Tony’s mind straight, that’s all. Scotty has no problems with “us” does he?
“No! He likes you, Dale, a lot. He thinks you’re good for me. Whatever the hell that means!” she laughed. “And if my brother likes you, well then, that just seals it. He hates everyone I’ve ever gone out with. Until now.”
“Hey – Guys!” Someone yelled out. “CJ !!” They turned around to see Steve Park jogging towards them with a clipboard.
“Hey, Steve. What’s up?” She answered him.
“Who the hell is CJ?” Dale looked at Carly.
Steve looked at his teammate. “You don’t know who the famous CJ is?” he laughed. “You’ve been dating her, you idiot!”
“Steve, cut the “famous” crap.” Carly said, as she looked at Dale. “It’s the name they call me in softball. CJ is my initials. I can pitch ok, and Steve decides I should, like, play major league ball or something. I’m not that good!”
“Best pitcher we have. And you gotta play for DEI this year. You gonna sign up?” Steve asked, shoving the clipboard into her hands.
“I will if Dale does!” she said, giving him an evil eye.
“Good! Sign, Bud Boy!” Steve grinned.
“Uh, I play baseball, not softball.” Dale said, making a face.
“COME on, Dale, PLAY!” Carly begged. “It’s fun! What are you, chicken? Afraid I’m gonna be better than you?” she taunted.
“Shit..” He took the pen and scribbled “DJ”. “There. Happy? CJ, meet DJ. I can out hit you, out run you and out throw you. So there!” He grinned.
“Good.. Those are all good things, cause we are on the same team.” She put her initials on Steve’s sheet.
“Did you play last year? I know you played the year before.” Dale asked her, remembering what Jeff had told him.
“I did, but for RCR. I struck out a few DEI people. Like Steve.” She laughed. “Steve, still catching?”
“Yep. Lets start practicing tonight, ok? Get your arm warmed up.”
“I’ll let you know later. We gotta go to a meeting.” They said goodbye to Steve and walked into the building.
“What does the “J” stand for?” Dale asked her as they were walking.
“Jaye.. My whole name is Carly Jaye Grant. But not many people call me CJ. Only when I play softball.”
~~**~~
Dale and Carly went in to Teresa’s office. She was waiting for them. She gave Dale a kiss on the cheek, and gave Carly a hug.
“Before Scotty and Tony get here, I just want you to know exactly what is going on between you two. Whatever it is, don’t worry, I just want to go into this meeting with all of the facts.
Dale spoke up. “We sorta started dating. We’re taking it slow.” He said, as he took Carly’s hand in his.
Teresa looked over at Carly. “Yeah, that’s about it. We’ve been doing a lot of talking. We know this is a sticky situation, and we want to be careful. We don’t want anyone to be hurt.”
Teresa smiled. “You are that attracted to my stepson?” she asked, laughing.
Carly laughed, and squeezed Dales hand. “Yeah, I’m hooked, I’m afraid!” Dale turned beet red. “Look, see how cute he is?” she teased. Teresa laughed.
“Just how serious is this?” Teresa asked.
“What do you mean by that?” Dale asked.
“How long have you two been seeing each other? Do you have future plans? That kind of thing.” She answered him.
“About 2 weeks, and I said we’re taking it slow. Don’t worry, Teresa, there’s no babies on the way or anything. Not even close.” He said. “We aren’t in high school anymore, you know. You can’t do anything about us. We are going to continue to see each other, no matter what you or Uncle Tony think. And I really don’t see how any of this is your business!”
“Whoa Junior. Just back up a sec. I would never presume to tell you what to do with your love life. I am just trying to smooth over the situation between you and your crew chief. We’re running a business here. One that depends heavily on people getting along. Your uncle obviously has concerns and we need to address them. I, personally, love the idea of you two being together. I don’t want either of you to get hurt either. Junior, I actually think she’s the best thing that’s happened to you in a long time.”
Dale laughed, and it was Carly’s turn to blush. “Well, I agree with you on that one Teresa.” He said, looking at Carly. “Now who looks cute when she turns red!”
“What does the media know about this?” Teresa asked.
“I presume nothing, since we haven’t been asked.” Dale said. “I guess we just wait for the subject to come up?”
“I guess!” Teresa answered. “Do your teammates know?”
“Yeah..”
“Then I can’t believe the media doesn’t know.” Teresa laughed. “Are you sure Kenny knows? What about other people?”
Carly answered. “Mark knows. Jeff Gordon knows. Elliot Sadler, Casey, Scotty, I don’t know about the crews. Everyone must just be keeping their mouths shut.”
“That’s why I asked about Kenny Wallace!” Teresa laughed again.
Just then the door opened. In walked Scotty and Tony Sr.
“Hey, CrackerJack!” Scotty said. “How’s my girl?” he said patting Carly on the shoulder. “I saw your name on the softball roster!”
“Yeah, I saw that too!” Tony Sr. said. “I also saw the initials DJ on the roster. Do I dare to presume that those stand for Dale Junior?” He looked at his nephew.
“Yeah, she drug me into it. But my glove only fits baseballs!”
“Two things fix that, son. Saddle soap, and elbow grease. Get to work, boy!” he laughed, patting Dale on the shoulder.
The two Budweiser crew chiefs sat down next to their drivers.
“Well, Tony, Scotty, it seems that Dale and Carly have some news. Don’t you?” Teresa said.
Tony Sr. turned white. He looked at Dale and Carly. “Please don’t tell me what I’m afraid you’re gonna tell me.”
Dale’s eyes popped open wide. “What?? What are you thinkin’, Uncle Tony?”
“Don’t tell me she’s – that you’re gonna…”
Dale laughed out loud. “NO!! Uncle Tony, she’s not pregnant!”
Everyone in the room laughed. “Well, we have gotten news like that before. You almost gave your old Uncle a heart attack, boy!” Tony Sr. said. “No disrespect intended, Carly.” He added. She smiled back.
“Uncle Tony, Scotty, I think you know that Carly and I are seeing each other. And we don’t want there to be any problems between drivers and crews. So we need to voice concerns. Scotty, what do you think?” Dale said.
“Well, first off, I knew this was gonna happen. You two are made for each other, I think. One word to you, Junior. You hurt her, I kill you. Got me?” Scotty was almost as protective of Carly as Mark was.
Dale laughed. “Yes sir. Loud and clear. And you don’t have to worry. That’s the last thing I want to do.”
“I personally, have no problems with this.” Scotty continued. “I’ve been working with Carly for three years now, and I know that she can put personal matters aside and drive the racecar with 100% focus and attention. Which is of primary importance. Hell, last year…”
“Thanks Scotty!!!” Carly said, before he could finish that sentence. Every eyebrow in the room went up! She looked around, and all eyes were upon her. “Ok, I’m human, I dated someone last year, for a couple of months. But I still brought home a pretty hefty trophy, didn’t I?”
“Ooo- any one we know?” Teresa asked.
“Dale knows, and I’m not gonna say anything more than that!” Carly smiled.
“Ok- so Scotty has no concerns. Uncle Tony, you ok with this?” Dale continued.
“Well, I love Carly. And I love you too, son. And I watched Carly race last year, and I know she is a very focused individual. And you, son, for the most part are very focused as well. But I’ve seen you get a little distracted when you have a lady in your life, and that’s normal and all, but I worry when that lady is driving a racecar on the track with you. That is something that we have not had to deal with as of yet.”
“You saw me try to beat her in that Busch race Saturday, I wasn’t giving an inch. I would have taken her if I had had the faster car.”
“I know, son. I have no doubts as to your competitive nature. But answer this. How did you feel when she crashed in Rockingham?”
Dale paused. “I was worried, but somehow I knew she’d be ok.”
“Is that how you felt when you saw your dad crash, the last time?” Tony Sr. continued. The room fell silent.
“yeah” he answered.
No one spoke. Dale hung his head. He couldn’t think of a thing to say.
“I’m sorry to bring that up. But it had to be said. If we ever have to bring one of ya to the hospital, I want to make sure we won’t wind up bringing the other one too, because you were distracted. We have to get that straightened out before it happens.”
“Well, it did happen. At the Rock. I finished third, remember? What happened to Dad was a fluke. Carly and I have way better safety equipment now than they had then. We got soft walls at a few tracks now. We both know what can happen every time we climb in those cars. It’s a fact of life at a racetrack. But life has to go on.”
Tony Sr. nodded his head. “Ok. Now I have another issue.” He continued. “What happens if you two get into a fight?”
Carly and Dale looked at each other. That had never occurred to either of them. “What business is that of yours?” Dale spoke.
“I’m the one strapping you into an explosive device and sending you out to do battle with 42 other explosive devices, including the girl you’re in a fight with!!”
Dale and Carly couldn’t help but laugh. “You have such a way with words, Tony!” Carly said.
“Well, I’m not gonna watch them haul one of you off in an ambulance because the other one didn’t do the dishes!”
“Listen, Tony…” Scotty said. “I hear your concern. And it’s a valid one. I know Carly pretty well. I know she can put these things aside. Dale, I don’t know you as well as I do her, but I presume that we can come up with some sort of agreement if this ever does come up. You guys gotta promise to get stuff straightened out before you climb into a racecar. Completely!
Even if it means agreeing to disagree.” He looked at Dale and Carly. “I somehow don’t think that will be a problem, though. There’s something different here, and I can’t put my finger on it.”
“I can go along with that.” Tony Sr. said. “What about you two?”
“Agreed.” Carly answered, looking at Dale.
“Agreed.” Dale said.
“Last item.” Tony Sr. added. “I really don’t wanna see you guys slobbering all over each other in the garages. Can you keep the lovey dovey stuff behind closed doors, just to please your old uncle?”
Dale laughed. “We tried that, remember? If a door is closed, knock! Then you wont see anything you don’t wanna see. And we don’t want to make any public displays. Except I like my good luck kiss on pit road before each race.” He smiled at Carly.
“Teresa, did you tell them the other news?” Tony Sr. said.
“No, I was saving that for the driver meeting. Which by the way, started five minutes ago.” Teresa answered. “I am satisfied with this situation. Heck, I am happy for you two!” She smiled. “Tony, Scotty, everything all right?”
“Yeah!” Scotty said.
“Hell, yes. I’m happy for you two. She’s too good for you, Junior. You got lucky this time! And I’m with Scotty, you hurt her, we’ll both kill ya!” Tony Sr. warned.
“Why doesn’t anyone ever stick up for me??” Dale said. “What if she hurts me??”
“Then I get a prize!” she joked. Every one laughed.
“I’m glad everyone loves me so much!” he laughed. “What other news, Teresa?” Dale asked.
“Lets go meet with the others. I’ll tell you there.” She said as she got up from her desk. They all followed her down the hall to Ty Norris’s office. He did not look happy when they walked in late.
“Do you two realize you’ve been late to every one of these meetings so far this year?” He said to Dale and Carly.
“I had them in my office with me!” Teresa said. “They’ve been with me since 8:30. And last week Carly was a bit banged up, and Junior was taking care of her, so that doesn’t count. And as for after Daytona, I wouldn’t have been here on time either. Give ‘em another chance, would ya?” She laughed.
“Sorry Ty!” Dale grinned.
Ty laughed “Sit down! Teresa has some news for us.”
Teresa addressed her drivers. “We are bringing the ARCA car out of retirement for a one race deal, which could possibly turn into a five race deal.” She looked at Carly.
“You want me to drive it?” Carly asked.
“Not exactly.” Teresa answered. “An old business associate of my father’s has asked if we could let his daughter take a try at racing. She’s done some open wheel driving, and wants to try a stock car. He has offered to have his corporation sponsor the car. I was hoping you could coach her some.”
“Ok.” Carly answered. “Are you sure I am the right person to coach a new driver? I’m sort of a new driver myself.”
“Well, I think you’re the right choice because you’re a woman. You are also the most recent person to drive the car. We’ll put a crew together from volunteers here at DEI.”
“Where did she drive open wheel?” Carly asked.
“Skip Barber Racing School, at Laguna Seca, and Russell Racing, at Sears Point. That’s the other reason, Carly. I know you’ve done those courses before.”
Carly nodded. “Has she ever done oval tracks?”
“Yes – but only one or two times. What’s the name of that track by where you lived? The “something” speedway?”
Carly laughed. “Altamont Speedway. They run sprints and late models. I take it she raced the sprints. Does she live in Northern California?”
“Yes, as of late. She’s originally from Atlanta.” Teresa looked at Dale.
“No – no – don’t tell me it’s who I think it is, Teresa.” Dale said.
“Yes, honey. I’m afraid it is. It’s Pamela Morgan.”
Dale buried his face in his hands. “Shit.”
