Background Story
Chapter 1: First Date
Chapter 2: The Morning After
Chapter 3: Fade to Black
Chapter 4: A Wrench Can't Fix Everything
Chapter 5: Burning the Midnight Oil
Chapter 6: Car Show
Chapter 7: The Thunder Rolls
Chapter 8: A Blast From the Past
Chapter 9: Legends Never Die
Chapter 10: Oil Slick
~*~Background Story~*~
Main Character: Dominique Misery Connor
Age: 20
Looks: Blackish hair with a red and purple tint, green eyes, porcelain skin, muscular, 5'2'', gorgeous, wears alot of black. Speaks with an Irish accent.
Car: Red 2004 Pontiac GTO with red leather interior, white neons underneath and around the license plate, nitrous tank in the back, taillight switch incase of cops, radar detector, 5.7 Liter V8 Corvette LT1 engine (equivalent of a 350), MP3 deck with surround sound speakers and awesome bass, governor disabled. License plate says VAMPYRE
Background: Dominique's father, Carson, was a world-renowned custom hot rod builder matching the skills of Boyd Coddington and others in his league. In his younger years, he was a drag racer, and in his later years he would sneak out for a lil street racing after his wife was asleep. He loved his wife, but he couldn't help but love his daughter more than any other person in the world. She was a lil daddy's girl type. She started helping him in the garage at the age of three. Dominique's mom Amelia was a worrier. She worried about everything. She never let Dominique go anywhere, never taught her how to do much. The only things she let Dominique do were go to school and to church and help out in the garage. She was a nice person, but horrendously over protective. Dominique's grandma Eliza Connor was an Irish import from the school of hard knocks. Most of Dominique's life consisted of being sheltered and spoiled. She got what she wanted when she wanted it, no questions asked. Except her mom never let her get her license or a car. Her dad was able to sneak in driving lessons for her, and she learned quickly. But her mom wasn't allowed to know about that.
Dominique was extremely intelligent and did well in school, but she hated it there. She had no friends there. She was an outsider. Quiet, wore a lot of black, went to class with grease under her nails and a wrench in her bookbag. She also was a technology nerd. She had a laptop, PDA, cell phone, MP3 player, digital camera, etc. She used the laptop in classes. The PDA was just for games. The phone was so her parents could keep tabs on her. The MP3 player was so she couldn't hear people make fun of her. And the camera was solely for taking pictures of nice cars. The other kids picked on her because she was fascinated with cars and yet couldn't drive. And they never knew her name, they just called her Grease Monkey and Vampire. She actually liked the Vampire thing and started calling herself Vampyre. She liked being different. Dominique may have been friendless and carless, but she had everything else a girl could ask for, until that night.
It was a week after her highschool graduation, and Dominique had just turned 18. She was sitting at home, alone on the computer when she heard ambulances and such driving by. It was 4 AM, and she wondered what on earth was happening. Before she could think of anything else, her mom burst through the door in hysterics. Oh Dommy, hurry and get dressed, they're taking your father to the hospital!!! Dominique was worried and hopped in the car with her mom. They got to the hospital just in time to watch her father die. It turns out he was at another one of those late night street races. His opponent was drugged up and got mad at him and purposely wrecked him. It killed the other guy instantly, and Dominique's dad received fatal injuries and died at the hospital. Dominique later found out that the other guy was the guy she graduated with that always picked on her and called her Grease Monkey.
Dominique’s mom sent her to her Grandma Connor’s house until the day of the funeral. Dominique had to basically be Grandma Connor’s crutch during that time because Grandma was so upset. After all, Carson had been her son. Dominique didn’t have any trouble finding clothes to wear to the funeral. After all, most of her clothes were already black anyways. She wore her black boots, black baggy pants, a plain black shirt, a trench coat, and sunglasses. She arrived with her grandma and they talked with the other family members who came to the funeral. Everyone kept asking where Dominique’s mom was, and of course she had no idea. She tried callin home and callin the cell, but no answer. Still, she was so upset about her father that she didn’t give it much thought. Her mom never showed up.
After the burial, Dominique and Grandma and an uncle went by to see about Amelia. Dominique walked through the door and saw no one. She searched the house. No one. They drove to the spot where her father’s crash was. No one. Finally they thought to go to the garage. The Midnight Oil Garage was built in 1976 by Carson himself. And his business continued to grow. Dominique walked into the garage and flicked on the lights. The reflection in the rims on the wall hurt her eyes which were already swollen from crying. She saw a trail of what looked to be transmission fluid and wondered where it came from. She followed the trail to garage office. There she saw her mom sitting at the desk, delusional. She was staring at a picture of Carson. Then she started talking to it. “Oh Carson, I knew you snuck out at night. I thought it was to see another woman, but now I know the truth.” Then she began to sob. She threw the picture against the wall, causing the frame to shatter and glass to fly everywhere.
“Mom, what are you doing?” asked Dominique.
“Oh honey, just taking care of a lil business for your father.”
“What KIND of business?”
Amelia stood up to show that her shirt was blood-soaked.
“Mom, what have you done? Uncle Maken, call 911!!!”
Amelia continued, “Well, dear, there’s no need for that. I shot myself in the stomach a little while ago, but I’m still here, I’ll be fiiiine!” Amelia started to stumble a little then straightened to show a gun in her hand. “I’m feeling a bit dizzy. Maybe I should take a nap” she said, as she raised the gun to her head.
“Mom, noooooooooooooo!” Dominique dived for the gun, but she was too late.
Two months passed. Dominique had stayed with Grandma ever since the garage incident. She spoke to no one but Grandma and Precious (Dominique’s dog). She barely ate, was sick several times a day, and was very depressed.
“Dominique, dear?” Grandma called.
“Yes Grandma?”
“Dominique, I know you have had a very hard time, so have I lately. I mean your grandfather died not a year ago. And you may have lost your daddy, but remember he was also my son. But at least we have each other. Dominique, I’m tired of seeing you like this. These old Irish bones can’t take much more strain, and I have been tired and weary caring for you. I love you, but I can’t help you well enough on my own. We need to get you some help dear.”
“Oh, Grandma, you’re right. But I don’t trust anybody.”
“Well, let’s get online and look into finding you a psychologist to help you through your emotional distress and a doctor to help you not throw up all the time.”
“Ix-nay on the doctor.”
“Ok, but you still must go to the psychologist.”
“OK”
It had been six months since the incident. Dominique’s therapist helped her A LOT. She was no longer wallowing in depression. She had taken up weightlifting to take her mind off the deaths. She was no longer getting sick either. She had been back to the garage and got the office re-carpeted and such. Since she was an only child, she had inherited the business and all her parents’ money. Surprisingly, she gave most of the money to charities and such. But she could not part with her father’s business. She asked herself…”Do I know enough about cars to run this thing myself?”
It’s now two years since the incident. Dominique has blossomed into a strong and independent person. She has her own place but visits Grandma every day and supports her. She sold her parents’ house but kept the garage. She goes to the gym for two hours every day and is as physically strong as she is emotionally strong. She just reopened the garage about two months ago. Instead of a custom rods shop, the garage is now a service garage and a place to get cars modified and souped up. They still take orders for customs, but that’s not as popular now without her father’s handiwork. In fact, no orders have been placed yet. Dominique got her license a few months ago and bought a brand new GTO. It’s red with leather interior, and she customized it a bit herself. She goes to the gym from 6-8 in the morning and gets to the garage about 8:15. Her and her dog stay there until 10 at night. When not working, she uses her computer to play online. She also uses it to fine tune the computer in her GTO.
Blayden, her main help, is thirty five and is married to his highschool sweetheart Cassidy. He sometimes brings his four year old son Logan to work with him. He is Italian, so he's got dark hair, eyes, and olive skin. He had worked with Carson since he was in highschool. When he heard of Dominique's plans to reopen Midnight Oil, he offered to help. Little did he know that Dommy would give him a job. He has the most flexible schedule because Dominique lets him outta work to spend time with his family sometimes.
Justin is twenty five but looks fifteen. He's sweet and adorable, but a little on the cocky side. He's kinda short with brown hair and blue eyes. Justin is good with a wrench, but his specialty is painting and graphics. He's a master with an airbrush. Van Gogh, eat your heart out baby! Justin has a bad habit of trying to get off work to go to car shows. And can you blame him? He has a metallic lime '98 Spyder Eclipse with monster graphics he painted himself. Dominique hired him after seeing the graphics on his car at a local car show.
Sonny is twenty eight and a bit of a prick. He's hot, but he's not the nicest fellow, He's got black hair and blue eyes, and you can tell he works out alot. Sometimes he is Dominique's workout partner. He's a big flirt and has a different date almost every weekend. He's a good mechanic but is a tad unmotivated at times. Fast cars and fast women are about the only things he knows anything about. He has a red Hemi Ram that he drives to work and a '67 Camaro he is working on restoring. Dominique hired him because of his brother.
Mikey is twenty three and an absolute sweetheart. He has curly blonde hair and hazel eyes. He's not very attractive, but he makes up for that with personality. In fact, it was his personality that got both him and his brother Sonny hired. Although brothers, Mikey and Sonny are like night and day. Mikey doesn't even have a brag-worthy ride. He just has a '97 Honda motorcycle that he bought at a police auction for $1200.
~*~Chapter 1: First Date~*~
Dominique and Mikey met back in high school at a car show. He was three years older than her and his dad was friends with her dad. Mikey had always thought she was pretty, and Dominique never cared too much for relationships. They talked quite a bit on line but never had any meetings in person after that car show. Mikey came to Carson's funeral and hugged Dominique while she cried. She remember that and offered him a job at the Midnight Oil Garage.
They became close friends once they started working together. And Mikey finally got up the courage to ask Dominique out for a date.
"Ok, but just one" she replied.
No matter. Mikey was elated!!!
Dominique had to drive because Mikey only had a motorcycle, and Dominique refused to ride on those things. "Sorry babe, but if it ain't got four wheels, no deal." And she DEFINITELY wasn't gonna let him drive her GTO.
He was a bit of a clutz. He had wrecked his bike twice and painted a customer's car the wrong color. And he forgot to tell Dominique about the call she received from Grandma until three days later when Grandma showed up at the shop mad. But he was funny, and all-in-all he was a good guy, so she still let him work.
Their date started with a movie. Some vampire movie that Dominique enjoyed. It actually scared Mikey. Then there was dinner...Dominique was a vegetarian that sometimes ate seafood and Mikey was a carnivore, so they decided to go to a nice little seafood place on the coast. That part of the date actually went well until Mikey held up the lobster he was eating and used it as a puppet. Dominique thought it was funny, but it scared the children at the table next to them, and they were asked to settle down or leave. Then Mikey, tryin to be alllll macho had to argue with the manager. Finally Dominique hit Mikey with her purse. "Sit down you big idiot!" When they left, they went for a walk on the beach. That was pretty romantic. They played in the sand and colllected a few seashells and looked at the stars together. They sat talking for several hours until the breeze from the ocean made Dominique cold. By the time they left, it was almost 2 AM. Back in the car, they talked some more.
"Hey, umm..I...uh..."
"Mikey, why are you so nervous?"
"Well I was just-j-j-just wondering if you ever, you know..."
"If I ever what?"
"If you ever kissed anyone. I mean I know you said you never had a boyfriend and stuff."
"No, actually I haven't"
"Oh, well, can I- can I- um...kiss you?"
"Why"
"Well, people always thought I was a clutz, and no one would go out with me either, and I kinda sorta"
"You've never been kissed either?"
"Well, uh, no I uh..."
Dominiqued giggled. "You're 23 and never been kissed. Haha now I don't feel so bad."
Mikey blushed and hid his face. Dominique blushed too. Then they stared at one another for a moment, and the moment seemed to stand still. The sparkle in Dominique's Irish green eyes must have lept out and grabbed Mikey because he moved closer to her.
Can I at least have a hug?" he asked.
"Ok"
He took Dominique in his arms and held her. Neither wanted to let go.
Then Dominique began to cry.
"what's wrong?"
"nothing, this is just the first time that anyone besides Grandma has shown that they care about me since...since my daddy..."
"shhh it's ok, I know what happened hon, you don't have to explain it to me."
He lifts her face and wipes the tears from her pretty green eyes.
"Dominique, I've been in love with you since the day I met you."
She looked surprised. "You have?"
"yah"
"Well, that's kewl, cuz I'm starting to like you and I might-"
They were interrupted by a knock on the window. It was a cop. "Sorry kids, you can't be here, it's after hours."
"OK, yes officer." Dominique said.
"Now where to?" said Mikey.
"Dunno"
They cruised around for a little while then got bored. Soon, they were cut off by a black Mustang.
"Ok, now that's where I draw the line, that JackA** cut me off."
"The person?"
"No, the car...that's not a horsey on the emblem, it's a donkey"
"It is?"
"No, idiot, of course I was talkin bout the person. Now let's see who it is. That's probably a car we have worked on."
"Yah, it was in the shop just last week, on the day you took your Granny to the doctor."
"Well, who drives it?"
"Idunno."
"Well, I guess we'll just have to find out."
Dominique followed the car, not realizing she was going 70. The speed limit on that back road was only 55. Soon there were blue lights in her rearview mirror (yes, NC cops only have blue lights, not blue and red)
"Ummmm Dommy..."
"Shut up, we're gonna pass this jerk!"
"Dommy, I think you better..."
She finally hears the sirens. "Oh crikey, a cop!!!" She flicks the special switch that turns the tail lights and neons off but leaves the headlights on. She speeds past the Mustang as it slows down for the cop.
"DOMINIQUE!!! You're gonna get us into a high speed chase"
"Oh Mikey, that's just what I've always wanted!"
"Really?"
"NO, now hang on!"
Dominique took a turn down a side street, the cop still on her tail. It was one of those Camaro cop cars with the LT1, same engine as the GTO. BUT Dominique's was tuned to be much faster and fuel efficent. She sped past the street her house was on, turned down the opposite street from the garage, and high-tailed it towards a strand of hotels. She turned left there and saw the cop no more. Just to be sure, she drove out toward the lighthouse and hid her car a while.
Finally she went home. She let Mikey spend the night on the couch.
"Three things before you go to bed man. 1) Tomorrow we're painting the GTO black. 2) I'm gettin a new license plate ordered with VAMPYRE on it. and 3) you never saw any of that.."
"Any of what?"
"Exactly"
"But why change the paint and stuff?"
"Cuz the cops will be hunting a red GTO, not a black one. And I just kinda wanted the custom license plate anyways." *giggle* "Oh wait and one more thing..."
"What Dommy?"
"Remember what you asked me earlier?"
"About the JackA-"
"No, about the kiss"
"Oh, yah" *blush*
"Maybe next time."
"Hey Dommy?"
"What?"
"Where'd you learn to drive like that?"
"I'm a daddy's girl, remember?"
Dominique leaves for bed, and Mikey hears her lock the door behind her so he can't sneak in.
~*~Chapter 2: The Morning After~*~
Mikey, after spending the night on the couch, woke up about noon. And he REALLY had to whiz. He looked around, and there were no signs that Dominique was awake yet. Before going to bed, she emailed Blayden and told him they’d get into work VERY late, but Mikey didn’t know all this. There was only one bathroom @ Dominique’s place, and one had to go through her room to get to it. Mikey didn’t wanna wake her, but he didn’t wanna burst his bladder either. Finally he chose the option of waking her up. He’d seen her ill in the mornings at work, but he had no idea how she was upon first waking up.
He walked to her room door and knocked. No answer. He knocked louder.
“Dommy, wake up, I gotta peeeee”
“Shut up idiot, I’m asleep”
“Dommy, it’s noooon”
Dominique jumped up and opened the door. “You’re kiddin me, right? Well, we gotta get to the shop soon to get my car painted.”
She shut the door in his face and proceeded to the bathroom to change and do her hair and makeup. Good thing for Mikey that she didn’t take long. Still, the wait was difficult. He tried not to think about how bad he had to go. Then he heard the kitchen sink dripping. Drip, drip, drip. He walked over and tried to make it stop. He decided to look out the window. The next door neighbor’s sprinkler was watering the yard in bursts. That didn’t help Mikey’s trying to forget about having to go. He thought maybe Precious would be of some help. “Here doggy” But she didn’t pay any attention to him. She was drinking water from her bowl. All the drippity noises were driving Mikey crazier than he already was and made him hafta whiz worse than ever.
Finally Dominique emerged from the room what must have been only eight minutes later.
Mikey rushed past her. “Hope you don’t mind, but I REALLY hafta whiz! I’m floatin here, babe”
“Well why didn’t you say sumthin before I went to get ready for the day Mikey?”
“Sheeesh”
He returns from the bathroom, no longer floating.
Dominique calls Justin at the shop. “Yah man, bring the wrecker and a car cover. We gotta bring my car in.”
“You wrecked it?”
“Of course not. I just can’t let it be seen on the road right now.”
“Why not?”
“I’ll explain on the way”
A few minutes later, Justin was at Dominique’s place. They loaded the GTO on the wrecker and covered it so the cops wouldn’t see it. Dominique used her cell to order a new license plate, but it wouldn’t be in for a whole week. At the shop, Dominique explained the whole story to Justin and Blayden. She thought Mikey was gonna explain it all to Sonny, after all, Sonny was his older brother.
Mikey was talking to Sonny, but he wasn’t accomplishing much.
Sonny: “So, lil bro…how’d your big date go last nite? Any – action?”
“Yah, plenty”
“So, is she fast or what?”
“Oh yah, you wouldn’t believe how fast she is”
“So where’d ya’ll go?”
“A movie, the seafood place on the coast, the beach –”
“Oh, so you saw some action at the beach”
“No, after we left the beach”
“Oh, is that why you spent the night at her house”
“Yah we were up late and both really tired, I could barely wake her up this morning”
“Wow man, there musta been A LOT of action at Dommy’s house last night”
“No, all the action was in the car”
“Oh, so you were parked at the beach?”
“No, the action was on the way to her house, except we hadda take a lil detour”
“Wow, she must be talented”
“Yah, she is, she said its cuz she’s a daddy’s girl”
“Whoa, too much info there”
“Well what, he’s the one who taught her how to drive like that. She outran the cop and he gave up tryin to catch us”
“Mikey, what are YOU talking about?”
“The action last night…It was GREAT man! First time I ever –”
“Yah I know that was the first time, you’ve always been such a goooood lil boy”
“But it wasn’t me, it was her, and it was her first time too”
“Sure it was bro, sure it was”
“Well, it was”
“You expect me to believe that sweet lil Dominique would seduce you?”
“No, of course not”
“Then what are you talking about ‘first time’ for?”
“I was TRYING to say that was my first time ever being in a highspeed chase, and hers too”
“HIGH SPEED CHASE? Man, that sooo wasn’t what I was talking about. You didn’t even kiss her did you?”
“No, all I did was hug her.”
“Ok Lame-O, tell me bout the chase then”
“Well, there was this Mustang, and it cut us off, and Dommy got mad and tried to catch him, and then the cops came, and she outran him.”
“I think I’ll ask Dommy later, I’m sure her version is a lot better!!! Now get back to work Fatso”
After Dominique told Justin and Blayden her story, she instructed them to paint her car black ASAP, meaning drop all other work and do it, NOW!
Mikey went to work taking out the trash and sitting at the desk waiting to take calls for Midnight Oil Garage. Dominique had to reduce his position to secretary, gopher, trash emptier, and…and that was about it. He wasn’t allowed to touch tools for a while. After all, last week two blue ’69 Camaros were in the shop. One belonged to a middle aged man wanting to drag race it, and the other was owned by a lil old lady who kept it after her husband died. The man ordered a 396 and drag slicks, and the little old lady just wanted a tune up. Mikey put the 396 in the wrong car. They found this out when the little old lady came back a few days later complaining that her car was “obnoxiously loud” after the “tune up.” Mikey then tried to “fix” the incident by trying to convince the lady to trade cars with the drag racer. When the lady refused, he tried to convince her to drag race.
Dominique found out later that day, and although she had the flu and had missed a few days of work, she went out there at 10 PM and did not leave till both cars were properly modified, and she did the work all by herself. She called both car owners the next morning and apologized. She then changed Mikey’s job description.
Dominique went home and went back to bed for the day. She trusted Blayden to run the garage the rest of that day and trusted Justin to get her car’s color changed.
~*~Chapter 3: Fade to Black~*~
Dominique decided to drive the wrecker until her car was ready and her new license plate was in. She was miserable that week. Not only was the GTO her baby, but there was a deeper meaning behind that car. One reason she wanted a GTO so badly is because that was the car her father died in. His was a black ’65 GTO and was absolutely gorgeous. Although it was totaled, Dominique had it sitting behind the garage, partly as a memorial to her father and partly in hopes to restore it one day. Even Dominique found it ironic that she was now having her own car painted black. Was it fate or just coincidence?
The following Friday, the VAMPYRE tag was in, and the car had been painted black with a gloss coat. Also, the windows had been given a smoke glass effect so it was hard to see inside the car. Dominique was glad to “have her baby back.” She closed down Midnight Oil at 11 that night and decided to go cruising. Mikey wanted to go with her.
“Hey Dominique, can I go with you? I have nothing to do tonight and Sonny is bringing a girl over, so I don’t think I wanna be there.”
“You mean Sonny told you to come with me cuz he didn’t want you home tonight right?”
“Ummm, well, yeah.”
“Well, I suppose.”
Mikey was happy to get to go with Dominique. “Can this be our second date?”
“Sure, why not”
They went to the Taco Bell drive thru since it was the closest thing opened at that time of night.
“Don’t drop any food on my seats, ok?”
“OK”
After eating (in the car) they decided to take a long drive.
“Mikey, ya know what, I haven’t been to the crash site since the day of the funeral. I was looking for my mom there. And that’s been over two years ago. For some reason I feel drawn to go back there. Maybe it’s just curiosity, or maybe there’s something else.”
“You mean go now?”
“Sure, why not?”
Dominique was a little bored and decided to leave her taillights and neons off tonight. She had her headlights, and that was all. Mikey didn’t notice, of course. She was doing that, hoping to see the Mustang again. She wouldn’t let a cop or anything else stop her from finding out who was in that thing. She took the winding backroads and was going about 80 most of the way. The radar detector was on, and the stereo was blaring:
I'm travelin' down the road, I'm flirtin' with disaster.
I've got the pedal to the floor, My life is running faster.
I'm out of money, I'm out of hope, It looks like self destruction.
Well how much more can we take, With all of this corruption.
Been flirtin' with disaster, Ya'll know what I mean.
And the way we run our lives, It makes no sense to me.
I don't know about yourself or, What you want to be - YEAH.
When we gamble with our time, We choose our destiny.
Chorus: I'm travelin' down that lonesome road.
Feel like I'm dragging a heavy load.
Yeah! I've tried to turn my head away,
Feels about the same most every day.
Speeding down the fast lane, Playin' from town to town
. The boys and I have been burnin' it up, Can't seem to slow it down.
I've got the pedal to the floor, Our lives are runnin' faster,
Got our sights set straight ahead, But ain't sure what we're after.
Flirtin' with disaster, Ya'll know what I mean.
You know the way we run our lives, It makes no sense to me.
I don't know about yourself or, What you plan to be -
Yea!! When we gamble with our time, We choose our destiny.
Chorus: Yeah!! We're travelin' down that lonesome road.
Feel like I'm dragging a heavy load.
Don't try to turn my head away,
I'm flirtin' with disaster every day.
Flirtin' with disaster, baby, Ya'll know what I mean.
You know the way we run our lives, It makes no sense to me.
I don't know about yourself or, What you plan to be - Yea!!
When we gamble with our time, We choose our destiny.
Chorus: Yeah!! We're travelin' down that lonesome road.
Feel like I'm dragging a heavy load.
Don't try to turn my head away,
I'm flirtin' with disaster every day.
Mikey looked over at Dominique. He was a bit worried about her. When she was behind the wheel, it was like she was in her own little world and nothing else mattered.
“Hey Dommy, are you ok, you look kinda-”
All of a sudden, a dog ran out in front of them, and Dominique had to hit the brakes. The car jerked and the tires screeched, but she held the car steady. Luckily, she didn’t hit the dog. They could smell the rubber burning from her tires. While they were sitting there, a car blew by them. It was that Mustang again!
“That blooming jerk!!!” said Dominique, as she peeled off after it.
“I thought you said he was a JackA**”
“Yes, Mikey. He is. And we’re going to follow him mercilessly”
Dominique followed that Mustang, never letting it outta her sight. And finally, the moment of truth came – she passed him! She was going so fast that she didn’t get a very good look, but she could tell that the driver was a male and probably around her age.
“Haha, jerk!” she said, knowing he didn’t hear her anyways. She was rather pleased to see him flash his headlights at her when she sped past.
“Ummm, Dommy, why is he flashing his lights at us?”
“He’s signaling to challenge us to a race”
“Ok, let’s tell him to meet us at the drag strip”
“Not that kinda race, a street race”
“But I thought you’d never-”
“What, never race? Hah! Guess you don’t know me so well after all then” Dominique slowed down, and the Mustang pulled up beside her. “Mikey, you do all the talking. I don’t want him to know who I am”
“OK”
The ‘stang driver approached Dominique’s window. Mikey got out of the car and walked over to the guy.
“Pick your poison,” the mystery guy said.
“Ummmm…”
“That means, where do you wanna race?”
“Well, I-” “Not from around here, eh”
“I am, but I don’t know of any racing spots.”
“How bout down by the beach? We can go from there to Sunset Drive and back around to Ocean View Drive then back to the starting point.”
“Umm, ok”
Mikey got back in the car. Luckily Dominique could hear the conversation, because Mikey had no clue as to what the guy had said. The course he picked out was only a mile and a half. There weren’t many sharp turns either. This race would rely more on the car than the driver. Both cars pulled up at the lil restaurant by the boardwalk.
Dominique made Mikey get out to be the “starter.” Besides, she knew she could drive better without him over in the passenger’s seat blubbering about everything. Mikey’s arms went down signaling the start of the race. Dominique had a much faster reaction time than Pony Boy. Still, he was heavier on the accelerator and caught up with her. She figured she’d annoy him at first. She rode parallel to him for a while, then sped past him, then let him catch her again and repeated the cycle. They turned off onto Sunset Drive. The Mustang sped ahead. Dominique realized that Pony Boy was flooring it. That was all he had. And she still had A LOT more hidden in that GTO. She let him lead until they were rounding the corner that led to the intersection to turn onto Ocean View. After the turn, she sped past him without even having to use all her resources. She got back to Mikey first. Dominique Connor had won her first street race. The Mustang pulled up just as Dominique was doing a victory doughnut. Her father had always done doughnuts when he won a street race because he was a closet NASCAR fan.
Pony Boy got out of his car and walked over to Mikey. “I wanna see who’s driving that thing, and I wanna see what’s under the hood.”
“Sorry, the boss told me not to let you see-"
“What’s his name”
“Ummmm, well…”
“Not gonna tell me, are you?”
“No”
Mikey got into the car, and Dominique drove off. Then Pony Boy hopped in his car and started following them. She did a rolling U-turn and headed toward Ocean View, and the Mustang followed her.
“What is it with you and high speed chases Dommy?”
“Shut up Mikey!” She saw the Mustang slowly disappearing in her rearview. Then she heard a screech and a crash. Pony Boy had lost control and ran his car off the road and into a guardrail. She stopped and watched the rearview if he was OK. He climbed out of his car, appearing un-hurt, so she went toward home.
“Mikey, looks like you get to sleep on my couch again bud”
“OK, but can I at least have a blanket this time?”
“Sure”
They both went to bed. Dominique didn’t bother locking the door this time, and Mikey made sure he whizzed BEFORE he went to sleep.
~*~Chapter 4: A Wrench Can't Fix Everything~*~
At 8 the next morning, Dominique was awoken by Flight of the Valkyrie. That would be her cell phone going off. She checked the screen to see who was calling. It was Blayden. She figured she had better answer it.
“Hello?”
“Hey Dommy, it's me. Listen, there's a Saleen that just came in, and it's totaled. The owner wants a price quote before we do any work.”
Dominique ignored everything Blayden said after the word Saleen
“A Saleen huh? And what color is it?”
“Black, why?”
“I'll be down there in a few minutes.”
Dominique knew without a doubt that it had to be the car from last night. She got dressed in a hurry because she couldn't wait to find out who Pony Boy really was. She walked out into the living room. Mikey was still asleep on the couch, and she thought he was absolutely adorable. She hated to wake him, but it was time for work. She ran her fingers through his curly blonde hair.
She whispered, “Mikey, it's time to wake up.”
No response.
“Mikey, time for work.”
No response.
“Mikey, up now or you're getting demoted to punching bag at the shop.”
No response.
“MIKEY!”
Mikey sat up a bit startled and extremely out of it. “Huh, what? Oh hey Dommy.”
“Mikey, hurry up and get ready, I'm going down to the shop because Pony Boy is there. I wanna take you in case I need any backup.”
Mikey went and whizzed and was ready for the day.
Dominique and Mikey arrived at the shop and went in the back door. She told him to hang out in the office until he was told to come into the garage.
She then walked into the garage. Justin and Sonny were working on a transmission, and Blayden was cleaning up some motor oil. One of the first things she saw was the Saleen. It was, indeed, the same car she had raced the night before. She walked around it and surveyed the damage. The entire right front quarter of that car was a heap of twisted metal. She couldn't help but laugh.
“Wow, nice job someone did on this one eh Blayde?”
Blayden walked over to her. “Yah.”
“So, where's the owner?”
“Outside talking on his cell.”
“Did he tell you how this happened?”
“Something about a race last night, but he didn't give any details.”
Dominique just laughed and walked back to the office.
“Hey Mikey, it is the car from last night. Black '99 Mustang Saleen.”
“Really?”
“Oh yah...front right is a total mess!”
“Ooooh I wanna see!!!”
“Just wait till we tell you to come out, I don't want you out there yet cuz Pony Boy might recognize you.”
Dominique goes back into the garage and starts casually talking to the guys, waiting for Pony Boy to come back inside. A few moments later, Pony Boy returns.
“So, you're the owner of this heap, how on earth did it get so beautiful?” Dominique sarcastically asked.
“Well, I was in a race last night with a black GTO. Stupid goat beat me. A goat beating a pony, more proof that there really is a God.”
Dominique gave Pony Boy a dirty look. She didn't say anything.
“You must be Dominique Connor” Pony Boy continued.
“What's it to you?”
“Well, I've been looking for you for quite a while.”
“And why is that?”
“I wanted to apologize on behalf of my family.”
“For..?”
“Well, I'm Josh Harvick.”
Dominique punched Josh, and he fell flat on his back with a bloody nose. She ran to the office.
“Oh Mikey, it's Josh Harvick!”
“Josh Harvick? As in Cameron's brother?”
“Yes”
Mikey held Dominique while she cried.
Justin and Sonny walked in.
“You ok?” asked Sonny.
“Yah what happened?” asked Justin.
Dominique was crying too hard to even talk, so Mikey answered for her. “That's Cameron Harvick's brother.”
“Ooooh” the guys said at the same time.
“Don't worry Dominique, we're here for you.” said Justin.
“Want me to beat him up for you?” asked Sonny.
Just then, Blayden walked in.
“Is Dominique OK?”
“No,” the other three guys replied in unison.
Blayden walked over to Dominique. “Dominique, listen, I talked to Josh, and he told me everything. Their mom died when Cameron was a junior in high school, and after that, Cameron began drinking and doing drugs...and racing. Plus he got his girlfriend pregnant. She didn't want the baby, so Cameron was given custody of her. Cameron's dad became a drunk after Cameron's death and died of liver problems a few months ago. Josh has no family left, so he can kind of understand how you feel. Even though you have your Grandma, Josh has no one but his niece, and he is having to raise her by himself while still trying to go to school. He leaves her with a lady from his church on weekends so he can race because that is the only connection he has left with Cameron. Josh said he became a Christian after his brother's death and has been looking for you all this time to apologize to you for what his brother did. Now that he is the last left in his family, he figured he'd better apologize while he had the chance. Dominique, I know you don't want to, but please talk to him.”
“Ok, but you guys are coming in there with me.”
Dominique, slightly calmer than she was a few minutes ago, walked back into the garage.
Josh took a few steps backward when he saw Dominique approaching him.
“Uhhh did I come at a bad time? Because I can always talk to you later.”
“Oh, just had a bad reflex I guess, sorry I knocked the crap outta you.” replied Dominique “So, what was it you wanted to say to me?”
“Well, as I was just telling the guy that works for you-”
“He told me the story, now let's get down to what you have to say.”
“I'm just really sorry for what my brother did to you and your family. I mean, I had no idea how you must have felt until-” Josh choked back a few tears “until I became the last of my family.”
“What about your niece?”
“Well, now that she's old enough to walk and talk, her mom is trying to get custody of her again.”
“Josh, I am the very last person left in my family. My Grandma is alive, but she is old, and once she's gone, there's no one but me. You may have to look after a kid, but I have the weight of Midnight Oil Garage on my shoulders, and if it wasn't for those guys standing behind me and God above me, I wouldn't be able to run this buisiness.”
“At least you have friends. I have no one. Your dad had a good reputation, but none of my family did. People avoid me and talk about me because of the stunts my family pulled, and they think I'm gonna turn out to be like the rest of my family. But I'm tryin to be better than that. I'm working at a daycare in the day time and going to school at night and trying to raise Gabriella right. A few people at church help me with her when I'm not able to be home, but other than those very few people, nobody has anything to do with me. And they seem to just feel sorry for Gabriella, I don't think they really like me. But you've got friends, real friends. Anyways, before I ramble on anymore, I wanna say again that I'm sorry for how my brother hurt your family. I can't make it up to you, I know, but I can at least offer an apology.”
All was silent for a moment as Dominique thought about all Josh had said. “Ok, apology accepted. Now, on to business.”
Josh nodded.
“You said you were racing a goat last night?” Dominique asked, as she walked to the back door. Josh followed her. “Well, did it look anything like that?” she asked, as she opened the back door and pointed to her darling GTO.
Josh looked horrified. “You mean-”
Dominique just smiled. The guys in the garage giggled a little.
For a moment Josh was dumbfounded. Finally he was able to speak again. “So, no wonder you were able to beat me."
Dominique looked puzzled.
“Dominique Connor, Midnight Thunder's daughter...”Josh began.
“So you knew my dad?”
“No, I didn't have to. I heard all the stories from Cameron. Your dad never lost a race, babe.”
Dominique gloated a little, hoping no one would notice. “Yah, I heard stories too, straight from my dad. Not only did I hear the stories, I learned the tricks of the trade.” She winked at Josh. “Now Josh, let's talk about your heap over there – looks like twenty g's damage to me.”
“Twenty thousand? Ouch!”
“Sorry,” Dominique replied, “but the engine and other modifications are the weight of it. Not to mention, the chassis is bent to crap.” Dominique continued talking as she walked around the car and pointed out the fatal spots. “And the paint job. Man, that black metal flake is gonna cost ya. What did ya have? Two coats of clearcoat on it? That's expensive too.”
“Well, I have good news and bad news.” Josh replied. “The good news is I have plenty of money. The bad news is I decided long ago that if I ever had more than 15 grand worth of damage on a car, I'd just get a different one.”
“Oh, so you're taking this little heap with you?”
The guys in the garage all laughed.
“Well, obviously I can't take it anywhere without a wrecker.”
Blayden was bored and chimed in “Yah, a flat bed wrecker.” The guys all laughed again.
“Actually, I think I'm gonna trash it since it's in such bad shape.” Josh said, a little annoyed. “And now I have my sights set on that new SSR down at the Chevy place.”
“Hmmmm, very nice choice.” said Dominique. “Bring it by if you want any work done on it. Heck, bring it by anyways, I wanna take it for a test drive.”
“OK” Josh looked at his watch. “Oh man, it's time to go get Gabriella from that old lady's house. I'll catch you guys later.”
“Okies, bye” said Dominique.
As soon as Josh left, Dominique went for the punching bag. The guys knew to leave her alone for a while.
~*~Chapter 5: Burning the Midnight Oil~*~
The next day, Dominique came into work a little late and went straight for the punching bag.
“You OK?” asked Blayden.
“Eh, it's just the whole Josh thing is still bothering me, that's all.”
Justin broke into the conversation: “So Dommy, you feeling any better today?”
“NO! I barely got any sleep last night. I was up all night crying. Then I got a headache. Now I'm here and not in a good mood.”
She got in a few more swings at the punching bag.
Mikey walked in. “Hey Dommy!”
Justin went over to Mikey. “Look Mikey, she's not in the mood for people right now. She's still upset over Josh coming here yesterday. She probably just wants to be left alone.”
“Oh, ok” Mikey said, then he crept back to the office looking defeated.
When lunch break came, Blayden and Sonny decided to go to Taco Bell to pick up some lunch.
“Hey Dommy, want some food, hon?” asked Sonny.
“Nah, I'm not in the mood for eatin.”
Blayden tried to help out “Oh, come on, we'll get you some nachos, I know you LOVE those!”
“No, just go eat.”
Sonny had never seen Dominique this upset before. Blayden had, but only once, and that was right after Carson's death. He remembered the day of the funeral – he and the other guys that had worked with Carson were pall bearers. He remembered watching Dominique. She looked as if she had no emotion, no life left in her at all. She couldn't cry. She didn't even blink. She just sat there like a zombie with a glazed far-off stare, the same kinda of stare she had today.
Meanwhile, Justin and Mikey were out behind the garage talking during break. Justin had never really told anyone, but he was interested in Dominique and was a bit jealous of how close she and Mikey were.
“Hey Justin, I'm really worried about Dommy. I haven't seen her like this since the funeral. It's almost like she's a machine, like she can't feel anything.”
“Yah Mikey, well I've seen her almost this bad before.”
“Really, when?”
“Well, remember back when we were just starting to get Midnight Oil ready to reopen?”
“Yah”
“And remember you and Sonny always went home around ten at night and Blayden went home earlier than that to be with his wife and Logan?”
“Yah”
“Well, Dominique didn't go home and neither did I. We stayed and worked in the garage until midnight, and sometimes even later, especially when we were working on re-doing the office.”
“Wow, talk about burning the midnight oil huh?”
“Yah. Anyways, during those long nights, we talked a lot. She told me all about what had happened with her parents. She told me how sometimes she just felt like she wanted to give up. And she told me how glad she was to have someone like me to talk to.”
“Yah, so what's your point?”
“Well, Mikey, it seems that when Dominique is upset, you're always the first one to run to her and such. It's like you think you know her better than everyone else does.”
“Well, maybe I know her better than you do.”
“Maybe ya don't! And it's so obvious that you give her all that attention hoping she will return the favor. It's just so nauseating. I mean really, do you think someone like you would ever have a chance with someone like her?”
Mikey was hurt by this comment and went back into the garage office and locked the door, or at least he thought he locked the door. He just sat there for a while and thought about what Justin had said. Then he started playing on the computer to try to ease his mind.
Justin walked back into the garage and watched Dominique. She thought she was still in there alone and had no clue he had come back inside. She kicked the punching bag a few times. Then she punched it. Then she slumped down and started sobbing.
Justin walked over to her. “Hey, Dominique-”
She was a bit startled. “Oh I-I didn't know you were in here. I thought you were still outside.”
“You ok, babe?”
“Does it look like it?”
Justin tried to hug Dominique, but she stood up and sort of pushed him away.
“Hey, where's Mikey, I need to talk to him” she asked.
“I-uh...I think he's in the office. He was in a bad mood, so I don't think you wanna go in there.”
“Oh.”
Dominique went and sat on a stack of tires.
“Hey Dominique, I wanna ask you something.”
She looked a bit disgusted and annoyed. “What?”
“Well, uh, it's about this weekend, I, uh – I was wondering-”
“You want to get off work to go to that car show don't you?” she asked, knowing that Justin had a habit of taking off work to go to the local car shows.
“No, actually, I didn't know about that one, but thanks for telling me!”
“Me and my big mouth.” She rolled her eyes.
“No, really I just wanted to know – what are you doing this weekend.”
“Welllll, you see, I kinda sorta own a garage, and since I'm the owner, I have to be there just a leeetle bit, you know, to make sure things are running smoothly and people are DOING THEIR JOBS and not skipping work to go to CAR SHOWS and such.”
He could tell by this reply that she was very annoyed.
“Why do you ask, pray tell?”
“I didn't mean during the day, I meant like after work. I was wondering if maybe you wanted to go out, like to a club or movie or something.”
“Oh, sorry, but I can't this weekend.”
Justin was a it shocked. “Well, why not?”
“Cuz, this weekend is Mikey's birthday, and I wanted to make it special for him. Friday night I plan on taking him out for pizza at that Greek place he likes then taking him to see that new Disney movie he keeps talking about. Saturday we may just go to Club Danger. And Sunday he is supposed to go to church with me and Grandma then eat fried chicken and macaroni at her house. He likes her cooking, so I asked her to make it especially for him. Plus we're spose to make him a cake too!”
“Oh, sounds nice.”
“Yah, I'm really excited about it, but don't say anything, because he has no clue yet.”
“Oh trust me, I won't.”
Justin walked off and went outside. Blayden and Sonny had just gotten back.
“OK boys, back to work.” said Dominique.
Dominique went to the office and knocked on the door.
“Mikey, you in there?”
No reponse.
Dominique turned the knob slowly.
Mikey jumped as if he were frightened, and Dominique saw him click off whatever he had been working on at the computer.
“You OK Mikey?”
“Yah, just I thought I'd locked the door.”
“Oh ok, well I just came in to check my email is all.”
Mikey got out of the computer chair and walked past Dominique without saying anything.
She sat down at the computer and logged into her email. Then she noticed that whatever Mikey had been working on was still open and that he'd just minimized it. She clicked to maximize it.
Dominique was shocked at what she saw. Mikey had taken a picture of he and Dominique from a recent car show and trimmed it up a bit then pasted the picture in a big red heart. At the top he had typed “Mikey Loves Dominique.” At the bottom, in smaller letters, it said, “but Dommy can do better.”
Dominique saved the file and printed off a copy. She put it in her pocket and walked back into the garage.
“Hey Mikey, can I talk to you for a minute?”
“I guess”
She could tell Mikey wasn't exactly himself.
“What were you hiding in the office during break for? You usually come talk to me during lunch.”
“I was – I just – I can't tell you.”
“Well, does it have anything to do with this?” she asked as she pulled out the copy of Mikey's artwork and handed it to him.
He crumpled it up and walked away, looking rather miserable.
“Mikey, come back!”
Mikey stopped and turned around. He looked at Dominique but could not look her in the eyes.
“Wanna hang out this weekend?”
“I can't” he replied, as he turned again to walk away. “Dominique, I don't think we can have anymore dates.” He hung his head and walked a few steps.
Dominique spoke and Mikey stopped again. “Well, I was really starting to like you.”
“Don't bother, you can do better.”
“Mikey, why don't you think you're good enough for me?”
“I-I just- Idunno. I mean look at you, you're smart, you're funny, you have your own business. You've been through so much and are still strong and hold your head high. My parents are rich but basically disowned me and won't give me any money, so I'm stuck living with my brother and taking out the trash and answering phones at a garage.”
Dominique was almost in tears. “Mikey, I like you for who you are, not what you are.”
He walked back to her and hugged her. “I'm sorry Dominique, I guess I was just startin to believe the stuff Justin said to me earlier. He's the one that said I wasn't good enough for you.”
“Oh really? Well, don't feel bad, cuz I turned him down for a date earlier. Told him I already had plans for the weekend.”
“Oh, you do?”
“Yep!” she replied, grinning a little. Ok, grinning a LOT! “Mikey, since your birthday is this weekend, I plan on taking you to see that new movie and to eat some pizza on Friday. Then Saturday we can go to the club since you've never been. And Sunday we're going to church then eating with Grandma!”
“All for me?” he asked.
“Yep Mikey, all for you! And if you want, Friday night can be our third date.”
Mikey smiled for the rest of the day after that last comment.
For the rest of the week, business at Midnight Oil was slow. Dominique took the opportunity to use her extra time to build a website for Midnight Oil. She stayed up late at the garage every night working on it, and by Thursday it was finished. After the guys all left the garage Thursday night, Dominique went back in. She stayed up late that night working on her car and souping it up a bit, you know, just in case she happened to have a racing encounter over the weekend.
~*~Chapter 6: Car Show~*~
Friday was a very slow day at work. There was virtually nothing for the guys to do. Sonny did an oil change for a little old lady. Blayden had the day off because his wife had the flu and needed help around the house. Justin had the luxury of sitting back and doing nothing for a while. Then around two in the afternoon there was a call for the wrecker. It ended up being some little sixteen year old blonde that had a flat tire. Justin changed the tire for her and charged her anyways. Then he went back to the garage and sat on his bum again.
As for Mikey, he sat in the office and played computer games all day. He was so excited he could hardly contain himself. He couldn't wait to go out with Dominique later that night.
Dominique was at the garage finishing up stuff for the car show she was holding at the garage tomorrow. Over 100 classics and 230 mods and rods had registered for the show plus about 30 motorcycles. She got permission for the entire block to be blocked off for the car show too. It was gonna be BIG! The thing was publicized state-wide as well as in several national car magazines. Many local bands had offered to play music from 10 PM to 1 AM for the Midnight Madness part which would include a street dance, a show from cars with nitrous and flame throwers, and some late night racing. She couldn't wait to see all those pretty cars. Her dad would have been proud of her because this was the First Annual Carson Connor Memorial Rods and Rides Show. He had been working on planning a car show right before he died, but, of course, after his death the plans fell through.
Dominique made sure this would be the mother of all car shows. She had vendors and such lined up to be positioned near the garage. The owners of some of the best cars that Midnight Oil ever modified were to be on display right in front of Midnight Oil as well as cars that Justin had done custom paint jobs on. Dominique was able to secure a Mustang, GTO, and Camaro from every year of production and asked the owners to be a part of a Muscle Car History gallery. There was to be a section for each of these as well: classics restored originally, classics that were turned into rods, and of course newer mods and riceburners. The few bikers were asked to display their bikes on the back side of the block. Several businesses were offering door prizes and raffles, and Dominoes had donated some free pizza and drinks. As for contests, there was gonna be best of show and in each category best paint job, best looking engine, best sounding engine, best burn out, best special effects, etc. Dominique also was able to get a street blocked off for the entire day for the sole purpose of street drags.
Dominique made sure she contacted the owner of every nice car she knew of, so they could bring them to the show. All the great cars would be there. All except hers. It was now her secret weapon, and she was gonna leave it home tomorrow!
Dominique was sitting outside the garage daydreaming about the upcoming day when Mikey walked out there to talk to her.
“Hey Dommy!”
“Heya Mikey, no calls today?”
“Just one. It was about the car show. Someone wanting to make a last minute entry. I told him he couldn't be entered into any of the judged contests but he could show up and park his ride if there was an open space.”
“That's good.” Dominique said dreamily.
“Dommy, you ok?”
“Oh, yah, sorry. I was just thinking about someone who is gonna be at the show tomorrow.”
“Oh, who?” Mikey asked with suspicion.
“Matt Angelle”
“Who's that?”
“Who cares, but he has an AWESOME car!”
“Oh so you don't know him?”
“Nope, but I've seen pictures of his car. '49 Mercury Lead Sled. Metallic purple with flames down the sides. Justin did the paint job for him a few years back before we ever met Justin. Justin told me about the car and showed me a few pictures of it, and he told me he still kept in contact with Matt. So, I called him up and he said he would be glad to park his car in Justin's art gallery tomorrow.”
Dominique looked at the big clock hanging in the garage. It was 6 PM. She walked inside.
“Look guys, business is slow today. I'm giving us all the rest of the day off. And Sonny, you're taking any calls we might get for a tow truck.”
Sonny and Justin cleaned up shop and left for the day.
Dominique and Mikey went to Dominique's place where Mikey sat and watched TV while Dominique took a shower and got dressed and such.
About an hour later, she emerged from her room ready to go.
“OK, Mikey, you ready?”
“Uh huh!”
They first went to the Olympian, the best (and only) Greek place around. Dominique and Mikey shared a spinach and mushroom pizza. After eating, they went on to see the movie. The theater was full of noisy little kids, and it sort of annoyed Dominique. They were all so loud, and they were throwing popcorn and such. They finally calmed down once the movie started. Dominique didn't like the movie very much. She despised Disney movies with a passion. But, it was for Mikey. Seeing him sitting there laughing like a little kid, she couldn't help but smile.
After two hours of giggles and animated bliss, the movie was finally over. Mikey was still smiling as they walked toward the exit.
“Hey Dominique, thanks. Nobody's ever done anything special for my birthday before.”
Before she could say anything, Mikey grabbed Dominique and hugged her tightly. Very tightly.
“Owies, you're gonna squish me!”
Mikey backed up and laughed. “Squish?”
“Yes, squish. It means like squash. Only it's a little more painful.” she explained.
Mikey laughed again. “Never heard that one before!”
“Well, I guess we better go home.” she said. “Gotta get up early for that show tomorrow.”
She took Mikey home then went back to her place and fell asleep almost immediately.
The next morning Dominique was up bright and early. The car show was supposed to last from 10 AM to 1 AM with different events scheduled throughout the day. Sonny, Mikey, Blayden, and Justin all met her at the garage at 8 AM. They opened up the garage and set up some of their special displays on modifications, paintjobs, and racing tips. Then the guys went to work at a table giving out passes and verifying the registration of the cars in the show. At this time, Dominique was outside the garage greeting vendors and telling them where to set up. Most of the stuff was set up by 9:30, and that was about the time people started pouring in to view the cars and such.
Dominique and the guys worked in shifts throughout the day. One would man the garage, one would wander about the show, and the others would sit at the registration and information table. Dominique was the main one that got to walk around and enjoy the festivities because she had done almost all the planning work herself. The thing she enjoyed the most was that few people knew she was the one responsible for the car show. Almost anyone there would have recognized a picture of her father, but no one really knew who she was.
After a walk around the block, Dominique went back to Midnight Oil. Her jaw dropped when she saw the purple monster sitting to the left of the garage. She recognized it as Matt Angelle's car. Apparently he had arrived not long ago because he wasn't there earlier when she began her walk. She walked around the car, admiring every detail.
“Excuse me” she heard someone say.
Dominique looked up. Her jaw dropped. Standing in front of her was the most gorgeous guy she had ever seen in her life. She guessed he was about 5'9''. He looked as if he definitely went to the gym a lot because he was lean with huge muscles that his T-shirt just couldn't hide. He was pale with a cute smile and sparkling green eyes. And his hair was black and spiky with blue tips. He was wearing black JNCOs with chains on each side and a tight black T-shirt with a Hot Rod Magazine logo on the front.
Dominique normally was not easily stunned, but for a moment her breath was taken away and she could not speak. Finally she regained her composure.
She spoke a bit nervously though. “Umm, hi, how may I- uh how may I help you?”
“Well, I just wanted to meet you.”
“Meet me?” Dominique thought to herself.
“I guess it would help if I introduced myself. I'm Matt Angelle.”
Dominique's jaw dropped yet again. “Oy, sorry! Look man, you got a gorgeous car! But how'd you know who I was?”
“Well, I was just talking to Justin and he pointed you out while you were checking out my car.”
Dominique blushed then giggled nervously. “Hehe, I hope I didn't drool too much on the paint job.”
Matt laughed. “So, where's your car?”
“Ummm, I kinda didn't bring it. It's a long story, but no one here today is supposed to see my car.”
Matt looked puzzled. “Ok, but what kind is it?”
“Well” Dominique looked around to make sure no one was within listening distance “don't mention it to anyone, but I have a black 2004 GTO.”
“Oh ok” Matt said.
Just then, Justin walked over. “Well, I see you two have met.”
“Yah, we have.” Matt said, slightly smiling at Dominique.
Dominique just stood there smiling like an idiot and nodded.
“Well, Matt, you want me to show you around?” asked Justin.
“Naw, I think Miss Connor here better do that.”
Dominique's eyes widened a bit and she smiled even more.
For the rest of the afternoon, Dominique walked around the car show with Matt. She hoped he didn't notice how she stared at him and giggled like a giddy school girl. The whole day they mainly talked about cars. Finally Dominique felt more comfortable around Matt and talked a little more.
“Wow, Matt, I'm just SO GLAD you were able to bring your car today. When Justin showed me the pictures, I was like 'oh, that's the most gorgeous car I've ever seen in my life'”
“Really?”
“Yah”
“Well, I'm glad I got to meet you. I mean really, it's not every day that someone gets to meet the daughter of the great legend Carson Connor. My dad bought a car from him about five years ago. The black and green '65 Mustang that your dad built custom for him.”
“Wow, so your dad is the cardiologist that did surgery on my grandma?”
“Well, yah. I'm surprised you didn't know.”
“Well, we were all so upset when she had surgery because we thought we were gonna lose her. I never even noticed the doctor's name.”
“So is she still around?”
“Yah, I lived with her for a while after my parents passed away. I just got my own place a few months before I reopened Midnight Oil.”
They talked for several hours until the sun began to set.
“Hey Dominique, remember when you said you just HAD to have my car here today because you saw a picture of it and thought it was gorgeous?”
“Yah” Dominique replied.
“Well, there are three reasons I obliged to come today. One was that I really admired your dad's work. My dad would have been here with me today, but he had a major surgery to do today. The second reason was that Justin has been a good friend to me all these years I've known him. We lived in the same neighborhood as kids and went to highschool together, and since he was a few years older than me, I always looked up to him.”
“Yah”
“But you wanna know the main reason I wanted to come today?”
“Why?”
“To meet you.”
“Me, why?” Dominique was very surprised!
“Because, Justin told me a lot about you. I admired your work ethic and how you made it through all those rough circumstances. I told him I wanted to know more about you, so last week he sent me a picture of you. And you were the most gorgeous thing I had ever seen, so I just had to come meet you.”
Dominique was flabbergasted and couldn't speak for several minutes.
Finally she spoke. “I-I don't know what to say.”
Matt smiled at her. “Well, what are you doing tomorrow?”
“Well, I have church and then I gotta eat lunch with my grandma. A friend is having a birthday this weekend, so we're having cake and stuff for him.”
“Oh, boyfriend?”
“No, I don't have one.”
“How can a gorgeous thing like you be single?”
“Dunno, just am. I've never had a boyfriend.”
Matt giggled a little. “That's kinda odd because I've never had a girlfriend either. Twenty three years and never found anyone I was really interested in. Until now.”
Dominique was flattered.
Dominique checked her watch. “Hey, Matt, it's almost time for Midnight Madness to begin. It's 9:45, and it starts at 10:00.”
“Oh ok, that's the dance and stuff right?”
“Yah, I need to go check and make sure the bands have set up and are ready. Plus, Blayde is supposed to make a speech for me.”
“Blayde?”
“Yah, Blayde- Blayden. He works for me and he knew my dad, so I'm getting him to make the dedication speech. I wrote it, but I knew I'd get choked up in front of people, so I asked him to read it for me.”
“Can I come with you?”
“Oh, sure, of course.”
Matt laughed a bit and she noticed his pierced tongue. Dominique always thought piercings were attractive but had never gotten one. Then Matt smiled at her and she noticed his canine teeth were filed a bit sharp. She thought this was extra sexy, after all, she'd always had a strange attraction to vampires and such.
“What's so funny?” she asked.
“Just the cute lil nervous look you've had around me, that's all.”
Dominique blushed more and turned away from Matt. They walked back to the garage together.
“So Blayde, you ready?” asked Dominique as she approached the guys.
“Yah I think so. Oh, I see you and Matt have clicked pretty well.” Blayden replied.
Dominique blushed. “Yah I guess so. Well, Blayde, it's time, make us all proud!”
Blayden climbed onto the center stage and took the microphone.
“Well friends and fanatics, thanks for joining us at the First Annual Carson Connor Memorial Rods and Rides Show. I'm Blayden Mercogliano, and I worked with Carson for over fifteen years. Now I work for his daughter Dominique who has re-opened the Midnight Oil garage to carry on her father's legacy. She asked me to read a lil speech here tonight to let all of you know what this show means to her.
(the speech):
It's been a little over two years since my father's death, and I, being the sole heir to his business, knew that the show must go on. Midnight Oil reopened not too long ago, and we're determined to carry on my father's legacy as well as become known for our own unique talents. We'd like to welcome all of you to the First Annual Carson Connor Memorial Rods and Rides Show. Thank you for helping make this day possible. Be sure to contact us for all your rods and rides needs! I'd also like to thank God and my grandma for helping me through the toughest times and Blaye, Mikey, Sonny, and Justin for helping me bring Midnight Oil back to life.”
Everybody there applauded and cheered. Then they began to shout “We want Dominique, we want Dominique!”
Dominique reluctantly went on stage. As she looked out over the crowd, she couldn't help but smile. She had a gleam in her eyes, knowing her dad would have loved to have been there.
“Hi everyone!” she said enthusiastically.
The crowd cheered some more. Soon, however, their cheers were interrupted by the sound of an engine and screeching tires.
Dominique looked just in time to see a purple Chevy SSR pull up behind the stage.
“And now, for your listening pleasure, a plethora of local bands!” she said as she walked off stage.
As she walked away she heard the crowd cheer and Chrome Halo begin to play a song.
The guys from the garage and Matt all followed Dominique.
“What's going on?” asked Matt.
“We'll explain later” replied Blayden.
Dominique's pace quickened as she saw Josh stepping out of the SSR.
“And what are YOU doing here?” she asked with spite.
“I called and asked was it ok if I was a late entry. Your secretary said it was ok.” Josh replied.
“MIKEY!” Dominique fumed.
Mikey was scared. “Dommy, I didn't know it was HIM!”
“Look, I didn't come here to make anyone mad. I promised to show you my new SSR when I got it remember? Plus I was gonna come late like this hoping I'd have a chance to talk to ya'll in person about the work I want ya'll to do for me.” Josh defended himself.
“Well, fine, but you didn't have to make such an entrance.” Dominique spat.
“Yikes, sorry, want me to leave?” Josh asked as he took a few steps back, fearing he'd be punched as before.
“No, that's ok. Stay a while. But we're watchin you!” replied Dominique.
Josh walked over toward the crowd that was dancing in front of the stage.
“Hey Sonny, can you keep an eye on him for me?” Dominique asked.
“Sure thing.” said Sonny, as he blended himself into the crowd so he could watch Josh.
Justin went back to his “gallery” to pose for a few pictures for a local car club, and Blayden walked away to call his wife on his cell.
Mikey just stood around fidgety while Dominique and Matt talked.
Matt began, “Ok, so what was that all about?”
“Well, you know my dad was killed in a racing accident right?”
“Yah, I'm sorry.”
“Well, Josh is Cameron Harvick's brother. Cameron is the guy that-”
“Did you say his name is Josh Harvick?”
“Yah, why?”
“So that's him”
“What, you know him too?”
“Not exactly. My cousin Jaydellyn was Cameron's girlfriend. They had a baby together, and now Josh is raising her. And you don't have to tell me what Cameron did. I already know, and I'm sorry about all that.”
“Yah, here's how I met Josh- he wrecked his car and brought it in to the shop for us to fix. When he realized who I was he said he was lookin for me for quite a while wanting to apologize and all. Since his car was irreparable, he told me he was getting that SSR. I was like ok, kewl, bring it by sometime. I just didn't know he'd bring it tonight to try to ruin the show.”
“Dominique, can you really hate him for what his brother did?”
“I don't HATE him. He's just not my favorite person either.”
“Maybe this will help. Did he mention Gabby at all?”
“Gabriella, the baby?”
“Yah”
“Well sure he did, why?”
“Did he mention Jadellyn wanting her back?”
“Uh huh”
“You know why he still has Gabby?”
“No, why?”
“Because he's taking good care of her while Jayde is out getting high and drunk and whatnot. She might be my cousin, and I love her, but she's waaay outta control and can't handle the responsibility of Gabby. Jayde's parents are both in the military and had to be stationed in Germany, so they sent her to live with us till they get back. She's only 16, and she's a royal mess.”
“Oh, I'm sorry.”
“Yah, me too.”
Just then, Sonny ran up to them. “Dominique, you gotta hear this. I heard Josh talkin to some guys over there about an upcoming race. It's gonna be held out by where your dad- um- where your dad used to race. All the good racers from nearby are spose to be there. It's next Saturday around Midnight.”
Dominique gave a smirky smile, and her eyes twinkled. “This'll be interesting,” she thought, “maybe a Connor will be kickin a Harvick's arse next weekend.”
While no one was paying attention, Mikey had been whisked away by some chick to dance. He kinda liked her. She was short and chunky with blonde hair and brown eyes. Her name was Sydney. Although she was a bit awkward, Mikey thought she was adorable. He found out she lived only a block from him. And she loved Disney movies!
Hand in hand, they walked over to where Dominique was.
“Hey Dommy, I need to talk to you a minute here.” said Mikey.
He and Dominique walked over a few steps for a little privacy.
“What is it?” she asked.
“Well, see that girl?” he said as he pointed to Sydney.
“Yah.”
“I think I'm in love!”
“Oh.” said Dominique, sounding a bit disappointed. “Well, does that mean you don't wanna swing by the club later?”
“I think I'll pass. And about tomorrow, I can't make it then either.”
“Oh ok, well if you're sure.”
“I'm sure.” said Mikey.
He grabbed Sydney's hand, and they ran off to dance some more.
Matt walked up to Dominique “So, I guess there goes your plans for the rest of the weekend, huh?”
“Guess so” she replied with a sigh.
“You really like him huh?”
“I was starting to. But that's ok, I'm sure I can find- someone...” said Dominique as she raised her head to look into Matt's sparkling green eyes.
He took her by the hand. “Wanna dance?” he asked.
She just smiled as the moonlight reflected off her pale face. “Eh, why not?”
As they danced, a slow song played:
Watching every motion
In my foolish lover's game
On this endless ocean
Finally lovers know no shame
Turning and returning
To some secret place inside
Watching in slow motion
As you turn around and say
My love
Take my breath away
Take my breath away
Watching I keep waiting
Still anticipating love
Never hesitating
To become the fated ones
Turning and returning
To some secret place inside
Watching in slow motion
As you turn around and say
My love
Take my breath away
Take my breath away
Through the hourglass I saw you
In time you slipped away
When the mirror crashed I called you
And turned to hear you say
If only for today
I am unafraid
Take my breath away
Take my breath away
Watching every motion
In this foolish lovers game
Haunted by the notion
Somewhere there's a love in flames
Turning and returning
To some secret place inside
Watching in slow motion
As you turn around and say
My love
Take my breath away
Take my breath away...
~*~Chapter 7: The Thunder Rolls~*~
On Sundays, the shop was usually closed unless someone called in for a wrecker or the guys were working on a special project. Sunday was the day off, the day to relax, the day to just be yourself.
On some Sundays, the guys did their own thing, but once a month they went to Dominique's grandma's house for lunch. However, this Sunday nobody showed up. They had told Grandma ahead of time that they probably wouldn't make it there.
Mikey had turned down his birthday lunch and cake to go spend some time with Sydney. Where there were and what they were doing, none could guess.
Blayden's church was having homecoming and he and his wife and Logan were staying for the family dinner afterwards. Sonny had a crush on a girl at Blayde's church and decided to go with them. Justin was supposed to be letting Matt Angelle stay at his house until Monday morning, but Matt never came back from the car show the night before.
Matt woke up at 10 on Sunday morning and at first wasn't sure where he was. Then he smiled. Matt had his arm around Dominique, who was curled up like a baby sleeping. And the TV was still on. Apparently they'd both fallen asleep on the couch when they were watching a movie the night before. He tried to get up without waking her, but as soon as he'd stood up, Dominique woke up.
“Sorry, didn't mean to wake you” he said.
Dominique was in a sleepy daze and was confused. “Huh? Whoa, uh- why am I in here?”
“I guess we fell asleep watching the movie last night.”
“Oh ok.” Dominique rolled back over as if to fall asleep again.
Then all of a sudden she sat up looking surprised.
“Whoa, then you really are here?”
“Yes, I'm here- where'd you think I was?”
“Well” she explained “I remember the dance last night and us coming here talking and watching TV late. In my sleep I somehow though I was in my bed and you had left to go to Justin's place. And I thought I was just dreaming about you holding me while I slept.”
“Oh, hehe I don't know how that happened. But no, I was here all night.”
Suddenly Dominique almost panicked. “Oy, what time is it?”
“A little after 10, why?”
Dominique jumped up. “Cuz I gotta get ready for church. Wanna go with me?”
“Sure. Especially since I can't go to mine today.”
They were ready just in time to swing by and pick Grandma up for church. They figured they could explain the whole deal to Justin later because he was one of the deacon's and they knew they'd see him anyways.
They walked into church about ten minutes early. People used to stare at Dominique for the way she dressed at church, but they'd recently gotten used to her. She knew the stares and whispers today were because everyone was wondering who Matt was. Grandma took her back row seat and started talking to one of the old gossipy ladies. Meanwhile, Justin had run up to Dominique and Matt.
“So, where were ya last night buddy?” Justin asked with a wink.
“Justin hush, these people are so nosy they're all trying to listen to us.” said Dominique.
Matt answered quietly “Look, we were watching a movie last night and fell asleep on the couch, no more, no less.”
“Whoa you spent the night?” asked Justin, a little too loudly.
All the nosy old people turned around to see what they were talking about. Matt noticed this and felt a bit uncomfortable.
Matt spoke a little louder and tried to make things not sound so bad “It was late after the car show, and I slept on the COUCH.”
Most of the old people lost interest after they heard Matt make that statement.
Matt and Justin then stepped into the corner to talk some more.
“Matt, you mean to tell me you spent the night there and nothing happened?”
“Absolutely nothing.”
“You didn't even kiss her?”
“Of course not. We were just talking then we fell asleep watching the movie.”
“You spent the night with a beautiful girl and nothing happened.”
“Man, you know me. I'm still waiting to find the right girl. I figure why waste myself on someone who isn't. Although there IS something different about Dominique.”
“Uh oh, Matt's got a girlfriend!” Justin teased.
“No, I wouldn't say that. But she's definitely worth getting to know. I even had a dream about her last night. It looked like it was a few years from now and-”
The church bells rang.
They both rushed to their seats just in time for church to start. After hearing the preacher preach about forgiveness, it was time for the final hymn. Everybody sang “How Great Thou Art” then people began to disperse to find their gossip buddies or to go home for Sunday lunch. Several people flocked toward Dominique.
“Well hello Dawminique.” That was the last thing Dominique wanted to hear. Only one person could mispronounce her name THAT badly. It was Mrs. Essie. That woman had the worst Southern accent anyone had ever heard, not to mention a bad case of blue eyeshadow-itis. And her yellow hair with gray roots proved that she had lost a battle with some bleach long ago. She only talked to people when she was in a nosy mood. The rest of the time she talked ABOUT people. And when she was doing neither, she watched soap operas to watch other people talk about each other.
“Hi Mrs. Essie” Dominique responded while trying to continue to walk toward the door. Then she felt Mrs. Essie's fat little paw on her shoulder.
“Awww hun, I ain't seen ya in a munth hav i?”
“Ummm I've been here every Sunday this month.”
“Oh. Well, who's dis fiiine young feller ya got wid ya?”
“Oh that's my friend Matt. He's one of my car show guys.”
Mrs. Essie walked around Matt, eying every inch of him. He was repulsed and thought he was gonna hurl. She pinched his cheek. “Well ya sur are cute.”
Justin saw that Matt and Dominique were drowning in a sea of bull crap and walked over to rescue them. “Hey Matt, Dominique, can you two come out to my car for a minute?”
“Umm ok Justin, sure.” Dominique said, as she grabbed Matt's arm and followed Justin.
When they were safely outside, they all gave a sigh of relief.
“Well Matt, have you made your decision yet?” asked Justin.
Matt cut his eyes toward Dominique then back trying to signal for Justin to shut up.
“What decision?” asked Dominique.
“Justin, I was gonna tell her later!” exclaimed Matt.
“Ooooh, well, um, I guess I better be going. Swing by my place later if you want, and if you spend the night at her place again that's fine too.” Justin said as he got into his car. He left, and Matt and Dominique were once again alone.
Dominique put her hand on her hip “Well, Matt, what is it you were gonna tell me later?”
“Well, I, uh...”
Just then Grandma walked up. “Dominique honey, Widower Jones has invited me out to lunch today. He said he can take me home after lunch. Is that ok with you two?”
“Umm sure Grandma, have fun!” Dominique hugged her grandma before she left.
Dominique and Matt then got into Matt's car.
“So, where to?” he asked. “Ummm I guess we need lunch, eh?”
“Matt, what is it you're not telling me?”
“I think I'm in the mood for some fried chicken and-”
“MATT!”
“What?”
“You're avoiding my question.”
“Well, it was gonna be a surprise but...”
“But what?”
“I was supposed to stay here all week with Justin to check things out around here. I was thinking about moving in with him sometime this month.”
“Yah...”
“And, well, after last night, I think I've already decided. I still need to talk to Justin, but I think I want to move here as soon as next week.” He smiled.
“Oh, that's great!” said Dominique “but what made you decide so fast?”
“Well, I think I got a message from an angel last night-” he said as he looked at her dreamily.
“Matt, you can't move here on account of me.”
“I'm not. But I did ask God to show me a sign if I was spose to move here or not. Then last night I had a dream, and well, I can't tell you what it was about, but I'm pretty sure it was the answer to my prayers.”
Dominique smiled.
“So, you hungry?” Matt asked.
“Hmm actually I am!” said Dominique.
“Well, since you were nice enough to let me stay at your house unexpectedly last night, I guess I can buy you lunch. That sound good?”
“Sure.”
After lunch, Matt and Dominique went cruising. They enjoyed each other's company and wanted to talk as much as they could.
“So, uh Dominique...”
“What?”
“Well, when we were at your house, you didn't show me your car.”
“Oh, sorry, I was having so much fun talking to you that I didn't think about it.”
“Well, why is it no one can see it?”
“I've been in a few races and chases and already had to change the color of it. Right now I'm driving the wrecker on a daily basis and waiting around for the right time to bring the goat back out.”
“Oh ok.”
“Hey, you know the race next weekend that Sonny was talking about?”
“Yah, what about it?”
“Well, I think I may unleash the beast there.”
“Oh come on, are you sure you want to?”
“Yah, why not. I'll just wear a helmet so people won't see what I look like. It'll make things a bit...interesting. After all, that's what my dad always did.”
“Oh really? Well, I don't mean to probe too much but, if he was wearing a helmet then how did-”
“His midsection was severed in the crash. There wasn't any hope for him really.”
Dominique stared off into space and was silent for a few moments. She did her best to hold back the tears that were welling up in her eyes.
Matt stopped the car in an empty parking lot near by.
“Dominique, are you ok?”
She got out of the car and leaned against the front fender with her arms crossed.
Matt got out of the car and walked over to where she was.
“Dominique, I'm sorry I mentioned it.”
“I-it-it's not your fault.” Dominique sobbed. She slumped down on the ground beside the car and sat.
Matt wrapped his arms around her and held her while she cried. She laid her head on his chest and let the tears fly. She cried for what must have been at least twenty minutes. When Matt no longer heard Dominique crying, he looked down to check on her. She had fallen asleep in his arms. He just held her for a little longer.
The sound of an engine woke Dominique up.
“Oh sorry Matt, did I fall asleep?”
“Yah you did, but it's ok.”
“Ummm where's that car I heard?”
“Just some showoff revving his engine and doing a burnout, he's gone now.”
“Did you see the car?”
“Naw, I was too busy looking at an angel.”
Dominique blushed. “So, uh, when are you going home?”
“Actually I was planning on heading out in the morning.”
“Oh” said Dominique, more than a little disappointed.
“But the sooner I'm gone, the sooner I'll be back.”
“That's true.”
“Plus, if you're able, I need you and Justin and maybe some more people to help me move all my rides and stuff out here.”
“All your cars? I thought you just had this one.”
“My dad's a doctor, remember. I have a few.”
“Kewlies, what kind?”
“Well, I have that Mercury for show, a Barracuda for racing, a motorcycle, an Escalade for normal driving, and- that's all, hehe.”
“Well, my new GTO is the only drivable car I have, but- and don't tell- I plan on restoring my dad's old car.”
“Sweeeeeeeet!”
“Oh, one more thing.”
“What?”
“Where are you gonna work when you move here?”
“Not sure. Why?”
“Want a job?”
“Hmmm doing?”
“Idunno, we can always use an extra hand around at the garage. We never do have enough guys when one has to leave with the wrecker.”
“Hmmm I think I can drive a wrecker for ya.”
Dominique smiled.
Matt got Dominique's number before he left to go home on Monday.
“Hey, I'll call you every night if I can. And I'll try to have everything moved by Thursday.”
“OK Matt. Let me know when you want that Cuda moved!” Dominique winked at him.
That day at the garage, the guys could tell Dominique was in an unusual mood. Matt had left before Dominique and the boys went in for work. He had stopped by just long enough to see her then had to go home. Just being around him for that few minutes that morning had put her in a good mood for the rest of the day. And she could hardly wait till it was time for him to call her later.
Dominique went to the garage, and all the guys were on time. Except for Mikey. He didn't show up for work until 11:30.
“Hey Dominique, Mikey finally decided to come to work today.” said Justin sarcastically.
Dominique sighed. “Ah, that's nice...”
“Dominique, are you ok?” asked Justin, as he walked further into the office. He had never seen her like this before. She was smiling and appeared to be daydreaming.
“Oh, yah, I'm great!”
He knew that was very unlike Dominique to give such an optimistic response.
“Dominique!” he said a bit louder.
“Huh, oh, sorry Justin, I didn't know you were in here.”
“I've been standing here five minutes.”
Dominique giggled and blushed a bit. “Ooooops, sorry!”
“Anyways, I was just telling you that Mikey came in a few minutes ago.”
“Oh, I didn't know he wasn't here to begin with.”
Just then, Mikey walked into the office. “Hey Dommy, sorry I'm so late, but I-”
“Yah, I bet I know why you were late.” Justin said with a wink as he walked out the door.
“Dominique,” Mikey continued, “I need to talk to you. Sonny doesn't even know anything about this yet, so don't say anything, but...remember Sydney I was talking to at the car show?”
“Yah, what about her?”
“Well, I fell in love with her.”
“Gee, I noticed.”
“Anyways,ummm.”
“What? Go ahead.”
“Well, me and Sydney kinda got married last night.”
“YOU DID WHAT?” Dominique shouted, loud enough for all the guys in the garage to hear her.
Sonny, Blayden, and Justin ran into the office.
“Whoa, what's going on?” asked Blayden.
“Yah, what did Mikey screw up this time?” asked Sonny.
“Oh, I think I'll let HIM tell you what's going on. Go ahead, Mikey!”
Mikey stood up straighter than usual with a proud look on his face. “Guys, I got married last night!”
“Married?” asked Justin.
“WHAT?” asked Sonny.
“You're kiddin me, right?” asked Blayden.
“No guys, I'm dead serious.” Mikey replied.
Sonny put his hand on Mikey's shoulder. “Mikey, Mikey, Mikey. What did I tell you about staying SINGLE and LIVING it up while you have the chance? Did I not teach you ANYTHING? And you didn't even INVITE me!”
Blayden interrupted. “Umm, just where can you get a legal last minute marriage on a Sunday night?”
“Well,” began Mikey with a smile “there's this cute little wedding chapel down by the beach. That's where we went. They let us do it backwards. We had the ceremony there last night, and we filed the marriage license this morning. That's why I was late.”
“Oh ok” said Dominique, trying not to laugh.
“Mikey, let me ask you a few things.” began Blayden. “What is your wife's name?”
“Sydney.”
“And her middle name?”
“Ummm-I-I don't know yet.”
Dominique rolled her eyes.
“Ok,” continued Blayden, “how old is she?”
“Eighteen. Yesterday was her birthday.”
The guys and Dominique all rolled their eyes.
“Mikey,” said Sonny, “you're all of 24 as of this weekend, and you married a girl that just turned 18?”
“Yah, her birthday is the day after mine, isn't that cool? Anyways, now that everyone knows what's going on, I wanted to say goodbye.” said Mikey.
“Goodbye?” asked Justin.
“Yah, me and Sydney are going on a honeymoon down at the beach here then we're supposed to move in with her parents. They live on the other side of the state, so I guess I can't work here anymore.”
“You're a bloomin idiot!” said Sonny, as he walked out of the office.
Dominique gave Sonny the rest of the day off so he could help Mikey pack and so he tell him how stupid he was.
Justin and Dominique and Blayden were fairly silent the rest of the day. They talked a little. Mainly about how Mikey had no sense, skills, or ambition.
Matt called Dominique's cell phone that night when she was on the way home from work, and they ended up talking for at least two hours. They ended up talking every night that week.
The rest of the week, the garage was rather busy. Dominique balanced herself between doing Mikey's former job and working on cars. She would be glad when it was Friday afternoon because first of all, Matt was moving then, and second of all, Matt moving meant she'd get to see him more often and that he could take over Mikey's job. After all, the wrecker wasn't always in use, so the wrecker driver could do office work and such the rest of the time.
Meanwhile, Matt was at home packing. He was also praying. He just knew there was something different about Dominique. And that dream – wow, he wasn't expecting to dream anything like that about her.
“Please, Lord.” Matt prayed. “Let me know what it is that's so special about Dominique. I think for the first time, I'm starting to fall in love with someone. And I'm actually scared. I thought it would just be me and my dogs for a long time.”
Matt closed his eyes Thursday night and fell asleep more quickly than usual. Then he started to dream again. This dream was like the last one, only a little longer. He dreamt he was standing at the front of a big church that he didn't recognize. There were lots of people there, but they were all a blur to him, because he was staring at something at the back of the church. Yes, there she was, Dominique in a white dress. The absolute last thing anybody ever expected to see. She began to walk down the aisle. The first dream had left off there, but this one didn't. Matt saw it all in the dream. A wedding ceremony. He and Dominique both saying “I do.” Then he heard, “You may kiss the bride.”
He felt like a blooming idiot when he woke up clutching his pillow.
Finally, it was Friday. Dominique closed the garage around three that afternoon so she and Justin and Blayden could help Matt move. He had most of his things in a U-Haul truck. His motorcycle was on a trailer behind it, and his two dogs rode in the front with him.
Justin drove the Escalade for Matt. Blayden drove the Mercury. And, of course, little Miss Dominique got her hands on the Barracuda. They had finished moving everything by seven that night, and Matt had everything settled in by midnight. He thanked the guys and Dominique for helping him move everything.
Justin was so tired that he went to his room and crashed. Blayden and Sonny left. Dominique was on her way to the door when Matt stopped her.
“Hey Dominique?”
“Yah.”
“Are you serious about going to that race tomorrow night?”
“I'm a Connor, does that answer your question?”
Matt laughed. “Guess so. Well, how bout we go out for dinner and a movie before the race?”
“Sounds good.”
“Oh, hey, and when do I start work?”
“I've put you on the schedule for next Tuesday. I figured I'd give you a few days so you'd have time to do whatever you need to do and rest and stuff.”
Matt walked out to Dominique's car with her and gave her a big hug.
“Sweet dreams, doll!” he said as she got into the car.
Dominique was REALLY excited the next day. She and Matt went out for pizza and saw a really kewl vampire movie. Then they went back to her place so she could get the GTO. The plan was for Matt to drive his Cuda and Dominique to drive her GTO. Now for the hard part. They had to pretend to not know each other, because neither wanted to blow Dominique's cover. The only thing she really had to worry about was whether or not Josh would tell everyone who she was.
Matt and Dominique kept up with each other on their cell phones. Matt went to the spot of the race a little earlier than Dominique did. He wanted to scope things out. He looked around for Josh and didn't see him.
A huge crowd gathered, and some weasley looking guy in a pimpish outfit began collecting the money of those who were going to be in the race. Entry fee was $50, winner takes all.
Matt threw in his $50 and parked up at the starting point. He leaned against the orange Barracuda and tried to listen to what was going on.
“I wonder when Wonderboy will be here” said a mean looking chick.
“Wonderboy? Oh, you mean Josh Harvick?” he heard one guy say.
He payed attention to this conversation in particular.
“Yah” said another. “Man, Josh is such a dork. He may have a fast car, but no one likes him. Idiot wrecked his Mustang, and he's got a new SSR and plans on racing it, what a joke!”
Just then the SSR arrived. From the sound of it, Josh had done some major engine work. However, the thing still appeared stock at first glance. He walked over, paid his fifty, and sat back in his truck.
“Ten minutes till race time.” yelled the guy taking up the money.
Matt had called Dominique and told her what was going on. He was getting worried though. Five minutes later, she still wasn't there. Most of the drivers were in their cars, so Matt got into his too. Two more minutes passed. Everyone was getting psyched for the race.
Some scantily clad skank dropped the flag, signaling the start of the race. Dominique knew the course. It was the same as it had always been. The same one her dad showed her years ago...
She held back a little at first. There were five cars in the race besides her, so she wasn't too worried. The cars sped around the first big curve, and Josh was in the lead somehow. She knew that SSR wouldn't hold out for long though, oh no, not that piece of crap!
Coming out of the curve, Matt and Josh were about even. A yellow Vette was gaining on them though. The other two cars, a pink Civic and a blue Skyline, were obviously holding back as well. After the curve, the cars were all sort of bunched together. Going up the hill, the Civic pulled into the lead. As soon as Dominique saw it going over the hill, she quit holding back. She shot ahead of all the cars except the Civic. She was sure the Civic driver was surprised to see her coming from nowhere over the hill. Matt wasn't far behind her, and Josh was on his tail.
Going around the second big curve, which was just after the hill, Josh and Matt were too focused on each other, and the Skyline slipped by them. As the cars drifted out of the turn, the Civic had fallen back. Now it was just down to Dominique and that Skyline. It shot past her. On the straightaway it was like a drag race between the two. Matt was a little behind them, and the rest had fallen back quite a bit.
Now for the final curve – a double curve. Not to mention, a tight one. For this curve the car didn't so much matter – the driver had to know how to drift without losing it. Dominique and the Skyline were neck and neck. But then, the Skyline's driver hesitated for just a second, and Dominique got the upper hand. She made it out of the second half of the curve about a car length ahead of him. The cars battled down the final straightaway, and the Skyline started to pull ahead again. Then Dominique gave it everything she had. She beat the Skyline back to the starting line by just a few feet.
She was greeted by cheers and jeers. She drove up to the money monkey and cracked the window just enough to take her jackpot. Then she sped off into the night.
Matt stayed behind for a few minutes but didn't even really get to hear any comments that might have been made about Dominique. The only thing he heard was what the driver of the Skyline had to say. The driver was a short Asian guy with bleached hair and lots of piercings. He jumped out of his car and said “Who was THAT?” along with a few expletives.
Monday at the garage, things were once more busy. A few guys who had been at the race but did not race came by to get some work done on their cars.
One was the owner of a white Eclipse. His name was Adam.
A second had a primered Saturn Ion. His name was Jason.
And the third had a '55 Bel Air. His name was Robbie.
Dominique talked with them a few minutes.
“Wow, that race last night was groovy!” said Adam.
“Race?” asked Dominique innocently.
“Oh yah!” Robbie said enthusiastically. “It was awesome!”
“OK?” said Dominique.
“Some guy in a GTO tore everybody up!” said Robbie.
“Oh, really?” she prodded.
“Yah. Man, the last time a black GTO kicked everybody's butt like that was back in the day when Midnight Thunder was around.” said Jason.
“Midnight Thunder?” asked Dominique, pretending to be clueless.
“Yah, some old guy in a black '65 GTO.” replied Adam.
Dominique gave them a look of disbelief then went back to putting the ground effects kit on Adam's Eclipse. She laughed a bit.
“Man” she thought, “they have no clue it was me. No clue whatsoever. And I'm not tellin!” she laughed again to herself.
~*~Chapter 8: A Blast from the Past~*~
The race was the talk of the town and several towns over. Nobody knew about Dominique and her GTO. Some swore it was the ghost of Midnight Thunder in a newer car. Some said it was just a showoff from a neighboring town.
Dominique and Matt were becoming very close. Now that Matt worked at the garage, they saw each other every day. Some mornings, he even went to the gym with Dominique. And most nights after work, Matt would go over to Dominique's place to talk or watch a movie with her. They spent their Sundays going to church together and their off days going to car shows and even shopping.
While Dominique was keeping a low profile, she decided it would be a good time to work on something that she'd been meaning to do for quite a while. She started working on restoring her father's car in August. Just about everything about it needed replacing. She kept it under a cover in the garage, and she and Matt worked on it after hours. Sometimes Blayden and Justin and Sonny helped too.
Dominique was very picky about who did what to that car. She wanted everything restored precisely as it was when her father drove it. She took care to be sure that nobody, save her and the guys in the garage, even knew about it. Her own grandmother didn't know she still had the car.
Slowly but surely, the old goat began to take shape. With the help of the guys, Dominique was able to get it mostly restored by Thanksgiving. Now she was just waiting on some custom parts that she had ordered.
Since her dad's old CD player seemed to still be in working order, she left it in the car. Other than that, most of the interior had to be redone to get rid of the blood stains and such. The windshield had to be replaced as well as both the side windows. His old 8-ball shifter had been cracked in the accident, so she replaced it with a brand new one just like it.
Finally, the engine was ready to be dropped into the old goat. The guys helped her with it, although engines were one of Dominique's special talents. They finished the engine work late one night.
“Hey Dominique, why don't you start her up!” said Blayden.
“Ummm you guys, I kinda want to be alone when I start her up for the first time.” said Dominique.
The guys didn't have to ask why. They understood. They all stepped outside for a little while.
And now for the moment of truth.
“I love you daddy.” whispered Dominique.
Then she turned the key with tears flowing down her cheeks. Her green eyes almost looked blue through her tears.
The old goat started with no problem. The engine roared to life, and it excited Dominique. Then she looked over at the CD player. Much to her surprise, there was a CD still in it, and the thing was stuck on pause. She guessed it must have been jammed during the crash. Still, she hit the pause button anyway. Nothing happened. She tried hitting eject. Nothing. She hit her fist on the dash right above the CD player, and the CD began to play:
I hear hurricanes ablowing.
I know the end is coming soon.
I fear rivers over flowing.
I hear the voice of rage and ruin.
Don’t go around tonight,
Well, it’s bound to take your life,
There’s a bad moon on the rise.
Hope you got your things together.
Hope you are quite prepared to die.
Looks like we’re in for nasty weather.
One eye is taken for an eye.
She recognized the song. It was a Creedence Clearwater Revival song. That was one of her dad's favorite bands, and Bad Moon Rising had been one of his favorite songs. She guessed this song must have been what was playing just before her father's death because the song was paused about halfway through.
“If only you'd listened.” Dominique said, as if her father was sitting next to her.
About halfway through December, the car was all done except for the paint job. Dominique trusted Justin with it. She got him to paint it solid black, just as it had been when her father had it. Justin was finished with the paint job the day before Christmas Eve, the same day that the license plate for it arrived. The guys all cheered as Dominique put the finishing touch on the car. The guys cheered as she tightened the last fastener on the license plate. It said THUNDER.
That night Dominique threw a little Christmas party for them all at the garage. She had decorated for the occasion too. The outside of the garage had colorful Christmas lights. Inside was a small tree with used spark plugs as ornaments. She even took an old tire and wrapped ribbon around it to make a wreath for the office door.
Blayden came and brought his wife and son. His son was dressed in a cute little reindeer suit.
Justin brought a girl he had just started dating a few months before. For the first time ever, people could tell that Justin was truly happy. He had never had a girlfriend for more than a few weeks at the time, but this one seemed like one he might keep a lot longer.
Sonny, surprisingly, came alone. His last girlfriend had dumped him only a week before. He had really liked her. She was a model and did a lot of traveling, so he didn't see her as often as he would have liked. She was mean in the way she dumped him too. She sent him an early Christmas card that said: “Merry Christmas, love. Too bad you'll be spending it lonely. I've found someone else while I was modeling in New York, and I'm moving there.” Sonny wasn't too worried though, he knew he'd probably find another girl at a New Year's party he was going to.
Neither Matt nor Dominique brought dates.
Although Mikey had been gone for several months, he sent Sonny a letter and instructed him to wait and read it to everyone at the Christmas party. It said:
Hey guys, this is your old pal Mikey. I miss ya'll. Ok, not really. I like it here with Sydney and the rest of the family. It's been snowing here already, and we live in a cozy log cabin on the mountain. I don't even miss the seafood because we have something here called Mountain Oysters that I really like. I don't have to get a real job because I work for Sydney's dad on his goat farm. I milk the goats and sometimes get to teach them tricks. Sydney is doing good. I finally found out that her middle name is Myrtle. Oh and we have some good news. We found out a couple months ago that she is pregnant. Everybody is so excited because it'll be the first time that someone in her family has gotten pregnant AFTER they got married. Well, I love you guys. Keep Sonny straight for me.
Love,
Mikey
Nobody was sure what to say first after the letter was read.
Finally Blayden spoke up, “Gee, Mikey is gonna be a daddy and he probably doesn't even know where babies come from.”
“Yah,” said Sonny, “He does. I had that lil talk with him when he was younger.”
Everyone just kind of laughed.
“I wonder if he knows what mountain oysters really are?” asked Dominique.
“Ummm, what are they? I've had them before.” said Justin.
“Ewwww” said everybody else.
“Well, it's been some year.” said Blayden.
“Yah, it has.” said Dominique. “It's almost too much to comprehend.”
Dominique woke up on Christmas Eve morning earlier than she would have liked. She went to the fridge to get some water and on the way through the house admired her tiny silver Christmas tree. She liked decorating, but she didn't like big gaudy decorations. Her tree in her room was small with a turquoise and blue color scheme. The presents were stacked neatly under it, waiting for the recipients to come get them. Dominique had a rule. If someone wanted a present from her, they had to come to her house and get it!
She had no tree in the main room. Her main room was a gameroom/living room/diner. She had a pool table, tv and such, and a recreation of a 50's diner all in that one room. She felt that the room was too pretty to decorate with its checkerboard floor and red and black and white retro furniture. Her couch and chairs were re-upholstered ones her grandma gave her, 1953 originals. Her table, chairs, bar, and a corner booth were recreations of 50's diner style furniture. She had a pool table covered in Zebra print felt, and a big white plasma tv mounted on the wall that doubled as an extra computer monitor. Even her fridge was retro. She had an old fridge which was restored then given a custom flamed paint job by Justin.
Dominique took a shower then looked at her calendar. Today was to be Christmas with her family. Cousins and aunts and uncles she hadn't seen since last year would be there, so she was a bit excited. However, because of her big game room, she was asked to host it this year.
Grandma came over around nine that morning with an already cooked ham and turkey. Then Grandma went home and started on the vegetables and stuff. She fixed corn, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, stuffing, biscuits, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, black eyed peas, green peas, and enough pumpkin and sweet potato pie to feed Pharaoh's army. She returned around eleven with the rest of the food. It was all placed in a heated buffet that Dominique had rented just for the occasion.
After hugs and kisses and pinches on the cheek, everyone sat down to eat. People were careful not to mention Carson and Amelia. And Grandma warned them that Dominique had no boyfriend and that was not a topic they should even bring up. After eating, they all exchanged presents. Then people came back through for what was left of the food. They sat around and talked and such until about ten that night. She encouraged her family to take the rest of the leftovers with them.
When everybody was gone, Dominique cleaned up then went and packed her suitcase. She went to bed and slept like a baby.
The next morning was Christmas Day. Dominique was awakened by the sound of a knocking at her front door. She looked at the clock.
“Oh no!” she thought, as she ran to the door. “It's already 10.”
She opened the door.
“Hey Dominique, Merry Christmas!” Matt said. “Umm did you just wake up?”
“Yah, sorry, I guess I was so tired last night that I forgot to set my clock. Your family won't mind that we're late, will they?” she asked.
“Oh, of course not. Besides, I know it doesn't take you long to get ready in the mornings anyways.”
Dominique hurried to get dressed and such. She felt bad about not waking up earlier. They were supposed to have left her place at ten, but she wasn't done getting ready until quarter after.
She grabbed her suitcase and a couple presents and went back out to where Matt was waiting on her black couch.
Matt laughed a little. “Dominique, we don't have to leave until 10:30. I just told you I was gonna be here at 10 hoping we'd have a few spare moments to sit around and talk and relax.”
Dominique set everything on the floor and smiled. She went and sat beside Matt on the couch. “So, why is it you wanted me to go with you anyways?”
“Well,” Matt replied. “I know you miss your parents and that your Grandma had plans to spend Christmas with Mr. Smith. I couldn't stand the thought of you being lonely on Christmas, Dominique.”
“Still, the whole week?”
“Well, at my house, Christmas is a big deal. And there's supposed to be a big New Year's party too.”
Dominique was a bit excited. She had never been to any parties except the few that she had thrown and a few that erupted during local car shows.
The ride to Matt's house was interesting. His family lived three hours away, so he and Dominique had plenty of time to talk, laugh, and joke around. Dominique fell asleep in the car during the last 45 minutes of the trip. Matt looked over at her and smiled.
“Yes, there's definitely something different about you.” he thought to himself. “And after this week, I'll know for sure.”
“Ok Dominique, wake up, we're here.” Matt whispered as he pulled up in front of his parents' mansion.
Dominique slowly opened her eyes then blinked a few times in disbelief. “Whoa, you mean to tell me that your family lives HERE?”
“Yep.” Matt said with a smile.
The mansion was a huge three-story and was decorated with lights, wreaths, and various other decorations. Dominique couldn't wait to see it lit up at night! She had always loved going around and looking at other people's decorations at Christmastime!
Matt introduced Dominique to his parents and grandparents first. They seemed to simply adore her. His dad and grandpa were able to talk to her about cars. His mom talked to her about poetry because she, an English professor, had a great interest in poetry. Finding out that Dominique wrote poetry occasionally made Mrs. Angelle like her automatically. Matt's grandma didn't talk much because she was a quiet and reserved person, but she did compliment Dominique on her beauty. And she wasn't one to think that many people were beautiful. Matt introduced her to the rest of the family as they arrived. Everyone seemed to just love her.
“Hey Matt?” said Dominique.
“What is it?”
“Where's Jaydellyn?”
“Oh” Matt said in a low voice, with a sorrowful look in his eyes “the family sees her as a disgrace, so she stays up in her room when we have family functions.”
“Oh...ok”
Dominique felt sorry for Jayde, but she wasn't sure how the family would react to her butting in, so she didn't.
Dominique had fun spending time with Matt and his family. She especially liked the afternoon feast. She was a vegetarian but still ate seafood, so she appreciated the lobster and scallops and fish laid out before her. She was delighted to see that they had steamed oysters too - that had always been a tradition at her house – to have steamed oysters around Christmas. Everyone was so nice and hospitable that Dominique felt right at home. She really liked Matt's family. She even liked the dogs and the butlers.
After the feast, Matt's grandpa read the Christmas story from Luke 2:
2:1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2:2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
2:3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
2:4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; * (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
2:5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
2:6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
2:7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
2:8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field *, keeping watch over their flock by night.
2:9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid *.
2:10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
2:11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
2:12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
2:13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
2:14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
2:15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven *, the shepherds * * said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
2:16And they came with haste, and * * found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
2:17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying * * which was told them concerning this child.
2:18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them * * by the shepherds.
2:19But Mary kept all these things *, and pondered them in her heart.
2:20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
After the Scripture reading and singing a few carols around the huge tree, it was time to exchange presents. Matt told Dominique to not worry about bringing any presents, but she had gotten him something anyways. She wasn't sure what to get him at first, so she got him a new outfit from Hot Topic and some boots she knew he had wanted. She also gave him a custom model that she had made of his Mercury in her spare time. It was exact to the last detail. Matt was impressed.
But all that was nothing compared to what he got her. The first thing he gave her was a big white sparkly bear. It was cuddly and adorable! Second, he gave her white gold diamond bracelet. Although Dominique wasn't prissy, she wore a lot of bracelets when she wasn't at the garage. And she had always wanted a diamond bracelet. And third, he got her the trench coat she had been eying on the Hot Topic website for so long. It was long, sleek, patent leather to match some boots she had.
As Matt's dad walked around passing out envelopes, Matt whispered “Don't be surprised at what he gives you.”
Dominique knew what he meant when she opened her envelope. Her eyes widened.
“Every year he gives everyone at the Christmas party at thousand dollars. Just take it and hush.” Matt explained.
Dominique wasn't a person lacking for money because she had plenty from her business, but she was beginning to like his family already. Not just because they were rich but because they were generous with what they had.
That night, all the family members were being shown to their rooms. Apparently they were all staying for the entire week. Good thing that house had a lot of rooms.
Finally the butler approached Dominique and Matt.
“Master Matthew, your rooms in the guest house are ready.”
“Wow, you have a guest house too?” asked Dominique.
“Yah” replied Matt. “I requested for us to stay there instead of the main house because I know you like to be in solitude a lot.”
Dominique smiled. “You think of everything, don't you?”
Matt just smiled at her with a twinkle in his eyes.
Matt and Dominique went out to the guest house. This is the first time Dominique had been behind the house. She marveled at the extent of the property.
“Wow, big yard you got!” she joked.
“Yah, 62 acres. In the morning, I'll show you the stables, the lake, and the event hall and ballroom.”
They walked on into the guest house. It was way bigger than Dominique's place. Although a bit fancy for her tastes, the place was warm and cozy. Her room was right next to Matt's and they had a kitchen and living room and a huge bathroom with hot tub to share. Dominique was exhausted and fell back on her bed.
“Hey wait a minute, there's still something I want to show you.” said Matt.
He helped Dominique up and took her to what appeared to be a large window in her room. He pulled a cord, and the curtains opened, revealing a large glass door that led to a balcony. He walked outside and she followed.
“Dominique, look out over the water.”
She looked and saw the winter moon casting its soft glow on the lake. It was beautiful.
“Dominique, that's Lake Carson. My dad named it in memory of your father.”
Dominique smiled with a few tears streaming down her face.
Dominique slept surprisingly well that night. The rest of the week was very busy. She wasn't used to such large amounts of socializing, aside from car shows and at work. She was questioned about everything from her job to her family lineage.
“Hey Matt, let's all go horseback riding!” said little Sarah.
“Yah Matt, let's go for it.” said Damion.
“Well, I suppose we can.” said Matt.
Dominique tried not to let her uneasiness show. She was hoping there weren't enough horses for everyone to ride, but much to her dismay there were 10 horses, and only 8 people wanting to ride them.
“Ok, since Dominique's a guest she gets to pick out a horse first.” said Matt.
“Umm, no, that's ok. Let someone else pick first.” she replied.
“Oh, I insist, you're the guest.”
“Ummm...”
“Dominique, is something wrong?”
“Heh, not really.”
“Then what is it?”
A horse neighed loudly, and Dominique jumped, a bit startled.
“Oh, I get it Dominique, you don't know how to ride horses, right?” Matt pried.
“Umm, nope. Not a bit!”
“Well I can teach you or you can ride on Lightning with me.”
“Ummm, no, that's ok!”
“Dominique, what's wrong?”
By now everyone else had grabbed a horse and taken off down the trail.
“Matt, I guess I never told you this, but I'm absolutely terrified of horses!”
Matt laughed. Then his face grew serious. “Oh, you weren't joking. I'm sorry Dominique.”
“It's ok.”
“Well, you wanna do something else?”
“Doesn't matter to me.”
They decided to watch movies for the rest of the day instead.
Friday was a laid back day. The family had an outdoor picnic. Although it was cold outside, it was nice spending time with everybody. Later that night Dominique and Matt and some of his cousins went roller skating. Dominique loved it. She had rollerskated a lot as a kid, and it brought back fond memories.
Saturday was New Year's Eve. Dominique slept in late. Meanwhile, Matt's dad had gathered the whole family for a talk. They had been talking about Dominique for quite some time.
“For once in my life it seems everything is pulling together.” said Matt.
“Well, are you sure honey?” asked Matt's mom.
“Well, she's hot, I'll give you that.” interrupted one of his male cousins.
Several of the family members giggled.
“Yah, but it's not just her looks- its- its everything about her.” Matt replied.
Matt's grandma had been silent the whole time. Finally she stood up. “Matt, if you love her, tell her.”
“But what if she doesn't love me...”
“I know that smile she has. I'd recognize it anywhere.” his grandma replied with a wink.
Matt walked into Dominique's room at about 3 that afternoon. He knew she was still asleep, so he was quiet. He couldn't help but watch her sleep for a few minutes. She looked like a porcelain doll.
“Dominique, wake up.” he said softly.
She looked at him then rolled back over to sleep some more.
“Dominique, you needa get up and take a shower, your hair appointment is in an hour.”
Dominique sat up. “Hair appointment, are you crazy?”
“Well, I didn't know about it myself until this morning.”
“And I'm getting my hair done WHY?”
“For the party tonight.”
“Oh. I can do my own hair for a party.”
“No, you don't understand it's a New Year's ball.”
“oh..OH! Then what am I gonna wear? I'm a mechanic. The girliest I get is makeup sometimes.”
“I have a surprise for you.” replied Matt.
He walked out of the room for a moment then walked back in with a gorgeous black ballgown. It was black and satiny with sparkles all over. The bottom flared out like Cinderella's dress, and the top was modest and a little off the shoulders.
“Wow, it's gorgeous!” she said. “How'd you know my size?”
“I talked to your Grandma.” he replied with a wink. “Oh, and this isn't all either. I knew you'd hate to wear high heels, so I got you these...”
Matt then handed Dominique a box. She opened it, and saw platform Mary Janes that matched the dress perfectly.
“Whoa, those are kewl!” she said.
“Well doll, you go get ready and meet me on the balcony tonight at 7. The ball starts at 8.”
“OK.” said Dominique, with a slight blush.
She hurried to get a shower. Then she sat around her room and waited for the hairdresser. He came in at exactly 4 pm, and it took him a little over an hour to do her hair. He put her hair in an updo with curls in the back and a few curly ringlets in the front. To finish it off, he sprayed her hair with silvery glitter hairspray.
“Ok, is complete.” he said with a French accent as he handed Dominique the mirror. She barely recognized herself. Her hair was usually down or in a messy pony tail. She couldn't wait for Matt to see her.
Dominique then worked on her makeup. She usually wore black eyeliner and black mascara just because she thought it looked kewl. She did have other makeup, however, that she barely wore. She put smooth foundation on her porcelain skin. It always made her look so angelic. Then she put on some smokey eyeshadow. Then she did her eyeliner and put on her mascara a little thicker than usual. She finished it all off with shimmery soft pink lip color. She had only had herself looking like this once before, and that was when she played the lead angel in the church Christmas play at Blayde's church a few years ago. She had to wear the makeup then to look right in the stage lighting.
She took the dress off the hanger and found that there was a bustier inside just her size. She put it on then put the dress on. She slid the Mary Janes on. Last of all, she put on her diamond bracelet. She looked in the mirror and didn't even know who she was looking at. The last time she'd worn a dress was Easter when she was five years old. Her mom had made her wear it, and she never wore a dress after that, until now.
By the time all this was done, it was almost 7. She went outside and waited for Matt on the balcony. While she was waiting, she admired how the diamonds sparkled in the moonlight. Then she heard footsteps. Dominique grew nervous.
A moment later, Matt walked out onto the balcony. His jaw dropped. “Wow!” he said when he saw Dominique.
“Guess that means you like it then huh?” she asked sarcastically.
“Uh huh!” he said, as he eyed the dress. It fit her perfectly. “Hey, I've got another surprise for you.” he said. “Close your eyes and hold still.”
She did as he said, and felt him move closer. She could pretty much guess what he was doing.
“Ok, you can look now.” he said, as he handed her a mirror.
She almost lost her breath. For now she was wearing diamond earrings and a diamond choker that both perfectly matched the bracelet.
She looked at him, about to thank him.
“Don't thank me.” he said. “The look on your face was enough.”
They arrived at the ball, right on time. As they descended the stairs at the entryway, everyone marveled at them. Dominique was absolutely gorgeous. And Matt was looking good too. He had on a black tux with silver bow tie, a top hat, and a cape. And he was carrying a cane. They out dressed everyone there, even though the others there had on the finest dresses and tuxes they could find. There was not only family present but friends and associates.
Matt's dad had gotten a caterer to bring the finest party foods and had hired an orchestra. The whole place was decorated in silver and gold. It was just beautiful. And the skylight overhead gave a clear view of the December moon. Everyone talked and laughed and danced. It was a grand time.
A big screen was set up on one side of the room to view the celebration at Time's Square in New York. Matt's father ordered an end to the music and called everyone to gather around the big screen when there were about two minutes left till the New Year. He made a speech thanking everyone for coming. Then he encouraged each person to make a New Year's resolution and tell it to at least one other person at Midnight.
Matt grabbed Dominique's hand and lead her toward a corner where nobody was paying much attention. There were only a few seconds left now till the New Year.
Everybody joined the countdown. “5-4-3-2-1- HAPPY NEW YEAR!” they all shouted together.
“Dominique, what's your resolution?” asked Matt.
“Well, I guess mine can be to try to make things right with Josh Harvick.” she said. “What's yours?”
“Well,” he said. “Mine is to be a little more open about how I feel. I love you, Dominique.”
She was speechless. She knew what she wanted to say, but for some reason, she couldn't speak. Well enough though because of what happened next. Matt grabbed her, dipped her backwards, and kissed her. For both of them, that was their first kiss.
After the kiss, Dominique was shaking and was still speechless for a moment. Then her eyes met Matt's. “I love you too.” she whispered.
People were beginning to leave the party now. Some would stay around to talk and drink until dawn. Others had other plans for the new year and went home.
“Guess we'd better go.” said Matt.
“Oh, why?”
“We're leaving this afternoon, remember?”
But at that point, Dominique didn't remember anything, save the most recent of events.
Matt and Dominique both tried to get a good night's sleep. When morning came, they loaded everything into the car. They stayed around to talk with the family and to eat lunch. After lunch, everyone bid farewell.
Matt and Dominique got back to Dominique's place later that afternoon. They decided to rest for the rest of the day, because tomorrow the garage was to be open again. They watched a few movies and fell asleep on the couch again.
~*~Chapter 9: Legends Never Die~*~
The next morning, Matt woke up when he saw the sunrise through the stained glass windows in Dominique's house. He woke her up. They went to the garage early and made sure everything at the garage was in order. The guys came in at 8.
“Man, Dominique. You have no idea how many people are still talking about the mysterious black GTO. Some say that race course is haunted by your dad, and some say you're just a showoff from another town.” said Justin, as soon as he walked into the garage.
Sonny heard him and joined the conversation. “Yah, they wondered why you were only at that one race. You know there's races every weekend.”
“Well,” she replied, “I have a few surprises in order now.”
Blayden responded to this one. “Just like yer old man. Always something up yer sleeve.”
She proceeded to tell the guys of her plans.
“Wow,” said Justin, “I couldn't have thought of anything that good.”
“Yah,” said Sonny, “clever, VERY clever.”
Blayden just smiled for a moment. “Yep, just like your old man...”
Dominique's master plan began to take shape that weekend. She took her '04 GTO to the race, remained anonymous, and won. She did the same for about 3 weeks in a row. Each week, Matt was there undercover as just some driver. He entered all the races and did well. And each week, he stayed behind to hear the latest tall tales about who Dominique may be.
The fourth week was when things started to get interesting. Dominique won the race, as usual. But instead of leaving, she drove up to the money man and threw a note out the window. “Beware of spirits” is all it said.
She loved all the talk going around about her father haunting the place and such. She loved how people admired the mystery driver. Some even said the mystery driver drove just like old Midnight Thunder. She knew her daddy would be proud. If only he could see her now...
Finally, it was the fifth straight weekend that Dominique planned to go to a races. Matt had already gone to scope things out. It was a dark and foggy night with a full moon peeking from behind the clouds. Not to mention, a storm was brewing. Perfect!
It was down to the final moments before the race, which was to start at midnight, and Dominique still wasn't there. Everyone wondered where the champion black GTO was. It grew darker because of the approaching storm. There were flashes of lighting, then a loud boom of thunder. Then the people were all silenced by the sound of a familiar engine. As the black monster pulled up, people parted the way and stood there in awe. Dominique saw the look of fear and wonderment on each person's face. She had a bag tied to the passenger's sideview mirror with $50 in quarters inside. That's how her father had always paid his dues at the races. Some people jumped into their cars and left.
Josh Harvick stood frozen. Dominique had souped up his SSR for him, but since then he'd had no contact with Dominique in months, and he had no idea it was really her in that '65 GTO. Only she and Matt knew. And Matt wasn't telling.
She pulled up slowly to the starting line, just as her father had always done. One hand was on the steering wheel and one on the 8ball shifter. Dominique had the rear lights on the car off when she pulled up, but she now flicked a switch and turned them on. She could hear the commotion as everyone read the license plate on the back that said THUNDER. Soon, everyone began to scatter. Matt followed suit so as not to blow his cover. Before anybody could get away, Dominique raced the engine. She flickered the headlights just as a lightning bolt flashed across the sky.
“Maybe it is Midnight Thunder.” said someone.
All the drivers except one decided to stay in the race. There were only five cars this time. Dominique, Matt, Josh, and two other guys that had been at the last race but not in it.
As the flag girl dropped the starting flag, Dominique ripped off into the night. The sound of her engine was ironically accompanied by a rumble of thunder from the sky. None of the cars at the race had a chance against her '65 GTO. After winning, she rolled slowly back up to the money man. Another bolt of lightning flashed, revealing her silhouette through the window. All people saw were black clothes and a black helmet. Just like Midnight Thunder wore. Many jumped back in fear. The money man tied the bag of winnings onto the mirror, and Dominique raced off into the night, accompanied by lighting, thunder, and a sudden downpour of Carolina rain.
© 2004 Christy
