Monkey Business -14- by Melanie Brown

Monkey Business Part 14

By

Melanie Brown
Copyright © 2024

“How did the race go?” asked Mom as I entered the house after being dropped off by Nick.

I picked up an apple from the kitchen counter and took a bite before answering. “I did great in the last three motos but came in fourth overall.”

Dad didn’t look up from the TV, but Mom asked, “How could you do well but still get fourth place? Can you take the casserole out of the oven for me since you’re standing there?”

I opened a kitchen drawer, got a couple of oven mitts and opened the oven door. The heat made me back up a little. “It didn’t help that I didn’t finish the first moto.” I pulled the casserole out and set it on a holder on the kitchen counter.

Stirring something in a pot, Mom asked with a chuckle, “Do I have to ask for every detail, or can you just tell me what happened?”

I picked up a piece of celery and started chewing on it. “Sorry. Actually, in the first moto I was doing great. I was fighting for first place, and then my chain breaks! I thought, oh my God! I thought for sure I was out of commission for weeks, if not forever. Is the case cracked? Is the countershaft damaged? All kinds of things went through my head!”

Dad, who apparently was listening, asked, “How did you get back in the race? I’m guessing only the chain was damaged.”

Grabbing another piece of celery, I sat down in the living room near Dad. “Yeah, it was just the chain. Some guy came up from nowhere and checked out my bike. He determined the chain was just worn out and thought he had a chain to replace it.”

Dad grunted a laugh. “Just some random guy happens to be carrying a chain around with him?”

Chewing on my celery, I said, “That’s what I thought, too, right? Turns out he pulls a trailer to the track with a portable shop in it. Apparently, he has a shop and comes out to the track on weekends.”

Narrowing his eyes at me, Dad asked, “So what did this guy charge to replace your chain, and what did you pay him with?”

I shrugged. “He didn’t charge me anything.”

Dad just stared at me. “Seriously? Some dude gives you a new chain and installs it out of the goodness of his heart? That doesn’t sound right.”

I laughed. “I wasn’t going to argue with him.”

Shaking his head, Dad said, “Be careful around this guy. Nobody just gives away a thirty-dollar chain without expecting something in return.”

I said, “He didn’t say anything. He just seemed interested in getting me back in the race.”

“Sounds fishy to me.”

Mom shouted, “Dinner’s ready!”

*  *  *

“I’m telling you, bud. Just watch it around that guy.” Nick handed me a soda. We were sitting in his garage, and he was helping me adjust the carburetor on my bike.

I shook my head. “Even Dad is suspicious of Alex.”

Nick chuckled. “That’s because your dad knows there’s no such thing as a free lunch… or chain.”

I took a slug from my soda. “You guys are so distrustful. He seemed nice to me.”

Shaking his head, Nick said, “Dude. He thinks you’re a chick. I bet you anything that he’ll put the moves on you in the next week or so.”

I laughed. “You’re crazy! I think he does think I’m a girl. But he’s like some old dude. He’s what? Almost thirty?”

Nick pointed a grimy finger at me. “I’m tellin’ ya. Watch it around this guy.”

Smirking, I said, “Yes, Daddy.”

Looking pissed, Nick said, “Twenty bucks says he’ll hit on you. If not this week, then next.”

Laughing, I said, “And I say you’re crazy!”

Nick jabbed his finger into his palm. “Twenty bucks.”

*  *  *

Another Saturday, another race. Once again I was informed I was too delicate to help roll our bikes from the trailer. It really annoys me. I have a photo shoot coming up next week. Mr. Adams has been trying to talk me out of racing. He only has dresses for me to model. Never any boy clothes.

Colin asked after the bikes were unloaded, “Did you change classes?”

I shook my head. “I told Becky what I was thinking of doing, and she talked me into staying in the Powder Puff class. At least for now.”

Colin shrugged. “I know she’s raced open class before. She didn’t do as well.”

I nodded. “She’s gotten better. I’m pretty sure she’d…”

“Well, hello!” interrupted Alex Wright as he stepped into our pit area. “I just wanted to see how our little powder puffer is doing?” I guess he means me.

I smiled slightly. “I’m doing good, Mr. Wright. I’m all psyched and ready to race.”

He chuckled. “You can knock it off with that ‘Mr. Wright’ shit. Just call me Alex.”

I grinned. “Sorry. I forgot. How are you today, Alex?”

Alex smiled broadly. “I’m doing great today. I’m expecting to see some great racing from you today. I’ve told several friends that they should watch you.”

I shrugged. “I don’t think I’m particularly good yet. Becky is definitely the rider to beat.”

“How about I give you an incentive?” asked Alex. “I’ve seen Becky, and you’re right. She’s one badass competitor. But if you at least place over all today, I’ll buy you lunch next week.”

Nick looked over at me and grinned. He mouthed the words, “Told you.”

I shook my head at Nick. Alex looked from me to Nick. “Am I missing something?”

I grinned at Alex. “I accept your offer. But what do I get if I get first place overall?”

Alex smiled. “Then it’s dinner at Gildersleeve’s.”

“That’s an expensive place!” I exclaimed.

“We’ll see if you can win it,” grinned Alex.

Nick, being a bit more pessimistic than usual, said as he wiped some grease from his hands, “Hey, bud. Just don’t kill yourself for a dinner.”

I frowned at Nick. “I’m not stupid. But I am going to be racing as hard as I can. My personal goal right now is just beating Becky.”

Alex smiled. “Sounds good. Well guys, I should get back to my trailer and set up shop. I do have other customers.”

Nick and I both said, “See ya.”

After Alex had walked away, Nick punched my shoulder. “Twenty bucks, man.” He pointed at his palm.

I shook my head. “That wasn’t a hit. He was just being encouraging.”

Colin said, “No. He was hitting on you.”

“You guys are crazy.”

*  *  *

As we were rolling our bikes to the starting line, I said to Becky, “You better watch out, girl. I have a free dinner riding on these races today.”

Becky laughed. “Is Nick hitting on you?”

I shook my head. “No! It’s not Nick. It’s that Alex guy. And he’s not hitting on me. Just setting a goal.”

Becky looked surprised. “You’re still talking to him? He’s a creep. Randi, I’m serious. Last year, before my sixteenth birthday, he asked me out on a date. Movie and a dinner; the whole nine yards. When I told him I was fifteen, he just said, ‘so?’ I turned him down and told my daddy about it. You should do the same.”

I shrugged. “Well, I’m not fifteen. And he doesn’t seem so nefarious to me.”

Becky strapped her helmet on. “He’s too old for us. I bet your daddy would agree.”

As I pulled my skidlid on, I said, “He’s just being friendly.”

Just before she closed her visor, she said, “Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Besides. It won’t matter because I’m gonna kick your butt!” And she did.

*  *  *

Nick hefted his first place trophy in the air as we walked leisurely from the trophy ceremony. “This baby will look great with the others on the ol’ mantel piece… if I had one.” With Colin as his monkey, Nick has been winning more. It pisses me off.

Colin laughed. “Hey, half that trophy is mine!”

“I’ll help you with the saw!” I chuckled.

Nick put a tighter grip on his trophy. “Hey, now.”

“Randi! Hey!”

“Your boyfriend’s here,” grumbled Nick.

“He’s not my boyfriend!” I growled under my breath.,

Colin exclaimed, “Because I am!”

Wrinkling my nose, I said, “No, you’re not.”

As he got closer, Alex said, “Congrats on getting second place overall, Randi!”

“Thanks.”

Alex walked close to me. “Mr. Adams mentioned you have a modeling gig on Wednesday. Is it okay if I come by to watch?”

I shrugged. “If Mr. Adams doesn’t mind, I guess.”

Grinning, Alex said, “Cool. Maybe I’ll see you Wednesday. I’ll buy you lunch. Hey, I gotta run. See you guys.” Alex trotted off.

Nick held out his hand and pointed at his palm. “Twenty bucks, dude.”

I rolled my eyes at Nick. “He’s not hitting on me!”

*  *  *

End of Part 14