Chapter 67

• The limo bus pulls through the gates of Auto Club Speedway in Fontana. The boys are buzzing with excitement, eyes wide as saucers taking in the sheer size of the complex. They have put on their shirts and all-access lanyards that one of Nicholas’s staff has left aboard the bus for them. Their wide smiles and their constant oohs and aahs fill the bus and fill her heart with pure elation. Zander bounces unexpectedly on the seat, vibrating with an obvious energy that takes her by surprise. She looks at Jackson and Dane, her fellow counselors, and notes that they see it too.
• For the first time in almost a week, she feels like she can truly smile, and ironically, it’s Nicholas that has vicariously caused her to. She’s thankful to him for the little touches he has added for the boys: a personalized letter, the shirts, the lanyards, and glossy magazines with his car on the cover. Things that make them feel special. Important.
• Their bus is directed down a tunnel under the stands before driving onto the infield. She didn’t think it possible, but the boys’ hooting and hollering becomes even louder at this new development. They come to a stop, and the doors open. Within moments, a man hops on the bus, bounding with enthusiasm. He directs them off the bus and has them follow him to a meeting room where they will meet up with Nicholas.