Rocky Point Reunion by Barbara McMahon Read Free Book Online Page A

demanding. Every spare moment’s needed to study the courses or work with the team for more performance from the car.” He liked the money, the prestige and glamour. But most of the job was hard work and constant competition. Not to mention the edge of fear each race engendered. He’d done well. Since Jacques’s death, however, he knew no one necessarily got out of racing alive. Time to retire while at the top.
    â€œSo you’re going to be satisfied in Rocky Point?” Tate asked.
    â€œI will. I’m not leaving. I’m enjoying getting to know my niece. It’s almost a crime I waited seven years to meet her.”
    â€œWhere does Sean fit in?”
    â€œHe asked for pointers. I’d like to see what’s available. Maybe I could show a few others some aspects of racing. Emphasize the need for safety, the dangers of the sport. I wouldn’t deny anyone the chance. Only, I’d advise more planning than I did. And to make sure the kid doesn’t break someone’s heart.”
    â€œMarcie’s made a place for herself here. Don’t go messing with that, Zack,” Tate warned.
    â€œMy intentions are totally honorable.”
    The sheriff studied him for a moment. “You’re going to try to win her back.”
    Zack nodded.
    â€œAn uphill battle. I don’t envy you that task.”
    â€œMaybe impossible, but I need to try. I’ve missed her too much over the years to quietly sit on the sidelines. If there’s any possible chance for us, I want it. I’m willing to do anything I can to have her forgive me and open her mind to the possibility of us as a couple again.”
    â€œGood luck.” Tate rose. “I’ll check on that parking lot for you. In the meantime, no racing on Ocean Side Drive.”
    Zack laughed. “None. My daring days are behind me.”
    â€œSomehow that’s hard to believe.” Tate touched the brim of his hat with a finger and resumed his walk.
    At least his friend hadn’t been outraged at his confession, nor too discouraging. Zack would have an uphill climb, but no matter what, he wanted Marcie in his life again.
    Preferably as his wife.
    Â 
    Marcie walked into her office and shut the door. She sat at her desk, swiveled the chair around and gazed out the window at the back parking lot. Not the pretty view of Main Street the restaurant also afforded, but she wasn’t seeing it anyway. A moment later she sighed softly and closed her eyes. So, Lord, what’s up with Zack? He wants forgiveness and I know I ought to give it. But it’s hard. I was so hurt when he left. What should I do? She waited several minutes and then opened her eyes as a knock sounded at the door. “I await your direction. Amen,” she murmured quickly and turned.
    â€œCome on in.” Trying to look busy, she drew the schedule to the center of the desk.
    â€œIt’s Trevor again,” Jessica said without waiting a second. “He’s driving me nuts.”
    â€œAs in?” Marcie asked. She’d spoken to the teenager when Jessica first complained. She’d thought he understood.
    â€œHe thinks this is school and he can play hooky whenever he wants.” She walked to the desk and leaned over, resting her palms on the flat surface. “Now he wants time off to go sailing with friends. Honestly, Marcie, you suggested I rotate the staff, and I’ve tried, but this kid is getting the best of me. And he has no drive or any kind of work ethic I can see.”
    â€œWhen does he want to go sailing?” Marcie asked, wondering if she made a mistake in hiring him. “Today!”
    â€œSend him in and I’ll talk to him again and make it clear, work first or he can get a job somewhere else.”
    Jessica turned just as another waitress came to the door.
    â€œTrevor took off,” Ruth said. “Told me he told you he was going sailing.”
    Jessica turned back to look at