Chapter 4
Kathleen
Levi racing.
That’s something to watch. Something to behold.
The speed. The control of the bike. The arrogance he shows. I don’t even think he knows he’s showing it. That makes it even sexier.
My heart was beating so fast. Even before the light turned green, I couldn’t breathe. It’s always nerve racking for me. Like I’m the one racing or something.
I’ve rode in a race car. I wasn’t racing, but I’ve felt the power under me. I’ve listened to the rumble of the engine. I’ve never been on a bike before, though.
After Levi gets to the end of the track, I make my way to his trailer. I see him get his payment and then he and Ron head towards where I’m standing. I don’t move.
The look on Levi’s face has me rooted where I’m at. Something is wrong. His face is giving it away. He and Ron are talking in hushed tones and Levi keeps looking around. Maybe to see if anyone is listening? After a little bit, I see Levi smirk and Ron laughs. Next, they are fine. They head back to the trailer to get ready to leave.
Wonder what that was about?
I make my way to my car then too, before I get spotted by someone. I saw many people that I knew, and some that knew me. I don’t need to be seen here. It wouldn’t go over well.
Heading home on this high, I get to thinking more about the Isle of Man TT. I really want to go to that race. How can I get away with it? What can be my excuse to my dad?
My dad is a very powerful man here in Martinsville. He owns a huge management firm. In a nut shell, he thinks he’s a god. It is irritating. His big dream for me is to be a doctor. That isn’t my big dream. He’s constantly on me about making the right friends, the right connections. Everyone thinks they know me because of him. I can’t go anywhere without someone sucking up or shooting me evil looks. It’s exhausting.
I go to races in disguise just to get a break from people. So far, no one has recognized me, and I plan to keep it that way. Dad would have a fit if he knew his little princess loved the fast life. Not the corporate fast life like he wants, but the gasoline fueled fast life. I can just imagine that vein in his forehead exploding at that one.
~
I wake Saturday morning to the sound of my phone ringing. It can only be my dad this early in the morning. I groan as I roll over to answer it.
Without checking to verify it is him, I answer. “Morning Dad.”
“Katie, good morning. Are you still in bed?”
“Yes, Dad.”
He grunts. “Don’t you remember that you have a luncheon to attend this morning?”
“I do remember, and I have time to get ready and be there on time.”
“Make sure that you do.” I roll my eyes. You would think by the way he talks to me, that I’m a ten-year-old little girl.
“Is there another reason you called this morning, Dad?”
“Yes. Do you remember Wilson Stables?”
I roll my eyes again. What is this – the fourth time this morning? My eyes may get stuck in a roll today.
“I know Wilson.” I already know what’s coming.
“He’s asked me if he could take you out on a date. When is a good time to set that up?”
I bury my head in my pillow before the scream that is dying to get out, explodes through the phone and into my father’s ear.
“Dad…”
“Before you turn him down, give him a chance, Kathleen.”
Kathleen. I don’t like for him to call me Kathleen. It always means that he is already thinking of doing something that I’m not going to like.
“Whenever is fine.” There is no excitement in my voice because I am not excited about this. I know Wilson. Wilson is an ok guy, but he is not the guy for me. Wilson is just like my dad. He’s into management with his father and they think they are the most powerful men in the city, right next to my dad.
“I’ll set it up for tonight. It’s not like you have plans or anything.”
It’s sad how he’s right about that. I should have plans. I should have a life, but he’s made it impossible to have that for myself. He has basically kept me a prisoner by keeping me by his side.
“You’re doing the right thing, Katie. I will talk to you after the luncheon.”
With that, he hangs up. I throw my phone on the floor and let that scream, that is sitting in my throat, loose. This is my life. This is what it has come down to.
My mother died from cancer when I was in high school. My dad was always hovering over us both from what I remember, but after mom got sick he began hovering more. I know that he was coping with losing his wife. I know that he was scared, and he was trying to hang on to us both. But the thing about my dad is… he doesn’t lose things very well. When she passed, he thought dictating everything I did was what he was supposed to do. To keep from hurting him more than he was already hurting, I let him. I allowed him to dictate my life. I was grieving too and didn’t really care about anything. It was easier for both of us to let him take over. Now though, I regret that. It’s been going on way too long. I’m going to have to talk to him, and I am dreading it.
I climb out of bed. I need to go to this luncheon. Oddly enough, it’s one that I like. It’s a mix of women - doctors, lawyers, and business owners - who are working together to raise money for the hospitals in the state. I get a lot of information about different things when I’m around this crew of people. I actually feel like it’s the one place I fit in. These ladies are from all over and each one has a different personality. With everyone at different ages, there are many stories to tell.
I get dressed in record time. After going to countless social events and looking a certain way for the public, I’ve made getting dressed properly into a sport. I try to beat a certain time for everything. It’s all about speed. What can I say?
I’m dressed in black designer dress pants and a cream-colored blouse. Paired with my favorite black heels, I look like I spent a while getting ready.
Giving myself a little smirk, because I beat my best time this morning, I make my way out of the house. The luncheon is being held at an event center a couple blocks over.
~
I walk into the same thing I see every time. White linen table cloths that are starched perfectly, and centerpieces made from fresh flowers by the local florist. Only the best will work for these events. It’s almost ridiculous to spend all this money on trying to impress people that don’t really care what the decorations are.
Well, let’s just say I’m like that. I am sure there are a few in the crowd that would complain if the table clothes weren’t ironed just so. I don’t particular know those people that well.
“Katie, it’s so good to see you.” Walking toward me is Julie. She’s a local lawyer that I have admired since she opened her own practice. My dad told me multiple times that she wouldn’t make it six months in this town or any town. “A woman doesn’t make a good lawyer,” he said. Of course, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
Julie has been practicing law now for almost five years now. Her case load is more than she can handle too. Everyone comes to her from miles around. She’s good at what she does, and she puts her clients first. She cares, and that is what the legal system needs. This town is crawling with criminals. Sometimes, it gets scary here.
“Julie. I’m glad you’re hear. Now I know who to sit by.” We laugh as we make our way to our seats. I’ve known her since we were young. She’s helped me a lot with my ideas of going to law school one day.
Even as I approach thirty, I know it isn’t too late. I may be really old when I’m done, but at least I will be doing what I want to.
Once the luncheon gets started, I zero in on what the speakers are saying. As I said, this is something that I enjoy. My brain is always in sponge mode. Learning new things is what excites me. I’ve been curious since birth. I remember my mama always saying, “you’re too nosy for your own good, Katie girl. Know when to mind your own business.” My mama was smart, but her words never worked on me. It is in my blood to know everything about everything.
“When are you going to take the plunge and start law school,” Julie whispers as the last speaker starts to wind down.
“I still don’t know yet. Dad still hasn’t changed his mind.”
“Girl, you’re almost thirty. This is your life. Go to school if you want to. I know you will be an amazing lawyer.”
I smile at her. Truly, I would love to just jump in and go back to school. My dad wouldn’t like it very much, and he would probably refuse to pay for it. There lies the problem. I have a job, but I can’t work and go to law school. There is no way to make that happen. Plus, I work for dad.
“Hey. Just think about it,” Julie says. Pulling myself from my thoughts, I change the subject and ask her how the firm is doing.
After the luncheon, I make my way back home. Apparently, I have a date tonight, and I need to talk to dad about it. Sadly, my date hasn’t even contacted me. I guess I’m just supposed to show up.
Once I get inside, I immediately kick my heels off. While I love shoes, I love to take them off too. I hate what they do to my feet.
Beauty really is pain sometimes.
I lay down on my couch for a quick nap before daddy dearest calls about this date that I don’t want.