I walked around my cart pretending to be scrutinizing it, for what I don't know. I knew didly squat about the mechanics of my cart. I was just keeping a low profile. Ally had an impressed crowd around her, including my two body guards and off course not surprisingly Rafe as well.
So he came to watch her.
So what's the attraction with Ally? Okay so I know she's stunning and all that, but hey I'm not bad looking. I mean I've often been complimented about how beautiful my eyes looked, and I've more than once been told my mane of blonde hair was attractive, and okay it was just my mom who told me I had legs that catwalk models got paid a lot of money for. So I wasn't unappealing right? So why, why does Rafe not look at me? And his sister said he preferred blondes, hello! Ally was a redhead!

Sulkily I hauled the clipboard out the passenger seat, to study Jeff's Lap notes. It had projections on the time I should take to cover each lap. I can do these times, I mean I clocked faster times during our test sessions so why__.

'Hello Katy.'

Oh what do you know, he's actually managed to tear himself away from Ally!

I took my time lifting my head from the clipboard, simultaneously releasing the breath I'd been holding as I looked into Rafe's eyes. There was a playful smile there. Not one I often saw or was frequently the beneficiary of, so was it a show just for Ally and the guys? I looked across at Ally, she and the boys seemed to be arguing about something. They seemed to be advising her about her tyre if I could gauge anything from Tom's finger pointing to her back tyre. She was shaking her head, as if in disagreement. Tom and Jeff may be trigger happy when it came to guys, but where our females species were concerned, they were a different kettle of fish, and I know Tom secretly had a crush on Ally, not that he would ever admit to it. Speaking of crushes, perhaps I should respond to my hunk in front of me, not that he gave a damn about me, and he was here with Ally.

"Hi,' I replied, cupping my palm above my eyes to block out the sun, it didn't help much, my palm was no match for the blazing sun. Rafe grinned and shifted so that his broad shoulders did enough justice to keep the sun away.

'Thank you,' I acknowledged politely.

'My pleasure,' he smiled, gazing at me as if he was interested or something.

So shouldn't he be with Ally offering her some last minutes words of comfort or___?

'How you feeling?' he smiled.

'About what?' I asked in confusion.

'No prestart jitters or anything?' he teased.

'Or the race,' I responded stupidly, 'there's always the butterflies, just before the start signal,' I murmured.

'Roger says you seem to have a natural talent,' Rafe spoke easily, 'he says you improve your performance with every race you run.'

'You talk often to my stepdad then?' I asked curiously.

'Yeah,' he nodded, 'I want to study corporate law, so I reference a lot of case matter with him. He encouraged me to call him anytime, if I wanted to bounce anything off him.'

Ah yes, actually Roger has a discipline in corporate law. How could I have forgotten?

So was Rafe his apprentice then?

You plan on serving your Articles in Sydney?' I unashamedly asked.

He swallowed, looked away, then dragged his eyes back to me. I saw a pulse beat rapidly before he responded.

'It depends if I'm still here in Australia, I plan to go back to Spain when I qualify,' he spoke firmly.

I nodded, not knowing what to say as my heart felt like a ten ton weight had dropped on it.
Oh why am I even bothering, when he is not even interested in me. I mean he's here with Ally today right? And it amazed me that today was the very first civilized and only conversation he and I had ever had.

'Well I wish you luck with your career,' I spoke softly.

'Hey I'm not leaving today,' he laughed.

Wow, that was a laugh. I got a laugh from Rafe. Oh diary wait till __.

'Katy?'

'What?' I murmured.

'I said good luck with the race today,' he grinned.

'Oh, right. I mean thank you,' I answered stupidly.

Dumb Katy.  You're acting like a dumb blonde!

'Actually Ally and Jeff's race is before mine today,' I half smiled, so I've got a bit of a breather.

Rafe turned to look back at Ally and the guys, then brought his eyes back to me.

'Okay, I'll be seeing you then,' he nodded, 'I'll hold thumbs for you,' he waved.

I won't hold my breath Rafe Vega.

I began to feel more nervous, knowing that Rafe was going to be watching my race. My mom and Roger came to the pit stop to wish me well.   I hardly acknowledged them. Andy pleaded with me, he wanted to check out Ally's cart. I didn't want to go over there, with Rafe all over Ally. I mean it was bad enough me seeing them together, do I have to still see them being so lovey dovey with each other? I felt like I want to puke. For Andy's sake, I dragged myself over, feeling a bit embarrassed, and pleaded with Ally to let Andy have a close up of her car. She was sweet, she not only allowed him to climb in, she actually took him for a short spin before her race could start. She was amazing, there was no nervous tension before her race, she calmly grinned and said to Andy, "let me take you for a quick spin, before I start."
Andy was over the moon. I mean he blushed from ear to ear, but hopped into the passenger seat, only too pleased to be sitting in Ally's fancy machine. I smiled, pleased that Andy had got his wish. If I must observe, it seems Andy's face was a shade too red. Now I wonder what could be the cause of that. Time for me to get togged up, I better head over to my cart. I left before Andy and Ally could return.

Jeff was elated. I grinned happily as I observed him jumping up and down, punching his raised fist into the air in celebration and hugging Tom. He'd beaten Ally in a very, very close finish. It had been a nail biting thriller. I mean Ally was very good, there were many occasions when she'd skillfully maneuvered through a gap to take the lead, but eventually it was Jeff who received the winner's flag. And for some reason, I was thrilled to know Jeff had won. Okay if I must be honest, I didn't like that Ally had stolen my Rafe, well at least, there were some things that didn't go her way, liking winning today. I know I shouldn't be so cold hearted towards Ally, after all she had not an inkling of my perverse interest in Rafe. But I once read somewhere that the heart is never neutral, and I know where my heart's interest was.

'Katy! Katy, did you see that?' Jeff hauled me into the air and twirled with me in victorious celebration.

'Yeah,' I laughed, and hugged him spontaneously, 'congratulations,' I murmured. Our eyes locked, Jeff gripped onto me tightly when I tried to escape out of his embrace. I knew where this was heading, the smile froze on Jeff's face, his eyes narrowed and darkened, the emotion unmistakable. The celebratory noise around us was deafening. Jeff seemed oblivious to his support team gathering around and smacking high fives with Tom. I tried again to release myself, but Jeff wouldn't let go. At the corner of my eye, I picked up Rafe and Ally. Rafe had one palm on Ally's shoulder, trying to console her, she was disappointed, nobody took comfort in second place. It took me a few seconds to realize that Rafe was glaring at me. What the hell was his problem? It took me another second or so to register that Jeff's head was drawing closer to me, his eyes intently trained on my lips.

'No__,' I pleaded softly, and immediately Jeff's hands dropped off me. 'I'm sorry,' my race is about to start,' I excused lamely, as I met Jeff's eyes, the expression was changing, he was breathing easier again. He nodded, as if accepting my pathetic excuse. I didn't have to look, but I felt Rafe's eyes bore into me. I couldn't resist any more, and it was like a magnetic hold, forcing me to look Rafe's way. When I made contact with his eyes, they were murderous. They looked dark and foul, his face was pretty grim. Ally spoke something to him, her fingers cupping his cheek possessively. He tore his eyes away from me, looked down at Ally, a smile now played across his handsome face. Then I wanted to be sick at what I witnessed next. Rafe's head lowered as his lips brushed Ally's. His arms then wrapped around her waist as he drew her closer. Ally nestled in his embrace, her arms wrapped around his neck. I shut my eyes and tried to block out the image, it didn't help, so I turned my back on the love birds and tried to focus on my race. It was a good thing that my race was on now. I was pleased that I did not have to be sitting on the stands and have to be subjected to Rafe bloody making out right in front of me.

'You all set?' I vaguely heard Jeff's voice, it sounded strained, unlike his normal bossy voice, giving me instructions.

'I nodded,' feeling too dejected to speak.

'Don't worry, you're going to have a good race,' Jeff prophesied, misreading my unhappy face.

'Yeah, thank you,' I summoned a smile, as I slipped on my helmet.

Jeff gave me the hand signals which were his signature last minute instructions. I raised my thumb in acknowledgement as I awaited the green light. Like a moth drawn to a flame, my eyes sought out Rafe's one last time before the race. I thought his mouth would be entangled with Ally's and that his hands would be wrapped around her like that of an octopus, but to my surprise, he was staring intently at my cart. He could not see me as clearly as I could see him, cos of my helmet. He looked gorgeous, his hands placed on his hips, his well shaped legs spread apart, as he looked my way. I noticed Ally also look my way, she was clapping as if in encouragement, a smile on her face. She'd forgotten her race, she was now standing there routing for me. Ally was a good person, I should be a better friend.

Finally, I heard the call to start our engines, and when the green light flashed, I could not believe I was the first to take off.

'Yes,' I screamed, punching my fist into the air.

Oh boy, what do I do now to keep the lead?

'Brilliant, Katy, brilliant,' I heard Jeff's soothing voice in the headphone.

I tried to focus on just getting through the first lap. Generally I'm so occupied relaying Jeff's instructions over in my head, I just follow the vehicle in front of me. Now I was blank, as I tried to figure out how to defend my position. I wanted to do well today. After all Rafe was watching my race. I commanded my brain to stay focused. I mentally replayed how Ally held onto her position when she raced, and found myself doing exactly the same maneuvers to protect my position.

'You're doing great Katy. Keep it up,' Jeff bellowed, above the roar on the track. He was not barking instructions, just offering encouragement, and letting me run my race at my own pace. Thirty five minutes later, I jubilantly received the winners' flag. I was barely out the vehicle when Ally was throwing her arms around me excitedly.

'OMG! You were brilliant out there,' Ally exclaimed. I could have sworn I was watching a video of myself,' she laughed without a trace of arrogance.

'Thank you, I think?' I laughed.

She hugged me again excitedly, and as she did, I caught Rafe's eyes. His eyes looked pleased about me winning, but there was no smile on his face, neither did he offer any congratulations, or comment for that matter.

What is wrong with you, damn you?

'Katy, you did everything one hundred percent correctly,' Jeff beamed, putting his arm around my waist possessively.

I smiled and nervously lifted my eyes to Rafe. His brooding eyes were not warm or friendly any longer. He looked irritated as if he wanted to leave or something.

'Babe, you still buying me that drink?' Ally purred at Rafe, snaking her arms around his neck.

'Yes,' he focused his eyes on Ally, and smiled at her sweetly as if we were not there.

I wanted to be sick. My joy of winning was losing effect.

'Let's make it a foursome__'

No__'

Jeff and I chorused for different reasons. Me because I did not want to sit through an evening seeing Rafe with another woman. Jeff I suspect had his own agenda. Rafe stared from me to Jeff, his analytical brain adding two and two and getting five.

'Katy and I have plans,' Jeff offered.

We do?

For once, I was going to allow Jeff to dictate. I definitely did not want to join Rafe, when he was with another woman, there was just so much I could take. Hell I'm only human!

'We have reservations,' Rafe spoke purposefully, his arm going around Ally's slender waist. His lips caressingly touched her temple. Ally purred delightedly, leaning closer into him, and whispering into his ear. I bet she'd rather skip the drinks that was planned. Rafe merely smiled back at her but did not respond.

'Shall we go?' I turned to Jeff. Enough was enough.

'I'm ready,' he smiled happily.

'Till later,' I mumbled to no one in particular, and hastily left with Jeff. I could not get away fast enough.

'You were brilliant,' Jeff smiled gripping my hands into his, across the table at the restaurant.

The restaurant had a lovely quiet ambience, soft music played discreetly from invisible speakers. Tantalizing aromas of freshly baked bread, flavours of salad ingredients, and pasta filled the air. I smiled, leaving my hands in Jeff's. I could see now Jeff was very much interested in me. Sadly I did not return the favour. But I was very comfortable with Jeff, he was sweet and a gentleman, when the occasion called for it, like tonight. My mind kept going back to Katy and Rafe. Katy whispering to Rafe, Rafe smiling happily. I bet she whispered, "Let's skip the drink and go to my place," to which Rafe only too happily concede to.

'Earth to Katy!'

'What?' I asked looking embarrassed.

'Your usual milkshake?' he grinned.

I nodded, and smiled as the hovering waiter went off to get our orders.

We had our usual cheese burgers, and more milk shakes before we left.

Jeff opened the door of his car, and helped me in before he got in himself.

'Shall I show you my favourite spot where I have my very personal view of the moon?' Jeff smiled

'Okay,' I agreed.

Jeff drove for a while then stopped at a beautiful heightened spot, that was a steep elevation from the normal road itself. It seemed to be a well ridden tourist spot. There were a few other cars, with young people like us, also just chilling there.

'It's beautiful,' I murmured, admiring the view.

Jeff nodded,' lighting up a cigarette, 'it so peaceful here,' he exhaled.

It smelt almost sweet, unlike his normal cigarettes. Jeff leaned his head against the head rest, and closed his eyes.

I reached out and carefully took the cigarette from his fingers, and Jeff jumped up.

I studied the slim looking cigarette for a while, and purposefully raised it to my lips.

It smelt and tasted like a tangy herb. I coughed and choked.

'What is it?' I asked when I stopped choking.

'Cannabis,' Jeff smiled.

Can__ cannabis. Is that not a drug? Is it not illegal?' I stammered.

'It's not cocaine or heroin,' he smiled, 'it's harmless.'

'All drugs damage your brain and make you into an addict,' I rattled.

'This is like chocolate, it's addictive yet harmless,' he replied.

'You shouldn't,' I reprimanded.

'Close your eyes and just savor the taste,' he placed it between my lips again.

I did not want to. I knew I should say no, but I was curious. It tasted almost sweet. This time I did not cough. I inhaled deeply again.

Jeff took it back , killed it in the ash tray, then threw it out the window. It went down the crevice in a sharp descent.

'I'm glad you did not agree to joining Ally and Rafe,' Jeff smiled, his index finger sliding down my cheek.

I did not respond. Now I realize there was safety in numbers. But then, Rafe and Ally had only one item on their agenda, so why couldn't we?

I knew I was courting trouble. I knew I was stupidly being reckless, but I leaned towards Jeff any way, as my lips brushed his softly.

I heard Jeff hiss sharply as he shifted nervously on his seat.

If Rafe was having fun, why shouldn't I?

'Katy,' Jeff murmured, gathering me in his arms, as his lips sought mine hungrily. I wrapped my arm around his neck, pulling him closer. I closed my eyes and kissed him back, pretending it was Rafe, my Rafe that I was kissing. I leaned even closer, and pressed against his body suggestively. I imagined it was Rafe's strong shoulders I was touching. I imagined it was Rafe's gorgeous lips on mine. Nervously, I allowed my fingers to open the buttons on his shirt. I touched his body, experimented and encouraged Jeff on, even though his kisses did nothing to me. I felt nothing in Jeff's arms, no fire, no lightening, no earth shattering effect at all. After all he was not Rafe. I wondered if anybody could kiss better than Rafe, who was in a class of his own.

'Are you sure,' Jeff hesitated, as his hand wavered at the zip off my jeans.

'Yes, I want to,' I carelessly replied, not looking at him. I needed this. I needed to find a distraction, and wipe Rafe from my mind. Jeff nervously unzipped me and opened the button of my jeans. He was expecting me to change my mind at any second.

'I want to,' I asserted convincingly.

I seemed to have an affinity to doing it in the car. It was my second attempt at sex, and my second time in a vehicle again. We better not get caught for public indecency. Though Jeff was initially nervous, he found his boldness, but disappointingly it was over before I knew it. It did not feel good, nor satisfying. I again regretted my stupidity. I felt ashamed, not because of what I'd done, or with whom, but more because I felt as if I had betrayed Rafe. This time I was not going to cry about doing it. It was just sex right, not like I was ending my life or anything. It was just a social necessity. It was overrated at any rate. I don't know what the fuss or the excitement about it was all about. If Rafe does not want me, so what's the point in preserving it.

-          End Chapter Eight-