Race for Redemption Read online

  “Ms. Powell what do you think your chances are of winning this upcoming race?” A firm yet feminine voice called out. A voice that Tracey thought she recognized. Turning her head slowly towards the voice, Tracey caught her breath. There in the midst of the reporters was none other than Allison Grant, Declan’s ex-fiancée. The three of them were thick as thieves in high school. Tracey formed her mouth to call out her name but noticed Allison shake her head in the negative.

  “Do you think you’ll place this time? This track has given you problems in the past?” Allison fired the questions at her.

  “I’ll hold my own,” Tracey responded.

  “So you’re saying that you’re going to win this race.” Allison stated firmly.

  Tracey snickered. It was then that Tracey noticed the hint of a smile across Allison’s lips. Ahh, she was shifting the questions off of her and Shane and back on the race. When I catch up with you again, Allison, I am going to give you the biggest hug, Tracey thought.

  Then, Oh just wait until Declan get wind of this. His ex is a reporter.

  “Let’s just say I’m going to give it all I’ve got,” Tracey laughed and was thankful to see the revolving doors of the hospital. She rushed through them and was met by hospital security that stopped the group of reporters from rushing inside and causing a ruckus.

  A big, tall, dark-skinned security guard with a booming voice told the reporters in no uncertain terms that they were not going to cause a commotion in a Children’s hospital.

  “Sorry, unless you have a special pass you cannot bring news crews inside of the hospital. There’re really sick children here that don’t need the hassle,” he yelled.

  Tracey mouthed a thank you to him and proceeded to walk towards the elevator. She jumped on one that opened just as she walked up to it. There were a few people getting off. Tracey noticed they did a double take when they saw her. She quickly pushed the close button and pressed the button leading to the fourth floor where she was to meet the head of nursing administration.

  “That was close,” she murmured to the empty elevator.

  A thought occurred to her. How did the press know that she’d be at the hospital? A frown furrowed her brows. Just then the doors to the elevator swooshed opened and she walked out.

  Tracey heard the ding of the elevator beside her, looked up just as the elevator doors were closing, and did a double take. She could have sworn that was Adam Westbrook getting on the elevator, but quickly dismissed the thought. What would Adam be doing here? Tracey couldn’t picture the jet-setting playboy at a children’s hospital. Although friendly enough, this just wasn’t Adam’s style.

  She had to get Shane off of her brain. Giving herself a little shake, Tracey began to follow the arrows to the part of the hospital where she was supposed to meet up with the person in charge.

  Tracey smiled and waved at each patient as she passed his or her room. She spotted the nursing station, made her way over to it, and was met by three smiling faces. She smiled in return.

  “Hi, I’m Tracey Powell, here to see Ms. Ward,” she said to the smiling nurses, making sure to acknowledge all three women.

  “Yes, we know who you are,” They all responded almost in unison.

  “Ms. Ward is just finishing up a tour of the hospital with someone,” said one nurse with long, dark hair tied back with a scrunchie. “She’ll be here in a few moments. You can have a seat in her office, if you like.” She stopped, laughing at herself. “Forgive me. I’m Ashley, medical secretary, and these two are Susan and Mandy,” she said, her blue eyes sparkling as she made her way from behind the nursing station. “We’re all a little star struck.”

  “Nice meeting you all,” Tracey responding extending her hand first to Susan and then to Mandy. She then followed the bubbly Ashley to Ms. Ward’s office.

  Once at the office, Ashley opened the door and led her into a spacious room that had a warm cozy feel to it.

  “Very nice,” Tracey said stepping further into the room.

  “Yes, it is. Ms. Ward like for people to feel at home when they come in here. She furnished it herself with her own money. Ms. W., as we all call her, is more than a head nurse. She’s on every committee there is concerning this hospital. Not only that she really cares for all of these children,” Ashley said, suddenly on the defensive.

  “Wow,” Tracey thought, little Ms. Bubbly just did a 180 on me. “I’m not here to pass judgment, Ashley. I love the room. Nothing more, nothing less,” Tracey assured her and saw the young lady sigh with what appeared to be relief.

  “I’m sorry. Unfortunately some people like to pass judgment without knowing the woman herself,” Ashley said.

  Hmm, she hit a nerve with that remark. “Trust me, I know. No apology necessary,” Tracey gave the young woman a reassuring smile.

  “I like you. You’re much nicer than what we see on television,” she said cheerfully.

  Tracey laughed. “That’s because most of the time someone has pissed me off and that’s what reporters capture—an angry woman. Makes for a better story and more sales that way.”

  “I can’t imagine what it’s like living under a microscope like that. I tell you I couldn’t do it. I’d surely have been sued by now for punching someone in the nose. Besides I get in too much trouble to have my goings and comings scrutinized. Nope, my momma and daddy would surely hurt me if they only knew half the stuff me and my best friend Kelsey gets into,” Ashley laughed.

  Tracey laughed with her. She liked Ashley who, from her estimation, couldn’t be more than 20 years old. They were interrupted by a male and female speaking. The door opened and in walked a willowy brunette with large, striking green eyes that just seemed to light up her entire face. It was the person behind her that made Tracey stomach flutter. Shane Westbrook.

  Tracey couldn’t bite back a short groan. She was rewarded with a chuckle from Ashley.

  “He’s fine. No worries. She’s happily married,” Ashley whispered. “Hey, Ms. W., this here is Tracey Powell. I just brought her in here to wait for you. How was your tour, Mr. Westbrook?”

  “It was great,” Shane mumbled, not taking his eyes off of Tracey.

  “I know who she is Ashley. How are you Ms. Powell?” Ms. Ward said walking gracefully over to Tracey with her hand extended. “I’m Delores Ward. You can call me Delores.” She smiled.

  “Nice meeting you Delores. And you can call me Tracey,” Tracey said, returning her smile. “You have a lovely office.”

  “Thank you,” she nodded and then turned to Shane her eyes twinkling. “As you two already know each other very well, I guess there’s no need to make introductions.”

  “Not at all,” Shane smiled. “Hey, Tracey, how’s the headache?”

  “What?” she stammered. “Oh…much better, thank you.” Did he just call her ‘Tracey’ in front of Delores and Ashley? She frowned.

  “Ooh it’s getting hot in here,” Ashley said, first looking at Shane and then at Tracey.

  “Ashley, aren’t you needed at the nurses’ station?” Delores chastised.

  “I’m going, but I want an autograph from both of y’all before you leave. Definitely from you, Ms. Powell. Sorry Mr. Westbrook, but we women have to stick together. You know, girl power and all that,” she said leaving the room and closing the door after her.

  “I’m sorry. Ashley is an excellent secretary, but she can be rather blunt and bubbly. I have no clue where she gets all of that energy. She means well,” Delores said with a shake of her head.

  Both Shane and Tracey chuckled.

  They were interrupted by the ringing of Shane’s cell phone.

  “Excuse me, ladies,” he said taking his cell phone out and walking towards the door.

  “Come have a seat, Tracey,” Delores said, pointing to a cushioned chair in front of her desk.

  “Thank you,” Tracey said, sitting down.

  “I heard you took a spill on the track yesterday. Are you okay?” Delores asked.

  “I’m fine
. We wear sufficient protective gear and the car itself is safer than the regular cars we drive every day,” Tracey responded.

  Shane stuck his head back in the door. “I’m sorry, ladies. I have to leave. Delores, I’ll call you to finalize everything after the race. Tracey, good luck tomorrow,” he said winking at her.

  Tracey gasped and could have gladly kicked him when he chuckled and walked out the door. She was even more mortified when she turned to see the smiling face of Delores. Tracey’s couldn’t have hidden her blush even if she’d bothered to try.

  “Don’t be embarrassed,” Delores said warmly. Men are silly and like to do things to get a rise out of us women. My husband does it all the time at the most inopportune moments. By the way, you two make a lovely couple.”

  “Oh, but we’re not a couple!” Tracey protested.

  Delores Ward laughed. “Honey save it for the reporters. I know what I saw. You two had so much sexual tension going on that even young Ashley noticed it. Combine that with the stories running rampant in the papers, and well…I don’t have to spell it out for you. But,” Delores added with a conspiratorial smile. It’ll be our little secret. I won’t tell a soul.”

  “There’s really isn’t anything to tell,” Tracey said, trying to keep the frustration from her voice.

  “Honey that man couldn’t keep his eyes off of you. His entire face lit up when he saw you standing there. But I’ll let it go, seeing as how you’re all embarrassed.”

  Tracey cleared her throat and murmured, “Um, thank you. Now I need to know how I can help with the charity event. Unfortunately I am pressed for time today, so I won’t be able to dedicate as much time as I would like here at the hospital.”

  “No problem. I am just grateful you spared me a moment before the race. I appreciate that. The charity event is one of the reasons I asked to meet with you. There is another. Shane has agreed to be the one of the faces for the campaign slogan for the fundraiser and I’d like for you to be one of the other faces. Before you object, let me just say we have several different athletes that will also make appearances,” Delores said hold up her hands as if to ward off any objections Tracey might have. “Please say yes,” she smiled assuredly.

  Tracey hesitated. “Hmm, I don’t know about this. I am already in the media way too much for my liking, and not in a positive light, either. I am trying to stay away from the hounds of hell as much as I can.”

  “It would only require a photographer to take pictures and maybe a commercial…or two,” Delores reassured her.

  “After the debacle with Shane this morning, are you sure you want my face to represent a children’s hospital?” Tracey asked with a frown.

  “Oh please!. There’s absolutely nothing in your past, that in any way indicates you wouldn’t be a good candidate for this promotion,” Delores said.

  “My past?” Tracey questioned.

  “Of course! Tracey anyone who’s associated with this hospital in any capacity is thoroughly investigated. Now will you do it?”

  “Let me think about it. I sort of wanted my involvement with the hospital to be anonymous. I don’t want every charitable contribution I make to be publicized,” Tracey said hesitantly.

  “I can understand that, but this campaign is very important. Considering your other charitable contributions, and not just the monetary ones, I know you would be the perfect person to represent this hospital,” Delores pushed.

  “So you know about those too?” Tracey eyed Delores. She’d wanted to keep her involvement with the youth center and women’s shelters private.

  “Yes, I do. Not only are you beautiful, you have a heart for the people. We need more people like you in this world.”

  Tracey sighed deeply. “Okay, I’ll do it…on one condition,” she said and watched the radiant smile light up Delores’ face.

  “No problem.”

  “You don’t even know what the condition is,” Tracey chuckled.

  “Given your character, I know it won’t be anything outlandish. So what’s the condition?”

  “Nothing is done until after the races. I can’t commit to this until after this race is over,” she said.

  “By race, do you mean the one this weekend?” Delores asked.

  “Yes,” Tracey responded and watched the other woman’s sigh of relief.

  “Thank goodness. I was hoping you didn’t mean until after the entire season,” Delores said with a sigh of relief.

  “If I don’t place, my season will be up after this race,” Tracey snorted.

  “Oh you’ll place. I’ll be routing for you,” Delores said confidently. “Now let me introduce you to a special young lady who’s been dying to meet you, and then I’ll let you get back to the rest of your day.”

  “Sure. Let’s go,” Tracey said getting up from her chair and waiting for Delores. “After you.”

  Tracey followed Delores to a room where they first had to stop and put on a gown and face mask before entering another room. In that room sat a hairless young girl with an infectious smile adorning her face.

  “You did it Ms. Ward! You did it! You bought my favorite racecar driver to see me,” she cried.

  Tracey could tell from her movements that she wanted to get up from where she sat in a leather recliner. Tracey immediately waved her to stay seated.

  “Can I,” Tracey asked Ms. Ward her voice full of emotion. She was determined not to break down and cry, looking at the frail young lady with big brown eyes and ready smile.

  “Sure,” Ms. Ward said with a nod her head.

  Tracey walked over to the recliner and hunched down to meet her eye-to-eye. “What’s you name sweetheart?” Tracey asked and then cleared her throat.

  The young lady giggled before replying. “Stacy.”

  Tracey joined in on her laughter.

  “Ah, Stacy…Tracey,” Tracey mimicked. “A pretty name for a beautiful young lady.”

  “I’m not pretty,” Stacy said.

  “You’re absolutely gorgeous,” Tracey said softly. “How old are you?”

  “I’m 13, and I’m one of your biggest fans,” Stacy responded.

  Tracey hid her surprise as best she could. Stacy looked to be no more than nine years old.

  “Well Stacy is it okay if I give you a hug?” Tracey asked.

  Stacy’s eyes widened as she vigorously nodded her head yes.

  Tracey carefully embraced her, barely containing the tears that welled in her eyes.

  “Don’t be sad. I’m going to kick this cancer’s butt,” she chuckled. “You’ll see. I want to race just like you.”

  “Nope. You’re going to be better than me,” Tracey grinned releasing her hold on Stacy. “If you’re still here after the finals I’ll come back to see you and we can spend the entire day together. If that’s okay with your doctor and you’re feeling up it,” Tracey added.

  “For real!” Stacy asked excitedly.

  “For real. I have to go now. It was nice meeting you Stacy. Guess what?” Tracey asked.

  “What?” Stacy responded.

  “You’re now my biggest fan,” Tracey smiled. “See you sweetheart.”

  “I wish you could stay, but I know you have to get ready to beat the pants of those guys. Girl power!” Stacy yelled weakly.

  “That seems to be the word around here,” Tracey chuckled remembering young Ashley. “Girl power!” she fist pumped, before standing and looking at Delores.

  “See you later Stacy. Am I back in your good graces?” Delores smiled.

  “Yes, ma’am!” Stacy cried.

  “I’ll send someone in to help you get back into bed,” Delores told her.

  “Okay. Bye Ms. Powell,” Stacy cried.

  “My friends call me Tracey,” she said.

  “Okay, Tracey,” she smiled warmly.

  Once outside of the room Tracey and Delores removed the paper garments and threw them in the nearby trash.

  “She has cancer, she said,” Tracey whispered.

  “AML, bett
er known as acute myelogenous leukemia. Stacy developed hers when she became a teenager. She’ll be 14 in a few weeks. She’s been fighting it for almost a year. Fortunately hers was discovered during an emergency room visit. She’d had a cold, or so they thought, that just wasn’t getting better. Her mother is a single mom and works two-jobs. She took Stacy to the emergency room one night when she was having problems breathing. They thought she’d developed pneumonia because of her symptoms” Delores murmured.

  “Is she going to be okay?” Tracey asked.

  “We’ll just have to wait and see,” was all Delores said. “Let me show you a way out to avoid the rush,” Delores teased.

  Bless Delores’ heart for trying to make her feel better, Tracey thought. She knew that the woman couldn’t guarantee another’s health. “That would be great. Thank you,” she said following her.

  Chapter Six

  Tracey left Levine’s Children’s hospital through the back way and counted herself fortunate not to have any news reporters still hanging about. After meeting young Stacy she didn’t feel like being bothered. In fact she could really use a drink. She made it to her car without incident.

  “Good. Maybe they followed Shane to wherever it was he was going,” she murmured with a smile. Clicking the button to unlock her car, she climbed in, closed the door, and put the key in the ignition.

  “What the hell took you so long?” a voice from her backseat demanded.

  “Ughh!” Tracey screeched. She twisted in her seat, hands balled into fists, ready to fight off a would-be attacker.

  “Hold up,” Shane yelled grabbing one of her hands before she could hit him.

  “Sha—Shane?! What the hell are you doing in my car?” Tracey yelled, unclenching the other fist and holding her hand to her pounding heart. “And while you’re explaining, please explain how the hell you got in my car?”

  “I will in a minute. For now, just drive,” he said letting go of her hand and climbing into the front seat. “Damn, babe, do you think you can let the window down or something? I felt like a smashed sardine in here.”