Never Again(24)

Jake Burns

Birth date: July 17, 1989

Birth place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

Height: 6 feet



I notice he’s a year older than me. He has a younger sister, but there is no information about her. There are a few pictures of him on his website. Some are from the beginning of his motorcycle career. The majority was taken during the race and on the winning podium. I read that he’s the world champion for the second year in a row. He’s apparently even more successful than I thought. He was nominated multiple times for the Athlete Of The Year, and was awarded Rookie Of The Year award.

I’m also interested in his life outside the track, so I check out the pictures of him on the Internet. I find a few from some gala events, others are from interviews or sports events, and he’s signing autographs for his fans on some. In every picture, there’s a different woman on his arm, every one more beautiful than the last. A pleased smile is plastered on their faces. They’re looking at Jake like he’s God. I read that the tabloids describe him as a womanizer and one of the most desired bachelors in the country.

“Figures,” I say to myself as I close the computer and get up. “What did you think? That there were no women in his life?” I get a glass of water and plop back on the couch, but curiosity gets the better of me, so I continue my search on Jake. I also find articles about different scandals—at the age of 18 he was arrested for driving under the influence, and about some fight in a club from six years ago. Then, I stumble upon an article from two years ago, and the bold headlines read:



Jake Burns Almost Dies During Grand Prix of Japan



Jake Burns, 23, was brought into the hospital after he suffered a terrible fall during the race for the Grand Prix of Japan. When he rounded into a slippery corner, he skidded and crashed into the German racer Fischer (Yamaha), who luckily suffered no major injuries. Jake, who is racing in the premier class for the first time this year, is still not out of danger.



I shake my head. “What’s with these racers and people who love motorcycles so much? What is so special about them besides being coffins on two wheels?” I scroll down to see some pictures of his nasty fall, and I immediately get sick to my stomach. “I can’t watch this anymore,” I say and turn off the computer. No, this is not for me. He is not for me.

I grab a quick shower and get ready. The holidays are over and that means I have to go to work again. I walk past my blue Chevrolet; Ace is only a fifteen-minute walk away. When I get there, I change into my uniform, and then Meredith comes to me.

“Hey, Ella, something came for you. I put it in the back.” I look at her in surprise. Who would send me anything?

“What is it?” I ask, walking into the back room where we usually eat. She points to a lovely bouquet of hot pink roses. “They’re for me?” I exclaim in disbelief and she nods. I approach the bouquet, and look for a note.



Have dinner with me.

Jake



When I read the note, I press it against my chest and smell the roses.

“Boyfriend?” Meredith asks. I shake my head no, and look at the bouquet again. Why is he so persistent? He’s famous for changing women like underwear, so why is he so stuck on me when he could have any other woman he pleases? My heart is still in bits and pieces, and I’m not prepared to start a new relationship, especially with a motorcycle racer. Is Jake even interested in a relationship, or does he only want to get me into his bed? I put the note back and return to work.

When the last client pays and leaves, I change back into my everyday clothes, only to find Sophie waiting for me in the hallway, checking her watch.

“Hi, what are you doing here?” Surprised seeing her here, I give her a hug. It’s been a week since we’ve last seen each other, and I have to admit I missed her.

She shrugs. “Matt’s at work, so I thought we could go to the movies or something.”

“Sure. I didn’t have anything special planned, just a book and a glass of wine. But that can wait.” We are about to leave when I hear Meredith call after me.

“What about the flowers? Aren’t you going to take them with you?” Oh, right. I totally forgot about that. I’m not used to receiving gifts anymore.

“Flowers?” Eyebrow raised, Sophie gives me a knowing look as Meredith pushes the bouquet into my hands.

“Thank you,” I smile as we leave.

“Spill,” she demands. “What aren’t you telling me?” Crossing her hands across her chest, she waits for my response.

“It’s just flowers, Sophie,” I say.

“Yeah, d’oh! And when was the last time you received any? Two years ago from Josh. Who’s the guy?” she starts her interrogation.