Chapter 135 135.Nerds
Tabitha’s POV
“I did make a few modifications after the circuit,” Rhett admits.
“I knew it!” Andrew snaps his finger. “Hey about the Huayra…”
Jace snorts beside me as we all watch Rhett and Andrew locked in frenzied car talks. Rhett looks animated in a way I have never seen, talking with his hands and grinning when Andrew keeps up.
“Nerds,” he mumbles.
“You’re just a car dummy,” Luca counters. “You don’t understand the beauty of automobiles and know a thing or two about the art of machines.”
“At least I know how to drive a car and a motorcycle without slamming into the guardrails.”
Luca glares at him and flashes a middle finger. “Fucker…”
“Hey, party people!” Reed returns with a beer in hand and scans the room with a grin. “Damn, I miss this place,” he says.
“Yeah,” Jace says, nodding.
As the brothers appreciate the scenery, I also take my time to marvel at Rhett’s mancave. The layout stays open from wall to wall, with no partitions breaking the space but different tile colors mark each area. The center holds a massive couch set facing a television with a gaming console tucked beneath it. One corner houses the bar that Reed raided earlier. Ian, Isabel and two other girls are seated on the stools while Arthur assumes the bartender role, mixing drinks like a pro.
Another corner is where Rhett and Andrew are chatting, a spot dedicated to the owner’s automotive obsessions with a car lift holding the Chiron and Huayra stacked above each other, while the other two—Mclaren and Porsche—are parked and showcased like museum pieces on a circular platform along with the other three motorcycles. A diner-style table with polished seats also occupies another spot, and beside it is a pool table where I see Evelyn, Elsie, Melanie, Rye, and Wyatt, playing with three other men who look familiar. I think I used to go to school with them too back in Silver Hills High.
“Want a tour?” Luca offers, probably noticing my apparent awe at this place.
“Is that okay? I mean, don’t we need to ask Rhett first?”
I glance at Rhett who is still busy yapping with Andrew.
“Nah. He doesn’t give a shit about what we do,” Luca says, shrugging. “As long as no one scratches his cars.”
I laugh and nod. “Alright.”
Luca smiles and ushers me toward the next area, the others following close behind, so that together they guide me through the other four more rooms that branch off the main space. The first is a padded karaoke room with a massive screen and a full setup. Awesome. I can imagine Evelyn going here and just randomly clearing through the song book.
Next, go to the second room which turns out to be a private gym. It’s smaller than the one at the Aldair estate but still well-equipped and clearly used. The third room has a longer layout because it houses a freaking bowling alley. A bowling alley! I mean, this place is just crazy.
But what blows my mind is the fourth room. My jaw drops as soon as Reed excitedly opens the door and reveals that it is an actual arcade! Racing simulators hum in the center, claw machines and skee-ball lanes fill the corners, and there are pinball machines, basketball hoops, and all other sorts of fun things scattered everywhere.
“Holy shit. This place is the real deal!”
“Right?” Reed grins. “Wanna fire one up?”
“Wait, can I? Are you sure Rhett is—”
“I told you he doesn’t mind,” Luca is the one to assure me. “Here, why don’t you try the racing simulator? The chair moves and shakes with the track while you're driving. It’s like sitting in an IMAX theater but you’re actually in the car.”
“That looks so cool…”
Luca helps me get set up and I dive in. Driving—or trying to drive—is a blast. I haven’t even got my license yet, but this game gives me a peek at what it could be like. And honestly, it looks pretty promising.
“Hey, I might actually have what it takes to be a racer!” I boast when I check my lap times.
Luca chuckles. “Not bad for a first-timer. You might actually survive a real track.”
“Just don’t get too cocky. That chair isn’t even the real deal yet.” Reed smirks.
“Oh yeah? Why don’t we put that to the test, Speedy?” I taunt him.
Reed mockingly puts his hand on his chest as if wounded.
“You’ve got one game here and you think you can take me down?”
My smirk only grows wider. “Then let’s race. Both of you.”
“You heard the boss! Suit up, motherfuckers,” Jace declares. “Maybe I should put money on this. What do you think?” He nudges Evren.
“I think you have a gambling problem,” Evren replies.
Jace flips Evren off. I laugh as I wait for Luca and Reed to settle on the simulators on either side of me.
“Let’s do this!” Luca exclaims.
The race starts, and immediately it’s obvious—they aren’t holding back. Every turn, every drift, they crush me without mercy. I lose three rounds in a row and groan.
“Ugh, seriously? Come on! You didn’t even go easy on me!”
Luca snickers. “Should we go another round?”
“You’re just gonna wipe the floor with my face again!
“Maybe if you give me a kiss, I’ll consider letting you win, princess.” Reed winks at me.
I smack his arm.
“Do you have no dignity as a racer? You’re really gonna trade your victory for a kiss?”
His smile fades and he leans closer, the gleam in his eyes grows just a tad bit serious.
“I’d trade anything for you.”
My mouth parts in surprise.
Before I can respond, a wave of newcomers floods the arcade. They start occupying the claw machines, skee-ball lanes, and pinball machines. Saved by the bell!
I clear my throat and try to pretend that Reed’s words didn’t just leave me a bit shaken. When my eyes land on the opened door, I spot unexpectedly Wilson. Our eyes meet for a split second before he quickly looks away and hurries off.
Not too fast! I quickly hop off the simulator.
“Tabi? Where are you going?” Luca asks.
“I-I… I’m gonna go to the restroom.”
“Want me to come with you?” Evren offers.
“No need,” I say. “Just… uh, tell me where it is.”
“The restroom’s down the hall, first door on your right,” Evren instructs. “You really good at going alone?”
“I’m fine,” I reply before stepping out of the arcade.
I slip down the hallway and catch up to Wilson, yanking his arm to stop him. He spins around, surprised.
“Tabith—”
“I saw you talking to your mom at the market the other day,” I say straight up. “What’s up with that?”
His eyes widen, and he frantically looks around to make sure no one’s listening. He puts a finger to his lips and glares at me.
“We shouldn’t talk about this here,” he hisses.
“Why? Are you denying it? I saw you two as clear as day! Tell me what you were talking about!”
“I’m not denying it,” he says quickly. “But this is not the place to talk.”
Just then, an unsuspecting man passes by us and heads into the arcade.
Wilson grits his teeth.
“If you want the truth, I’ll tell you tomorrow. Just don’t ask about it here. There are too many people around.”
And with that, he leaves me standing there.