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Lucas managed to find me a little unit by the beach just six blocks down. It’s close and I can walk back and forth. It’s good for me, and maybe one day, it’ll be good for dad too. I roll my suitcase down the road, deep in thought when a car pulls up beside me. I know that charger, I’ve known it since the day he got it. Slade. I sigh, I really can’t deal with much more today.
    “Hey Dashy, daddy kick you out?”
    I see we’re back to being an asshole. Magic. I turn and glare at him. He takes my damn breath away, wearing those black sunglasses and running his hands through that messy brown hair.
    “No, I moved out. Not that it’s any of your business.”
    “Need a ride?”
    “I’d rather burn and die.”
    He laughs loudly and parks the car, getting out. I sigh. He falls in step beside me, but I don’t look over at him. I just continue walking. I can smell him and my skin begins to prickle. I struggle to show no emotion on my face.
    “Where’s the new place? You live alone?”
    “It’s none of your business and no, I don’t live alone. I am looking for a housemate.”
    His eyes widen. “Well, that’s interesting, because I’m looking for a place.”
    I snort, rudely. “I don’t think so.”
    “Scared?”
    “No, I just don’t want to have to look at you every day.”
    “Come on Dash, I need a place. You won’t even know I’m there.”
    “Go live with daddy.”
    He stiffens and I notice, I turn and stare at him. His face has gone blank and he stares ahead of us. Then, as though he realizes what he’s doing, he smirks again.
    “No, he’s got a new woman and doesn’t have the space.”
    “Aw, poor Slade’s getting kicked out.”
    He growls at me. “No, he only got a one bedroom place.”
    “On purpose no doubt.”
    Slade grunts. “Come on Dash, I need a place.”
    “I’d rather not.”
    “Just admit it, you’re scared. Scared of having a winner in your house when the races are over.”
    I spin on him. “What happened the other day was a mistake. I could beat you Slade, I’d bet on it. I stuffed up the other day, it won’t happen again. “
    “You believe what you want, we both know you’ll lose.”
    “I could take you and you damn well know it.”
    “Fine, prove it. Later today, down on the old beach tracks. You win, you get whatever you want, except asking me to leave the race. I win, you let me move in with you.”
    “What? No!”
    “I knew it,” he laughs, “you know you’ll lose.”
    “It’s got nothing to do with that, I don’t play childish games.”
    “Dashy’s scared…” he taunts.
    My anger boils over and I snap, “FINE! But you won’t win, so get that cocky smile off your face.”
    He grins and extends his hand, I shake it and he laughs. “See you at the track, Dashy. Four pm.”
    I close my eyes as he disappears. What the hell have I gotten myself into? I begin walking again, and I hear his car roar to life and speed off. Dammit, dammit, dammit. If he wins…no, I’ll just have to make sure he doesn’t win. I’ll have to be on my game. I grumble the entire way down the street, wondering what the hell is wrong with me. Slade has a damn good chance of winning, and I have a damn good chance of getting a new house mate I don’t want. Good one Dasha.

Chapter Nine
     
    When I finally reach my unit, I stare up and smile. It’s all mine. I walk up the small stone pathway and unlock the door. When I step inside, I peer around. It’s fully furnished, which is kind of good, because I don’t have much. I had to pay a touch more for it, but it’s still affordable. It’s not new, nor is it a stunning place, but it’s nice, cozy and all mine. The kitchen is small, with black counter tops and basic appliances. The lounge holds one couch, a small television and an old rug. The two rooms down the halls both have new queen sized beds, I’m grateful for that. One has an ensuite. I take that one.
    The bathroom and toilet is small in both the ensuite and the main