Not many people know that Arthur Lewis actually had a fantastic amateur racing career. He taught me a thing or too and its no doubt where I got my driving skills from.

I told Bo she didn’t have to feel pressured to give my parents every little thing, but she put her hand on my arm and looked at me with complete sincerity when she said, ”Lauren, I trust them just as I do you with all that I have. The same way you trusted me with your most prized possession, the one hundred S. Besides, Art has a classic dragster he’s gonna let me drive when we get back.”

Ah, so that was it. ”Yes, the dragster. Its pretty awesome. You won’t be disappointed Bo.”

Fifteen minutes later we were in the Cadillac Escalade and headed up the mountain. When we entered the large gate of the Dennis Family estate, both of my parents jaw dropped. They’d been to local parties of well to do families before and even held their own, but this was a whole other ball game. This was like American Royalty.

My mother fidgeted nervously with the hem of her dress. I reached across and calmed her, ”Relax.”

Who was I kidding? I wanted to jump out of my skin at the idea of our father’s meeting. They were both all business all the time that I didn’t know what to expect. I knew my mom would be fine with Evelyn, even if she put up an icy front, but the whole idea of our parents finally meeting was nerve wracking in a way that said this was the final step in our relationship. Sure there was marriage and stuff, but in-laws were a big deal, or so I’ve heard. More than anything, I wanted them all to get along. I didn’t want to deal with bickering at holidays or any of that shit when we had family gatherings.

We came to a stop and were greeted by George and two young men assisting us out of the SUV and taking our things. My parents looked on as the staff scurried about.

”Welcome home Miss…um..Bo,” George stammered, remembering how she hated to be addressed formally.

”Good to see you George,” Bo replied and wrapped him into a hug. ”You remember Lauren?”