Chapter136 Fading Internet Star
Holly glanced at her phone; it was indeed just past six in the morning. Why on
earth was Wilber Gilbert here so darn early?
"Umm, you're up early," she commented awkwardly.
Wilber nodded lightly, "Heard that the racers were supposed to check in a couple
of hours early."
"Our check-in is at ten..."
"I know, I just thought I'd come and have breakfast with you. So, I came by a bit
early."
"That's... really early."
Holly let out a resigned sigh as she was about to climb into his car when a blue
sports car pulled up in front of her.
Eddy stepped out, his usually tender eyes lined with a sharp edge, taking in
Wilber's presence, meeting Holly's pleading gaze, then understanding her
meaning.
Wilber didn't anticipate Eddy's arrival, let alone his piercing stare, as if he was
facing an enemy. Bewildered by the hostility, Wilber stepped forward with a
flawless smile.
"Hey!” Holly Weiss greeted.
Eddy simply grunted and turned to Wilber, "What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to give her a ride to the race," Wilber replied.
"No need, I'll take her," Eddy interjected, signaling Holly with a wave, "Come on,
get in the car."
Wilber Gilbert filled with frustration, took another step and tried again, "Holly, I
stumbled upon this amazing eatery. Thought it would be right up your alley. And
didn’t we agree yesterday to head out together? I barely slept, just waiting here
for you since before dawn."
Holly Weiss was about to speak when Eddy cut in, "Sorry about that. My sis has
been trying to shed a few pounds lately."
Holly forced a chuckle, "Wilber Gilbert, maybe we should go our separate ways
and catch up when we get there."
"My brother's got a bit of a hot temper, ya know. Doesn't like me getting too cozy
with other guys. Forgive me, huh!" she said with a lighthearted smile. Slipping
into Eddy's car, Holly closed the door with a thud and sighed in relief.
"Playing with fire, were you?" Eddy teased, glancing at Wilber Gilbert's dejected
figure walking away.
"Who knew the guy was such a clingy pest... Good thing you showed up to save
the day," Holly mumbled under her breath.
Eddy grunted and started the car, the engine humming to life.
Wilber didn't back down easily; he was on their tail, determined not to lose them.
But with traffic light in the early morning, Eddy pushed the accelerator and shook
him off.
They found Atlanta bread and took their time over breakfast. Holly yawned
continuously, visibly exhausted.
"Thinking about the race today has got me all wound up. Couldn't get a wink of
sleep," she confessed.
"If I knew Wilber Gilbert would be camped out at my door, I would've slept in until
ten just to make him wait for nothing."
As Eddy bit into an omelette sandwich, he asked nonchalantly, "Shall we get a
room to nap in before the race?"
The sleepiness vanished from Holly's eyes as she gave him a wary look. "Watch it,
you old perv. Don't you get any funny ideas!"
His gaze lingered, then he retorted, "You're overthinking it. With your figure, even
stripped down I wouldn't spare a second glance."
"What's that supposed to mean? My figure's not good enough for you?" Holly
straightened up, offended. She might be short, but she was proportionate all
over.
"So, are we getting a room or not?" Eddy countered.
Through gritted teeth, Holly said, "Fine. We'll get a room."
They checked into a nearby chain hotel, and headed to their room one after the
other.
"I'll wake you up around nine. Get some sleep," Eddy said, settling down.
"Okay!"
Taking a seat, Eddy booted up his laptop, muted it, and began watching a sign
language tutorial.
After an indeterminate amount of time, Holly's phone suddenly rang. Eddy swiftly
silenced it and turned it off.
Meanwhile, Wilber Gilbert arrived early at the race track to find only a few staff
setting up.
...
Luann Weaver was rudely awakened by Alvin Curtis pounding at her door.
Groggy and clad only in a thin nightgown, she got out of bed, her hair a wild
mess, and opened the door.
Alvin immediately covered his eyes, but not without shamelessly peeking through
the gap between his fingers.
"Hey, eyes off the merchandise!" she scolded.
Luann Weaver was conservatively dressed in a cozy outfit, her slightly bloodshot
eyes hinting at a touch of endearing confusion, and her softly curled hair added
to her charm.
"Time to pack up and hit the road!"
She glanced at the wall clock and yawned, "You bet. Did you grab something to
eat?"
"Not yet. I was hoping to snag a bite with you!"
After a quick wash, Luann slipped into something more casual—a plain white tee
without any logos and a pair of black, palazzo pants. She pulled her hair back
into a ponytail and slung a simple white crossbody bag over her shoulder.
"Where's my brother?"
"Couldn't tell you. I vaguely remember him saying he'd be back in a bit."
Buzz, buzz—
Her phone vibrated on the table.
