Turbocharged

The early morning sun sat low on the horizon and cast it's warm light across a cloudless sky. Being a Saturday morning there wasn't much traffic and the vehicles that were out were able to travel at faster than normal speeds. One such car, a Nissan R33 GTR that was painted in a brilliant metallic blue, entered the interstate and quickly got up to speed before it settled between a few cars.

Daniel Wong had one foot on the gas while his left foot rested, his right hand on the wheel while his left stayed on the stick shift. His body was settled into what would normally have been the passenger seat but this was an import from Japan and was a right hand drive vehicle. His brown eyes scanned the long stretch of relatively new pavement ahead of him and a smile curved his lips. This was the time he enjoyed the most when he could just cruise and enjoy his car, allowing it to stretch its legs. To some it seemed silly but to him, the car was a caged animal that loved to be freed and it had a personality all it's own. He had named it "Kitana" and often referred to it by using female terms.

"Sorry girl, gotta play nice," he said softly as he let off the gas, allowing the car that was coming up the on ramp time to get on without him needing to change lanes. It was a metallic orange Kia Soul and for a second, he regretted his decision but the new car eventually got up to speed and he was able to press his foot on the gas once more. After a few minutes Daniel saw a white cloud come from the back of the car and he immediately let off the gas. The Kia moved over to the shoulder and Daniel followed as he put his emergency hazard lights on. Eventually they both came to a stop on the shoulder and he shut down his car. He opened the door and got out, stretching his tall six foot two frame. His tight black shirt clung to his body, contrasting to his lighter skin tone as the breeze pressed it to his him and showed off just how well defined his muscles were. His narrow eyes were focused on the rear of the car ahead of him, his brow furrowed with concern. He raised a hand to chin and scratched a lightly bearded strong jawline suggesting he wasn't full Chinese. After scratching his jaw his hand went and ruffled his jet black hair that was cut short and spiked on the top yet nearly buzzed on the sides.

As he walked towards the car he moved his eyes to the driver's window and wondered why the driver hadn't gotten out. He slowly approached as he didn't want to frighten them and could see in the side view mirror that the driver was a woman and her hands were still on the wheel. Daniel neared the window, looked in and could see she was shaken. Probably her first time getting a flat on the highway he surmised. He peered in and smiled at the woman, who he could now see was stunningly beautiful. Her jet black hair fell in loose curls around her face, her skin was a shade of golden brown. He smiled at her and saw her dark brown eyes slowly turn to see him and she cracked a weak smile as she rolled her window down. He guessed her age to be in the mid to late twenties.

"Are you alright miss?" His voice was deep but soft as he tried to sound soothing to this woman who was obviously already frightened.

"I think so?" She slowly gathered her wits, opened the door and got out.

Daniel watched her exit the car and he couldn't help but stare at her. She wore a rather tight fitting steel gray ponte sheath dress that had small cap sleeves. The hem went down to her knees and the sides had short slits that allowed her to move freely. He studied her and saw that she had a classic hourglass figure. The color of the dress paired well with her darker skin tone and he felt himself drawn to her. His eyes moved down her body and he could see her shapely calves and the black high heels she wore on her feet which added a few inches to her short height. He guessed her to be no more than a few inches above five feet and he confirmed that when he stepped a little closer.

"Well the good news is you look fine," he said, screaming at himself internally for saying something that could be misconstrued as anything other than innocent. "The bad news is you have a flat tire. Do you have a spare?"

"Uhm, yea, in the back."

"You look like you're headed somewhere nice, want me to change it so you don't get yourself dirty?"

"No it's fine, I'll just call someone. Really you don't need to worry about it." She smiled at Daniel and noticed his built physique and bit her lip. Her dark brown eyes looked him, along with the black shirt he wore faded blue jeans a little on the loose side, not saggy but loose enough to be comfortable and he wore a pair of black Vans.

"No really, I insist. Name is Daniel by the way. Besides, I'd feel like an ass if I left you stranded here on the side of the road."

She extended her hand, "Well it's nice to meet you Daniel, I'm Nia."

As he took her hand in his he marveled at how soft her skin felt. "Nice to meet you to."

"I suppose if you have nothing else to do, I would love your help. Though I don't have any cash on me."

"And that's a problem because?"

"I can't pay you?" she said as she tucked her hair behind her ear.

"Ah, well no need. Just in the right place at the right time I suppose." Daniel looked at her with a reassuring smile. "So uh, I guess I'll get started?"

Nia watched as this stranger pulled the spare tire from out the back of her car and lifted it like it was nothing. The muscles in his arms and torso flexed and moved as he effortlessly jacked the car up, changed out the tire, and put the car back on the ground. He then put the tools away and placed the flat tire in the back of the car before gently closing the hatch. She walked up to him and leaned up and quickly kissed him on the cheek.

Daniel was caught off guard, her soft lips sent a shiver down his spine and he had felt her breasts brush up against his arm. He caught the faint scent of her strawberry body spray and smiled. "Uhm, you're welcome?"

"I'm sorry, I don't know you and I have no idea if you have a girlfriend and that was probably crossing some line. I just wanted to thank you." Nia could feel herself blushing. She had always found herself attracted to Caucasian men, but she found Daniel irresistible. Perhaps it was his shyness, or his willingness to help, but either way she found herself craving him.

"Just surprised, that's all, and no girlfriend," he said as he felt himself blushing. He quickly changed the subject, "Uhm, say you're all set. Where were you headed if you don't mind me asking?"

"Sadly work but thanks to you I will still make it on time," Nia said softly as she instinctively got back into her car. She looked up at Daniel and smiled at him.

"Well you drive save Nia."

"I will, and thank you again." She started her car when she saw Daniel get into his, noticing how it was odd that he got in on the right side. Once she heard his car start she pulled forward and merged back into the lane and smiled to herself as she saw Daniel follow her. After driving a little over a mile she put her signal on and turned onto the off ramp. Her eyes glanced in her rear view and she hoped that she would be followed but felt a twinge of sadness when he kept going straight. She did notice that he flashed his headlights at her as a way of saying goodbye and that brought a small smile to her lips. "Damn you Nia, why couldn't you just ask for his number? Gah!"

Daniel continued on the interstate as he shifted into the next gear and he heard the turbo on Kitana's engine flutter. "Easy girl, you aren't jealous are you?" In response he felt the engine surge and the speed picked up. He drove on for some time and felt regret gnawing at the back of his mind. "Should have asked for her number you fucking idiot."

***

Daniel picked up his phone as it began to ring and saw that it was his boss calling. As he answered the phone he leaned back in the vinyl red booth and eyed the plate full of food that sat on the table in front of him. "What up bruh?"

"Hey Daniel, look I know it's your day off, but could you possibly pick up that part for the Mr. Stewart's car? They're closed tomorrow and I want to have it installed first thing Monday before they open."

"Sure thing, I'm actually on that side of town right now. How much is it?"

"Two fifty plus tax, and that's with my discount."

"And what do I get in return for running your errands?" he asked jokingly. Daniel and his boss Sean were close friends.

"Uhm, my eternal gratitude?"

Daniel smirked, "I'll settle for you picking up the tab at the next drag meet."

"Alright, deal."

"Thanks Sean," Daniel said as he hung up and set the phone down. After he leisurely ate his late morning breakfast he got back into his car and drove to the bank so he could pull out the cash he needed. As he looked at his card he figured he should get a new one as this one was starting to crack and walked inside instead of using the ATM. He got into line and passed the time by staring at his phone. After several minutes he realized he was next and heard a voice that he somehow recognized tell him he was next. He looked up and walked to the window where he saw her.

Nia sat at her spot and smiled brightly when she saw Daniel walk up to her window. She felt her heart race when she saw him flash his endearing smile back at her. "Well hello there!"

Daniel smiled broadly, "Fancy meeting you here. How are you?"

"I'm good, actually better than good." Nia felt herself becoming flush in his presence. Now that she wasn't scared like she had been back on the highway, she could tell that Daniel wasn't full Asian and guessed that he was half Caucasian as well. His strong jawline and his piercing hazel colored eyes gave that away. She bit her lip for a second before she asked, "So what can I help you with?"

Daniel explained that he needed to pull out some money for the part he was picking up and that he also needed a new ATM card. After some time he was set up and had everything he needed when he realized he had become flustered. He thoroughly enjoyed being in Nia's presence but he just couldn't think of what to say. He picked up his new temporary card and held it up, "Well, thank you. I guess, uh, I'll see you around?"

"Sure thing Daniel," she said smiling, though her tone had softened. She watched him turn and start to walk away when she hurriedly grabbed a piece of paper and wrote her number on it, "Oh Mister Wong? You forgot your receipt!"

Daniel didn't remember leaving anything but turned and flashed a sheepish grin which turned into a wide smile when he looked at the paper. He noticed that scribbled above the number were the words "call me" and he felt his heart race. His eyes darted up and met hers as he whispered, "I will."

Nia internally screamed when she saw his reaction. She was sure that he was just shy now and she couldn't help but stare at him as he walked away before she went back to work and called for the next customer in line.

***

Daniel knew that the bank closed early on Saturday so after he drove home he idly watched television until he knew she was off and had most likely gone home. He picked up his phone and dialed her number, waiting for a few rings before he heard her voice.

"Hello?"

"Hey there Nia, it's Daniel."

"Hi Daniel! I was just thinking about you."

Daniel felt himself blush, "Oh yea?"

"Mmmhmm," her voice sounded sugary sweet.

"Say, I was wondering, would you like to go out to dinner sometime?"

Without wasting a second she blurted, "I would love to!"

Daniel smiled to himself, "Well, if you're free tonight, I mean if you don't already have something planned."

"I'm free, what did you have in mind?"

"Well, uhm, we can go get some dinner and then maybe go bowling?"

"That sounds like fun. I haven't been bowling in years. By the way, I love Chinese."

Daniel wondered if he had picked up the innuendo correctly or if he was misinterpreting her words. "Well there just so happens to be a Chinese restaurant right by the alley. Shall I pick you up?"

"Sure," Nia said before she gave him her address.

Daniel looked at his watch quickly, "Great, I'll pick you at six?"

"Sounds perfect. I'll see you then!"

"Will do." Daniel pressed the call end button and put his phone down before he jumped up. "Yes!" He practically ran to the bathroom, shedding his clothes quickly so he could shower and get ready. After he finished shaving and showering he got out and stared into his closet and wondered what to wear. He had never given much thought to it, but he wanted to be presentable but not overly dressed either. He decided on a nicer pair of jeans, a black leather belt and a simple gray vee neck shirt over which he threw on his leather jacket. He put on a pair of plain black boots before he grabbed his keys and wallet. As he walked into the garage he smiled at his car, "Alright Kitana, it's been a long since we've company, but I need you on your best behavior alright?"

A smile crossed his lips when the car started right away without hesitation and he backed out of the garage and onto the street. He was soon on the road in traffic as he headed to go pick up Nia as he felt himself get the jitters. It had been some time since he was last on a date and he tried to keep himself calm and collected. After some time he pulled up to Nia's house and parked in front. He quickly ran up to her door, knocked once and was startled when she opened the door almost immediately. He stared at her as she stood there in the doorway, a smile on her lips that caused him to feel at ease.

Nia stood there, she wore a dark blue knit sweater over a pair of white button up pants that were so tight they nearly looked painted on, and a pair of open toed high heels. She felt herself flush with excitement when she saw his eyes look her over, his lips smiling and she knew he liked what he saw. She too was enjoying what she was looking at. "Ready?"

"Uhm, yea, totally."

Nia giggled softly, "Please don't take this the wrong way, but you haven't been on a date in awhile have you?"

It was Daniel's turn to go red and he sheepishly grinned, "Is it that obvious?"

Nia nodded softly, "It's cute though." She smiled warmly when she saw him open the left side car door for her. Once the door was closed she giggled and said softly to herself, "Cute, shy and a gentleman. What a catch."

Daniel got in, started the car and drove them to the restaurant. It didn't take long before they got there and he found a space relatively close. As he got out he had a grin on his face and he kept thinking to himself that this woman was absolutely gorgeous. He stepped around the front of the car and opened her door, taking her hand as he helped her out. The touch was electric and he felt his heart race, wondering if she felt it to.

They walked in and were quickly seated at a table. The place was relatively busy as there were quite a few people already dining. The rest of the world had been tuned out as Nia and Daniel kept their eyes on each other, getting to know one another and generally just enjoying each other's company as they both felt the connection between them.

"Alright, so you know what I do for a living, what about you?"

Daniel took a sip of his tea before speaking, "I work over at Davenport's Tuning."

Nia smiled, "Alright, but what do you do there?"

"Well, I mostly sweep the floors."

Nia looked at him, not sure if she should take him seriously but then started laughing when she caught the faintest indication of a smirk.

"Alright, I'm a master technician there. Basically we take cars, soup them up to what the customer wants and off they go."

"Gotcha. So if say, a woman wanted to get new tires, she'd probably have to go to another place?" She hadn't intended on it, but her voice became lower, almost husky.

"Would this car happen to be a Kia Soul and belong to a very attractive woman?"

"Hmm, maybe," smiling at the fact that he had called her attractive.

"I see, and would this woman happen to be eating Chinese food with a man who can't believe that such a beautiful woman would want to sit at the same table as him?"

Nia could feel herself blush once more as she put her hand on the table, "I think she's at that table thinking the man she's with is very handsome and a real gentleman."

Daniel smiled and placed his hand on hers, his fingers playing with hers. His gaze shifted when he saw the look on her face change, her eyes were looking at a table a ways over. He turned his head slightly and saw an elderly Chinese couple staring at them, both of them had looks of contempt on their faces. "Ah."

"Are they staring us because a black woman is with an Asian man?"

"No, it isn't you. They're upset at me."

"You? Why? Do they know you?"

Daniel shook his head, his fingers still softly playing with Nia's. "No we don't know each other. All they know is that I'm some half breed so that alone is enough to cause them alarm, and I'm out with someone who isn't Chinese. The old generation doesn't exactly take kindly to that. I've gotten used to it and mostly tune it out."

"So ... they're racist against their own kind?" Nia sounded confused. She had dealt with racism before but never like this.

"Don't think of it as racism, just them not willing to let go of old traditions. Some of the older generations have given up and just don't care, and then there are some who are stubborn. I'm sorry."

"Why are you sorry?" Nia stared deeply into his eyes, wondering why he was apologizing when he had been nothing but a gentleman.

"I suppose because it kind of put a damper on your mood. I really like seeing you smile."

Nia intertwined her fingers with his, "Come on, let's get out of here and go bowling."

Daniel signaled to the waiter without hesitation and quickly paid. He took her hand and together they walked out. As they passed the table he could sense the disapproval from the elderly couple, but he didn't let it faze him as he caught Nia smiling at them. He suddenly felt very at ease and any last traces of nervousness he had quickly vanished. He drove them to the bowling alley which was only a little over a block away and once again, took her hand as he helped her out of the car. They walked in to the sound of bowling balls striking pins, loud music and lots of different conversations happening. They got their shoes and walked to the assigned lane, each picking out their appropriate bowling balls before setting up the scoreboard.

"So who goes first?"

"Ladies first of course," Daniel said with a grin.

Nia smiled and grabbed her bright pink ball before she walked up where she set up her shot. She took a few steps over and threw the ball down the lane and watched as it spun, slightly hooking to the left before it struck the pins, knocking all but two over. She turned around and had a smile that was carefree and happy, her eyes twinkling. She waited for her ball to return and grabbed it, once again walking up to the lane.

Daniel watched her, her body moved gracefully and he kept staring at her ass. Her pants clung so tightly he was mesmerized. He watched her throw the ball and pick up a spare, his eyes watching her spin and dance in a silly fashion as she walked back to him. Her mood was infectious and he couldn't help but smile. He stood up and smirked at her, "Show off."

"Luck," she said as she stuck her tongue out.

Daniel picked up his ball and walked up, setting his shot up. Just before he threw the ball he looked over his shoulder at Nia who sat there watching him intently. He turned back and closed his eyes for a second before he threw the ball, willing it to curve in his mind. Eventually there was a loud crash as the ball collided with the pins and he watched as all but the seven and ten pins fell.

"Aww, that sucks. You got this Danny!"