Kaitlyn stood in her office overlooking the deserted shop below. Glancing around at the numerous lithographs of racing scenes hanging on the walls, she fondly remembered her grandfather who'd started the automotive shop before she was born. An immigrant from Dortmund, Germany, he'd come to the United States with his parents when he was just three years old.
Kaitlyn's grandfather had developed an avid interest in automobiles and racing during his early teen years. With the trivial amount of money he'd saved, her grandfather had started the business and built it up over the past forty years. Kaitlyn remembered visiting the shop on Saturday mornings when he and his crew were readying the cars for various race events. Quite often, her parents had allowed her to accompany her grandfather to the races if they were close by.
When Kaitlyn graduated high school, it was her grandfather who'd encouraged her to continue her education in the automotive field. She'd become a "car nut" just like her grandfather so the studies were something she enjoyed and eagerly worked at. After graduating technical school, Kaitlyn had successful attained her SCCA driver's license, competing in several racing events but never a full season. Other than being an active driver, her interest had been in development and design of racecars.
At twenty-six, it was now up to Kaitlyn to decide what to do with the shop. Her beloved grandfather had passed away suddenly just a few months prior to her annual return visit. Kaitlyn's grandfather, true to his word, had left her the entire business.
With her life in somewhat of a turmoil, it was difficult for Kaitlyn to even think straight. She and her ex-husband, Ryan had just divorced and she was facing an inevitable job reduction at the company she was working for. Kaitlyn felt more scared than alone. With everything that had happened to her during the past year, it seemed bad news was following her.
"At least I've got enough money in the bank to keep me going for a year or so." Kaitlyn thought.
Pulling the large red leather chair back from the desk, Kaitlyn sat down propping her tired feet up on the desk.
"I could probably sell the business and shop equipment." Kaitlyn thought. "That would greatly add to my bank account."
Selling the business and all its equipment wouldn't be what her grandfather would want her to do. He'd want her to keep it going, make it flourish and grow. Working on her own, it would be highly difficult, alot more of an undertaking than she felt prepared for. Still, she felt compelled to retain ownership of the business.
Kaitlyn relaxed in the leather chair, drifting slowly into a light sleep. Waking sometime later, she glanced at her watch, realizing it was early evening. Kaitlyn slowly rose from the comfortable chair, stretching her 5'8" slender body. Running her hands through her short blonde hair, she brushed the sides back over her ears.
Feeling refreshed from her extended nap, Kaitlyn descended the stairs to the shop floor. Two cars, a Corvette and a Camaro sat on jack stands, partially assembled. At the far end of the fifty-thousand square foot building, a transporter sat parked facing one of the large overhead doors. Tools and automotive equipment filled the disorganized complex. Kaitlyn smiled, remembering her grandfather and his crew weren't known for their neatness or their organization skills. Everywhere she looked, Kaitlyn could see her grandfather's past, even his old calendars and posters still hung on the shop's walls.
Kaitlyn made a last check of the premises, making sure all the doors were secured and latched. Stepping through the main doorway, the early evening sun partially blinded her vision. Locking the door behind her, Kaitlyn walked towards her car, a black '96 Corvette, one of the few things she'd salvaged from her recent divorce.
"Hey Kaitlyn!" A male voice shouted. "Kate!"
Shading her eyes from the sun, Kaitlyn saw a young man approaching her riding a motorcycle. As he rode closer, she could see the smile on his face increasing.
"Hey there!" The young man greeted. "I was wondering if you'd ever show up."
"Hi Blaine." Kaitlyn responded. "It's been a long time since I've seen you."
"Yeah, sure has." Blaine replied. "High school graduation."
Blaine had been a classmate of Kaitlyn's. He was considered by most of his school friends as the most handsome guy in their graduating class. Kaitlyn never admitted it openly but she felt the same way. Standing six foot tall, his rugged appearance and great looks could have led to a modeling career. Blaine's dark hair and crystal blue eyes accentuated his handsome face. Even though it had been eight years since he'd actively participated in sports, Blaine still retained his athletic build.
"Come to reminisce or put the shop up for sale?" He asked.
"I'm not sure." Kaitlyn answered, looking down at the pavement.
Her shyness in front of her former classmate was slowing returning. During her senior year in high school, she'd secretly harbored a crush on the handsome guy now sitting on his motorcycle in front of her.
"Be a shame to see it close down or change hands." Blaine stated. "Just wouldn't be the same."
"Yeah, I know." Kaitlyn stammered. "I'm sure my grandfather would want me to try and keep it going. It was his whole life."
"You and your husband could make a go of it." Blaine said. "I'm sure of it. You've got the brains and if I remember correctly, you were always a car fanatic."
"Well, it'd just be me." Kaitlyn murmured. "I'm no longer married."
"Oh, sorry." Blaine apologized. "I didn't know that."
There was a long pause of silence between the two. Kaitlyn felt uncomfortable not knowing what to say. Shuffling her feet, she kept her eyes looking down at the asphalt pavement of the shop's parking lot.
"Well, how about joining me for dinner this evening?" Blaine asked, breaking the silence.
"Oh, Iβ¦β¦β¦β¦I doubt if I'll bother to eat dinner this evening." Kaitlyn replied, knowing it sounded stupid.
"Nonsense!" Blaine exclaimed. "Everyone's got to eat."
"I promise I won't bite." He added, grinning.
"Ok, I guess it'd be alright." Kaitlyn finally agreed, a light blush developing on her face.
"Great!" Blaine responded. "Where are you staying?"
"I'm staying at the Holiday Inn just off the west bypass." Kaitlyn replied.
"Cool! I know where that is." Blaine stated. "How about I pick you up at 7:00?"
"Ok, that sounds good." Kaitlyn responded immediately.
"Great!" Blaine exclaimed. "I'll see you then."