Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 56

Chapter 56 Waiting on the Other Side 

Finished 

The big man grabbed his chest and staggered as if invisible bullets had just shot him. The act was so exaggerated that Ava had to bite her lip to keep from laughing. Her cousin’s friend was born for the stage- pure comedy. 

“Logan, you’re enjoying this way too much. I could hear you hollering from the far end of the pit.” A good- looking guy squeezed through the crowd, long green hair loose down his back, crimson eyes bright and sharp. 

“Eddie, get over here,” Logan barked. “Help me shut this guy up before he keeps bragging about having a cousin.” 

“Asher.” Eddie Tillman stepped up and dipped his head politely. 

Asher sized him up. “You’ve filled out. Your brother didn’t make it?” 

Eddie replied, “He’s tied up today. Couldn’t get away.” 

Logan waved them along. “Let’s move before we block the lane.” 

Asher guided Ava toward a woman in a fitted business suit. “Sharon, I’m leaving my cousin with you.” 

Sharon Hatfield’s eyes widened upon noticing the girl beside him. Logan had the same surprised expression earlier. Everyone believed the Morren family had just one girl, so Asher’s appearance with another would definitely stir envy. That family truly seemed fortunate. 

People here all knew Asher’s background. He cracked jokes as if he were just one of the guys, never asserting himself, but no one ever forgot his true identity. 

Sharon smiled warmly. “Relax. I’ll take good care of Ms. Ava.” 

Asher gave a few quiet reminders, then turned and left with the others. 

A couple of staff members stayed behind to straighten the lounge. 

Sharon glanced at Ava. “Ms. Ava, anything you’d like to eat or drink? I can have it brought in.” 

“Please just call me Ava.” She shook her head. “I’m fine. Not hungry.” 

Being called “Ms. Ava” felt strange to her. Stepping into this place made her suddenly aware of invisible lines between people–clear, sharp, and impossible to ignore. She didn’t like it, yet she understood it. 

Sharon had plenty to manage today, yet since Asher had handed Ava over to her, she passed her work along and stayed close. 

A massive screen lit up the lounge, streaming the race live. Ava watched as Asher’s team walked onto the 

track. 

He led the group, waving like he owned the place. When the camera zoomed in, he even tossed a dramatic air kiss. The crowd went wild. 

Such a show–off. Ava rubbed her forehead. Good thing I’m not out there. I’d die of embarrassment. 

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Chapter 56 Waiting on the Other Side 

Even after Ava declined food, fruit, pastries, and drinks still appeared on the table. 

“Sharon, really, you don’t have to- 

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Sharon laughed. “Eat if you feel like it. Once they’re done racing, those kids act like they haven’t eaten in days. Blink once, and everything’s gone.” 

Ava smiled, took a small bite, then fixed her eyes back on the screen. 

This kind of high–speed chaos was new to her. Her heart pounded so hard it felt like it might break loose. Whenever things got tense, she covered her eyes and pecked through her fingers, torn between wanting to watch and being afraid to see. 

Sharon couldn’t help comparing her to Jane. Last time Jane came, she’d shouted that she wanted to drive too. Everyone nearly lost their minds. 

Jane ended up doing a few laps after the race, pushed herself too hard, lost control, and crashed, resulting in injuries. Rumors suggested Asher was beaten up afterward, and he hadn’t returned for years. 

Ava was nothing like that. She was much quieter. Sharon found herself relieved. When she first heard Asher brought the family today, she’d assumed it was Jane again and felt a headache coming on. 

On the track, tires screeched and billowed smoke. Cars scraped against barriers, with one spinning out and another crashing hard. Ava clicked her tongue in frustration and focused intently on Asher’s car, a tightening of fear in her chest. 

Then it was over. 

No disaster. 

Their team finished third. 

Sharon’s face lit up. “I knew it. When Asher shows, they always place. Third is better than I dared hope, especially with so many pros 

in.” 

“He’s really that good?” Ava turned toward her. 

Sharon replied, “Of course. He was once a star here, never acted superior, and got along well with everyone. He had connections everywhere, and people thought he might turn professional. Who would have expected him to settle down and concentrate on school instead, barely racing anymore?” 

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