Well, today was the day of my fake dinner date with Rex. Judy and I called him over early and laid everything out. Our relationship, the date itself. Fortunately, he seemed to take it all pretty well.

He pulled us each into a quick hug. "Congratulations you two. But, why wait so long to tell me?"

I rubbed the back of my neck. "Well, it never really came up."

"Yeah, we were busy gettin' The Rocket all tuned up. It just didn't seem like the right time." Judy added.

Rex smiled. "Well, shoot, it don't matter. I know now and I couldn't be happier for you two."

We returned his smile and thanked him.

"Now, about this date, what should I expect?" He asked.

   "Lots of questions, kinda like an interrogation. But, just answer them honestly, you're not there to impress anyone." I replied.

   He nodded. "Sounds good to me, darlin'. I best go get ready and I'll see you in a couple hours."

   I pulled him into another quick hug. "Thanks again."

   He tipped his hat before hopping in his truck and heading out.

   Judy sat down on the front porch, patting the spot next to her.

   I sat down with a smile.

   "How're you feeling about all this?" She asked.

   "Nervous, but confident. Pretend to date Rex for an hour or two, then we're in the clear. And, I can spend as much time with you as I want." I replied, taking her hand in mine.

   She smiled, planting a soft kiss on my lips. "Sounds good to me."

After about an hour hanging out with Judy, I decided to head home and get ready for the date.

I inspected myself in the mirror. The date might've been fake to Rex and I, but we still had to make it look believable to my parents, which meant I had to look my best.

After applying the last of my makeup, I headed downstairs.

Trisha finished setting the table while my dad pulled the roast out of the oven, setting it in the middle of the table.

"Mm, smells delicious, honey." Trisha said, planting a soft kiss on my dads cheek.

"It's look great to, dad." I added, walking into the kitchen.

He nodded. "Thank you."

Then, a few knocks rang out from the front door.

I smiled as I headed over to it. "I'll get it."

I pulled the door open, seeing Rex standing on the other side, wearing a nice suit and tie.

"Well, you certainly clean up nicely."

He chuckled. "You're not so bad yourself."

I returned it, pulling him into a quick hug before leading him inside.

My dad and Trisha turned to us as we entered the kitchen.

Rex stuck his hand out. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Price."

My dad shook his hand. "The pleasure is all ours."

Trisha shook his hand next. "Well, aren't you just a handsome thing. Please, call me Trisha."

Rex nodded. "Sure thing."

A silence started to fall over us, until my dad spoke up. "Please, join us." He said, taking a seat at the kitchen table.

Rex pulled my chair out as Trisha sat down across from me.

"Thanks." I said as Rex sat down across from my father.

He nodded. "Of course... Darlin'."

I smiled lightly at him.

"So, Rex, I understand you're a working man?" My father asked.

Rex nodded. "Yes, sir."

My dad just nodded back, carving into the roast, setting a piece on everyone's plate.

"Angela said you're a mechanic?" Trisha asked.

Rex nodded again. "Been doing it since I can remember."

Trisha smiled as my dad looked up at him. "Not much money in that business I'd assume."

I glared at him. "Really, dad?"

He met my glare. "It's just an observation."

Rex put his hand up. "It's ok, darlin'." He started before turning his attention back to my father. "It's enough to make a living. Plus, work's always easier when it's something you love doing."

My dad studied him for a second before starting in on his meal silently.

We all did the same, silence filling the table for the time being...

After dinner, my dad stood, taking everyone's plates. "So, Rex, how did you enjoy the roast?"

   Rex looked up at my dad. "It was, uh, groovy... Sir."

   My dad just stared at him for a second before continuing his walk into the kitchen.

   I leaned over to whisper in his ear. "Why the hell are you talking like that?"

   He shrugged. "I don't know, isn't that how you big city folk talk?"

   I tried to hold back a sigh. "Just, relax and be yourself."

"So, how'd you two meet?" Trisha asked, breaking up our hushed conversation.

Rex and I exchanged a nervous look.

"Uh, well, we..."

"Met at the drag strip." Rex finished for me.

Trisha nodded. "Oh, well, I never knew you were a fan of racing, sweetie."

I shrugged. "It's kind of a new thing for me. But, it's a lot of fun."

My dad scoffed. "A bunch of barbarians flying jet cars in a straight line. Nothing more than a big pissing contest if you ask me."

"Cal!" Trisha scolded as my father retook his seat.

But, he just shrugged. "What? It's just my opinion."

I felt my blood start to boil. What the hell would he know about fun anyway?

I could feel the anger radiating off of Rex as well.

"It's more than just a 'pissing contest', sir." He said.

My dad rested his hands under his chin, staring Rex down. "Is that so? Please, enlighten me, then."

I looked between the two of them, neither one wanting to back down.

So, I took matters into my own hands, quickly getting to my feet. "Anyway, you should probably get going, right Rex?"

He tore his gaze from my father, focusing on me.

I gave him a knowing look and he just nodded as he stood. "Yes, you're probably right. I have an early day tomorrow, but dinner was wonderful. Thank you both for having me."

My parents stood as well. "Of course, you're welcome back anytime." Trisha said.

My dad just grunted, shaking Rex's hand.

I took it afterwards, leading him to the front door.

   "You're dads really somethin', huh?"

I let out a sigh. "Sorry about all that. But, I can't thank you enough for tonight."

He smiled lightly, pulling me into a quick hug. "You're welcome, darlin'."

I returned his smile. "I'll see you tomorrow, then?"

He nodded. "Yep, gotta get The Rocket ready for Judy's big rematch."

"Great, I cant wait to watch her win."

He chuckled lightly. "Me to. See you then."

"Bye." I said, waving him off before closing the door.

I headed back into the kitchen. "So, what'd you guys think?"

"He seemed real sweet." Trisha said.

"Sure." My dad added.

I rolled my eyes. "You know, if you gave him half a chance, you might've liked him."

My dad just ignored me, getting to his feet and heading to his study.

I folded my arms over my chest, looking down at my feet.

Trisha rested a hand on my shoulder then. "Ignore him, sweetie. Rex seems like a nice boy, I'm happy for you two."

A slight smile tugged at my lips. "Thanks."

She returned it. "No problem. Now, I'm gonna head to bed. Goodnight, sweetie."

"Goodnight." I replied before heading up to my room.

Tomorrow was the start of Judy's comeback and I couldn't wait to cheer her all the way to victory...