Shadow of Doubt by Melissa Gaye Perez Page B

rest of his friends.  Martin was close at her heals as she jumped from the table.  She could feel his hand on the middle of her back now as she watched Jordan wearily emerge from the car.
    He was smiling widely until his eyes scanned passed her with Martin's arm now comfortably reclined around Dolly's shoulder.  Dolly felt a slight tension about the situation but Jordan quickly shrugged it off and went about his way as if he didn't care.
    “Or is he mad?” Dolly wondered hopefully as she tried to study his eyes for a second time.
    Dolly felt a little disappointed though.  She was hoping to see some sign of jealousy but that didn't happen.  She tried to keep her distance from Martin now as Jordan collected his trophy and check, but he just didn't seem the type to give in too easily.
    She could see an occasional glance from Jordan and only hoped he hadn't gotten the wrong idea.  She was finally beginning to like Martin, but only as a friend, something he clearly wanted to carry out further.
    After all the excitement faded away and the spectators had cleared Jordan and his crew began taking care of the car.  Dolly followed Jordan around as much as she could without getting in his way.  After they finally got the car back to the garage, Jordan opened the hood, rolled up his sleeves and began making adjustments to the engine as he threw orders around to the crew telling them what they needed to do to help him.  He completely ignored her presence.
    Dolly stood aside just watching and listening now as he and Martin talked about the race.
    “When can we get a bite to eat?” Dolly finally got the courage to ask Jordan after a while.  “It's getting late, you're bound to be hungry too after the long day you've had.”
    “I'm busy,” he stated only half turning his head to look at her and again divulged into his work.
    Dolly got the impression he was mad at her again but felt he had no reason to be.  She avoided Martin as much as she could now.  It was he that was following her around.  And Jordan did nothing but ignore her as much as possible while they where in the public eye.
    “But I'm starved...and you've had a big day...”
    “I said not now!” he then cut in harshly then threw his tool to the ground in protest and stood up to face her.
    Dolly's eyes widened with fear when she heard the medal collide with the hard concrete floor then saw the disturbed look about Jordan's face.
    “Let Martin take you to eat, he's not busy.”  His voice sounded rough and cruel.  Martin rounded the car grinning victoriously.
    “C'mon sug, I'll take you to dinner,” he offered smugly taking advantage of the opportunity.
    Jordan reached down to pick up the wrench and his head returned under the hood.  Dolly stood motionless watching him, having no desire whatsoever to go with Martin, but didn't want Jordan getting any angrier for disturbing him while he was busy working on his precious car.
    “Well...” Martin urged as he put his hand on the back of her neck.  Dolly's eyes slowly made their way to meet his.  A cold chill ran down her back.
    “Okay...but I'm sick of hot dogs.”
    “All right then how about a nice juicy steak?” he asked cheerfully as he took her by the hand again and headed toward the door of the garage.  “I know just the perfect place.”
    Jordan ignored them both.  Okay,” she mumbled as she sadly lowered her head and followed him outside.  “Maybe we should ask Jordan to come along,” she then suggested before they got into Martin's car.
    “Nay...he's been grumpy all afternoon.  Let him be for now,” he replied as he climbed into the driver seat and started the engine.
    Dolly didn't like Martin's sudden arrogant attitude and started to feel as if she couldn't trust him, but her stomach was aching with hunger so she tolerated it the best she possibly could for now.
    Martin took her to a nice little steak house not far from the track.  Dolly tried to enjoy the time with Martin but just