Chapter 2

This young man was why Race had been drawn to this particular place. He was sure of it. Leaning closer to the man, Race asked, “Do you have any extra sugar on your table? Mine seems to have gone missing.”

The young man smiled. He looked tired, but his smile was genuine. “Sure.” He handed the little acrylic box laden with small, different-colored packets over to Race. “Cool accent. Where’re you from? Usually I have a good ear and can guess.”

Race shrugged and returned the smile. “I’ve lived all over, but I hail from Italy.”

The young man reached across himself and held out his left hand in the universal greeting. “Liam Dever.”

Race shook the offered hand before scooting his chair closer to Liam’s table. “Race Gaea.”

“Race,” Liam repeated. “I like that name. Is it short for something?”

“Horace.” Race wrinkled his nose.

“Timekeeper.”

Race chuckled. “Yes, but I still like Race better.”