Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life

The silence was thick enough to cut with a knife. Everyone was in shock, trying to wrap their heads around what just happened. The driver was out of the car, yet somehow it had managed to glide across the finish line all by itself.

"Something's fishy! No way that's legit!" Luke, boiling with anger, jumped out of his car, slamming the door behind him with enough force to rattle the windows. "Ref, Flora must've pulled a fast one! Her car's gotta be rigged! I want it checked out!" I mean, seriously, how could a car just move on its own like that? Something had to be up, right? The whole thing was just too weird, leaving everyone scratching their heads and wondering how Flora pulled it off.

But cheating? Nah, no one could really see Flora doing that. With talent like hers, why would she need to resort to tricks?

"Flora, got anything to say for yourself?" The referee turned to her, genuinely puzzled. This was a first for him, and his tone was more curious than accusatory, like he was hoping she'd enlighten him. Everyone was on the edge of their seats. Even Joe leaned in, eager to hear what she'd say.

"Hey bro, aren't you at least a little curious?" Kruz was practically squirming with curiosity, noticing how unfazed Connor seemed. Connor just turned to him, his dark eyes as calm as ever: "Read a book once in a while, then you wouldn't ask such silly questions." Kruz rolled his eyes. "Just asking, jeez."

"You know, he's right. You should read more," Amanda chimed in, shaking her head.

big dummy!" Ethan added,

guys know something I don't?" Kruz asked, his

don't know squat." Amanda

"Then why are you picking

...

come up with a story, can you?" Luke was fuming, the thought of losing to Flora eating him up inside.

think with a pig's brain." Flora's voice was cool, with just a hint of sarcasm, making Luke's face

him, like he wasn't worth the time She turned to the referee, still polite: "Ref just take a look inside the car. You'll see why

games now?"