Chapter 59

“All eyes on me”

The tune plays on the loudspeakers as a notorious car dressed in a pink hue rolls into view. The people gathered who were laughing and talking with one another seemed to freeze in place as the haunting exhaust note of a turbocharged engine out gunned their subwoofers, turning their attention towards it, as car and driver arrived loudly, proudly and deliberately.

It roamed around the spot looking for a place to stop, but as she found that there were none she just chose one for herself.

Right in front of the DJ booth, by the soundstage, in the middle of the parking garage.

Such is the arrival of Valentina Fe.

…

A few hours ago…

…

‘Boss…

No… Val…

You fucking idiot.’

J2 said to her upon seeing her crying eyes as he entered the office. He had just come in after having a good talk with Denzo about how he was to start his own car build when he stumbled upon Ash leaving the office in a hurry, and as he peeked inside, he immediately knew what was up.

‘Don’t.’ Val quickly responds, holding a finger up as she tries to straighten herself up but as soon as J2 notices her attempting to put up her walls once more, he rushes over and quickly took a hold of her wrists, stopping her from fixing herself up, holding her hands down and away from her cheeks letting him see her vulnerable crying face.

He shakes his head, looking into her eyes with an assured look on his face, silently telling her the coast was clear and that everything was okay. That no one else was there to see; As tears started to flow down her cheeks and heavy but controlled breaths were being drawn as she tried to exhale as much pain as she could from within her chest.

‘Boss?! Imma leave now!’ A faint shout from Denzo downstairs was heard by the two as Val glazes her reddened eyes at J2, who moments earlier assured her the coast was clear.

‘Uhh… Yeah go ahead I’ll close up after!’

‘Okayy!’

They both exchange replies and as soon as Val hears the door shut from below, she quickly gives J2 a karate chop on the forehead, making him stumble backwards in pain.

‘Your trust points have gone down by ten because of that, and you didn’t have much to begin with so consider yourself in the negative.’ Val said as she took a handkerchief to dab the tears out from her face, patting herself down and regaining her composure as J2 sighs seeing that, once again, her mile high walls have gone back up again. A thing that saddens him as he knew too well that Val needs a day or two of declogging her emotions as from his point of view;

Val has gone for far too long in putting up a strong facade.

‘Uhh… wait where are you going?’ J2 asked as it suddenly hit him that she was preparing herself to go out, making him worry as she was still in an unstable mental state.

‘I’m just going out for a drive…’ She answered.

‘Okay cool. The Tesla keys are in the top left drawer.’ He said, hoping she’d take his suggestion.

‘Oh no, not that.’ She responds as she slides out her desk’s center drawer and retrieves the R34’s keys. Which was J2’s worst fear. ‘Denzo changed the tires now, Yes?’ She asked as J2 looks concerned, unable to decide whether to tell the truth or not.

Though he knew well enough that she was present during the tire change so he thought it foolish to even lie to her.

‘Y-yeah… but Val…’

‘Perfect!’ She said with a forced excitement in her tone. ‘Time to show it off I guess.’

‘Val? Val no wait!’ J2 tries to plead to change her mind but Val knows what he was trying to do as she briskly walks out of the office and down the steps to her familiar pink car. She was about to immediately peel off the driveway when she remembers that the car needs a couple of minutes to warm up before moving which, much to J2’s relief, allows him to catch up to her.

He knocks on her window hoping she would open up.

She doesn’t. Rolling her eyes, annoyed that she shouldn't just floor it out of there.

J2 sees this and insists she opens by knocking more frivolously on her window, trying to annoy her, but this doesn’t faze her. He tries again, putting more force on each of the knocks to make her concerned about him damaging it, but still no result.

Suddenly J2 had an evil little thought that sparked within him. He immediately knew it was a savage move, as it does play a slight tease on her current feelings but since he didn't want Val to just leave like the lunatic that she was, he decided to risk it with full knowledge that Val will retaliate violently when he does.

And with his resolve in place he takes a deep breath: ‘You gave me no choice Val…’ He said as he knocks again and takes a key out of his pocket to show Val.

As soon as she makes eye contact with it he immediately withdraws it from view. The next thing she heard was the metallic ‘poke’ noise of a key touching her car’s fender.

…

She immediately hops out of the vehicle.

‘GODDAMMIT WHAT DO YOU WANT!!’

‘DON’T YOU DARE FUCKING LEAVE!!’

Val was shocked at hearing J2 raise his voice at her for the first time since they had been business partners, so much that she was frozen for a moment.

‘You’re not thinking straight Val--’

‘Yes I am!’

‘NO YOU’RE NOT!!’ He shouts again, sadly he immediately finds out that his shouting has a diminishing effect on her as next thing he knew was seeing a wrench flying at him at an alarming rate of speed. ‘Now where the fuck did that come from?’

‘Shut it! I’m fine! Now go open the damn gate so I can get some fresh air.’

‘Can’t you just step outside to get some air? Take a smoke or something?’

‘No.’

…

She paused and gazed at J2 with an expression that he had never once seen her make before. It was a face so completely new to him that he couldn’t identify whether she was begging him with puppy dog eyes or that it was serious and she might look at him as someone whom she should cut ties with and never contact again.

It was strangely confusing for him that the only thing he could make sense out of was that it felt off putting and alarmingly terminal to whatever friendship they have at the moment as he struggles to even form an answer inside his head.

…

She sees him taken aback by what she had said, biting her lip as she curls her fists into a ball, trying to find the words to explain it to him.

And for a moment. Just for a moment.

She allows a part of her walls to come down.

‘There are some feelings that need more than fresh air and a smoke to be managed.

If I could afford to jump off a plane and live to tell about it…

I would.

But I can’t.

This car’s all I have J2…

Please?’

J2 looks at her in silent amazement. Allowing herself to be vulnerable for a moment was an amazing feat for Val’s standards and for J2, it was a refreshing sight to see as he softens up his stare and finally takes an assured breath for the first time after their encounter in the office.

‘You know… The car’s not just all you have… But hey… that’s your problem.’ He said teasingly as he shrugs his shoulders before backing away from the car.

‘I know…’ Val replies. ‘I’m trying to work on it…’

‘Good then… I’ll open the gate…’ J2 responds as he goes towards the back to open the garage door. Val meanwhile finally smiles once again after the bitter encounter with Ash as she gets back into the driver’s seat and readies herself to roll out for the night.

‘Well shit here comes trouble…’ Greg said to the people gathered around him as they all witnessed the pink colored car park itself by the stage. The driver side door opens, and they all finally get to witness the person they all loathed to see, as Val steps out of the car with a inquisitive look in her eyes, judging every corner of their setup as if she was a health inspector inside a newly opened restaurant.

Greg sighs and gets up from his spot to approach her. Doing this, Val had instinctively looked his way and gave him a smirk as if she was belittling the way they had taken over from her.

‘Whatcha want?’ Greg asks, making sure she felt that he was being suspicious of her.

‘Nothing… I just stopped by to shoot shit. Nothin more…’ She nonchalantly replies, making Greg even more suspicious.

‘Nothing huh? Cool then… but please… We do have proper parking areas here.’

Val looks back at him, confused, failing to understand why since the whole area they were in was a parking building. ‘Whaddya mean proper areas? It’s a parking garage Greg. Everywhere is a proper parking area.’ She responds, making the veins in Greg’s forehead pop.

‘Val… it’s not your show now… it’s ours… Please…

Follow OUR rules.’

She squinted her eyes as she was about to tell him off about talking back to her. But she thought better of it and backed off.

But before she could even act on the thinking she was trying to make, her emotions were steadily getting the best of her as her mind was struggling between the logical side of her and the war torn gung-ho side that had been raring to rage free after everything she had to go through these past months.

And the devil won.

‘YOUR rules? What is YOUR rules?

As far as “I” am concerned “I” am an honorary member so why not display my car in front?’

‘No you’re not Val… You left remember? Therefore you are NOT a member.’ He responds as his face slowly turns beet red as his blood pressure rises.

‘But I used to be? And I started this. Yes? In fact, thinking about it, I'm not just an honorary member…

I am the FOUNDER.

… … …

The car stays.’

Val declares with her head held high like a spoiled brat making a take it or leave it deal to her parents. Greg on the other hand was not having any of it, but instead of engaging in a screaming match with her, he looks afar to someone behind Val, giving him a nod as if it was some sort of a signal for them to do something about something, which Val caught on to, turning her head around to see a familiar group of people marching towards their position.

‘That’s your backup? Please…’ She chuckles after turning back to face Greg, recognizing the people who were approaching.

‘Hello Val.’ A deep rough voice spoke from behind her as a shiver went down her spine. For some strange reason it gives her a creepy sensation every time she hears such a voice.

‘Hey Vic.’ She replies, still keeping her eyes away as the man from behind gets irritated by her actions, grabbing her shoulder to turn her around so she could face him and as he does, a swift punch was instantly thrown coming from her, prepared that he was going to do such a thing.

But he was also anticipating her actions. Blocking her fist and pushing her away to make some distance in between the two of them.

‘Your not the ringleader anymore Val. Usually a retired leader would retain some respect, so I get why you act like so.

But you didn’t.

You may have owned up to your actions but that still doesn’t warrant all the shitstorm you did the last time you handled things.

So understand your place. And face me when you talk to me. Val.’

Vic said as he stood his ground to intimidate her, and though he knew she would never budge, he wanted to send her a message that the pecking order is different now than it was when she was running things.

Val bit her lip seeing how little of a legacy she had on these people even though she was the one who first brought to them the idea of racing their cars. She felt that they were ingrates, using her, squeezing her of the culture she had brought to them and after she had been dried out, left her dying in the harsh sun to rot. And this feeling was gripping her chest making it ache the longer she kept the pain to herself.

‘I started this racing shit. And this is the motherfucking thanks I get?’ She speaks out, as everybody around her felt like there was a gun being cocked back and primed to shoot at their heads.

‘Just move the car Val.’ Vic sternly said as he takes a step forward, his humongous size and stance overshadowing her as they exchange intimidating glances at each other, trying to see who would break away first.

But amidst the staredown, Val gets a small inkling of an idea.

‘Fine… I move.’ She said, raising her hand in surrender. Vic swiftly turns off his murderous gaze and calms his vibe down. ‘Thank you.’ He said. ‘I’ll show you where--’

‘Na-uh uh uh’ Val quickly stops him and wags a finger on his face. ‘I pick.’ She said as her eyes scanned for a place somewhere near where they were. ‘There!’ She points at another car who had taken up the spot a few meters from the stage.

‘Val… It’s first come first serve.’ Greg said as he palms his face after hearing Val spew her usual bossing around schtick.

‘I know…’ She responds. ‘I also know that factions park near factions. Am I right Vic? Ain’t that Toyota chick one of you North Parkers?

One of you “NoRTH ParK GarAGistS”

Fancy pants names can’t even race…’

Val mocks their club name as Vic sours his expression after also hearing her snide comment towards them. His first impulse was to give her a backhanded slap but his chivalrous side kept him at bay as Val avoided assault by a paper thin margin. He looks towards the woman who had parked at the spot Val chose and politely signals to her to switch places. The lady looked annoyed but obliged as he sent one of his men to assist her in the move.

Meanwhile after seeing the space being cleared for her, Val happily skips back to her car and drives to the cleared space nearby as all the men whom she left there look on with annoyed faces like parents who just realized that they might be spoiling their children too much.

‘She’s being extremely annoying today…’ Vic muttered. ‘It’s like she’s intentionally trying to pick a fight with us or something.’ He adds as Greg sighs in defeat.

‘Yeah… She’s always like that when something has gone to shit.’ Greg replied. ‘It was the same when she made that call that fucked us all in the ass.’

‘The coliseum race? Well that explains shit.’

‘Yeah… she lost her arcade place that same night so…’

‘Whatever.’ Vic cuts him off. ‘Still not an excuse to put lives in reckless danger.’ He continued as they all stared at her parking her car, smiling, looking all smug that she had gotten her way again.

‘She’s like a spoiled brat. She needs to grow up.’ Vic follows up again. Greg wanted to agree but he only silently affirmed by nodding. He knew he himself had been petty before so a little bit of guilt had settled in his nerves.

Afterall, he did pick a fight with her during that same race out of spite instead of helping out the crash victims.

…

‘Anyways let’s just leave her for now and get this shit going.’ Greg says after a moment of contemplation.

‘Alright. Let’s go people!’ Vic howls out as everyone in the meet rejoices with some of the drivers quickly jumping into their cars. During this commotion Greg jumps up on the stage with a megaphone in hand, signaling the DJ to scratch the beat to get everyone’s attention. He does so and ups the volume on the mic as everyone’s eyes turn toward Greg on the stage.

‘Everyone! Welcome.

Tonight we are celebrating the night; when all of our efforts within the past month come to fruition as we finally announce to the world the foundation of the union of all our car clubs…

Into one.

Everyone. I welcome you…

To The Bayshore Auto Club.’

…

A colossal wave of cheers echoes from the crowd as Val looks around, finally understanding why all of the competing car clubs were present in the meet. Usually it would only be the chosen clubs who would show up to compete in the championship, but seeing everyone gathered in a single place leaves Val feeling a little annoyed.

Partially because half of the clubs who were there rejected her and her idea of racing the streets due to danger. Another portion was because they were now there to compete, making them complete hypocrites.

But mostly because she knew she had handpicked the people who raced to elevate the caliber of the racers and therefore reduce dangerous driving, putting her confidence in the individual skills or the drivers to avoid accidents themselves.

But looking at the competing field now:

‘THEY’RE ALL A BUNCH OF FUCKING AMATEURS!’

She screamed inside her car. Which, thankfully due to the loud music and the noise the crowd was making, was only drowned out in obscurity.

She falls back on her seat as she feels a headache coming along after her realization that this new club has taken the inclusive route, which she thinks is a play on making their legacy “better” that what she had done, failing to realize that the group has now been built around people who are wannabes and posers. People who join in because of the fad, and racing for the shallow purpose of “the experience” and not for “gaining” experience.

Suddenly because of this realization, the plan that she had brewed inside her mind was starting to look foolish.

But then again, she did go outside for the same reason anyways.

‘Fine… whatever.’ She muttered as she turned the air conditioning off and rolled her windows down. She opens her glove compartment to retrieve her driving gloves and slips them on as she cracks her neck psyching herself up while she watches the crowd cheering in front, partying their hearts out in front of the stage.

Finally she hears something she was waiting for:

‘May I ask everyone to clear the strip as we call upon our first heat of the day. Again I will reiterate our new elimination rules for those who wish to enter the main race.’ Greg said as the first four cars proceed to approach the empty piece of asphalt in front of the stage.

‘We shall have four heats.

The first two will determine who will advance to the finals while the third heat will be run as second chance qualifiers to determine the fourth and final spot in the final.

All three heats would be run within the confines of this parking garage.

And the fourth run will be the finals and will be run outside for the bayshore run.’

‘What the flying FUCK?’ Val thought to herself as she wore an alarmed look on her face. ‘This early? How many people are they trying to kill? These fuckers are all rookies what the fuck?!’

Her visible unease had finally run out of space to express itself as Val reacted to Greg’s reading of the rules with a loud grunt from her turbocharged engine, garnering the attention of Greg, and everyone in the building. With a couple of others nearby who swiftly jumped out of the way when the flames from her exhaust pipe started popping vigorously, saving themselves from being burnt.

‘Well would you look at that.

Everyone! I’m pretty sure you’ve already seen her roll up in here but for those uninitiated then I’ll give this chance for you people to get to know the evil bitch who used to throw her weight around here.’

Greg said with a devilish smirk pointed towards her as everyone, including the drivers on the start line, started to murmur and question who the person inside the R34 was.

‘Val. I know what you wanna do.’ He declares aloud. As Val shows him the middle finger. ‘So with that in mind I’ll get another rule…

Anyone who prevents this pink car from passing or winning…

Wins everything!’

After his declaration the whole crowd goes loud in shock and surprise as all the drivers show the look of greed in their faces. Val on the other hand was smiling with glee knowing Greg has made a foolish promise as well as giving her an opportunity to stop these so called “rookies” from taking the streets to potentially kill themselves.

Amidst the cheers and jeers from the crowd, Greg steps down from the stage and made his way towards Val with a smug look on his face.

‘See that? I can make a better show without you.’ He said, bragging the hype he had just sent the crowd into.

‘You and your newly established crew are all idiots! I thought we all agreed to not make any stupid decisions?! And you people go ahead and let everyone race in public streets??!’ Val angrily states. ‘That’s even fucking worse than what I did! At least all of you know the fucking risks you fucking idiot!!!’

‘Who are you to judge on who’s worthy of racing or not?!’ Greg shouts back and counters her point.

‘Why?! Did you ask them one by one? Sat with them and gave them wavers to show how dangerous this shit is??! Or did you convince them through your socials bragging on how cool and trendy this street racing shit is??

Tell me which one Greg! Tell me!’ Val retaliates with a point of her own as Greg looks flabbergasted at her clenching his lips as he tries to search for the words to say.

‘Watch your back Val, just watch your back, you don’t want that classic getting all dented up.’ He responds as he backs away to the stage and gets on the megaphone to signal the start.

…

….

…..

The crowd fell silent in anticipation.

……

The car’s are all on the start line as the flag woman raises the flare above her head.

…….

Engines are revving.

……

The signal was given.

…..

Three.

….

Two

…

One.

(Hey I got this contact from J2)

(He sez you race with Val)

(Yeah who dis?)

(An old friend of hers)

(Japan?)

(Yes.)

(Well motherfucker)

(Hello there)

(Woah wats with the greeting?)

(U lookin 4 her?)

(Not really just looking for people to hang out with)

(I’mma be here for a while)

(Cool then)

(I think I got something 4 U)

(U sure ur not lookin 4 her?)

(Uhhh no…)

(At least not right now.)

(Haha but I’m not asking for ur permission tho)

(We’re racing tonight)

(And someone annoying just showed up)

(Shit.)

(I need a favor since ur from japan)

(Maybe you can shut her up)

(Why me? I don’t wanna see her now)

(She’s loony)

(None of us wanna risk shoving her out of the garage)

(Besides I just got a txt from J2)

(If I wer U this wud be a good chance)

(So I ask again…)

(Are you sure you're not looking for her?)

Two.

-

Three.

-

Four.

-

Five.

‘Huh?’

Everyone who had gathered around the starting line were scratching their heads in confusion after the flag woman swung down her flares to signal the start as after the tire smoke has cleared, a single car remained still.

Standing ominously, subtly purring its engine as the rubber on its tires glow bright red as the smoke thins around them.

Six.

-

Seven.

-

Eight.

The seconds count up as the people speculate that the car had stalled or might have mechanical problems. At this point they were starting to laugh and make fun of the idle R34 on the grid as they started to walk away from their positions to get good viewing spots to watch the other drivers competing. Mocking her and the car for even trying to compete.

Nine.

A person in the crowd looks back with suspicion in her eyes as she hears the gears clicking and the engine suddenly revving to the limit.

Ten.

The glowing red sidewalls of her tires caught everyone’s attention as all four of them spin and break traction as it takes in the screaming engines full power.

Flames started shooting out of the exhaust, its noise made people run and duck for cover as they all thought that gunshots had been fired inside the building.

Every single person who had turned their attention elsewhere, were suddenly pulled back by the show stopping power of the rocket ship that was launching itself into orbit as the anti lag kicked in and everywhere sounded and looked like new year’s eve at the strike of midnight.

And suddenly. It was all over.

Val launches out towards the first corner and disappears into the floors below. And all that was left to savor was the distant sounds of her engine and the long dark skidmark her tires had left on the pavement.

The atmosphere; felt nothing short of electrifying.

…

…

P33 - P34 - P35 - P36

The columns pass by with a blur as she yawns, feeling the lack of sleep steadily creeping up her spine but nonetheless she figured she’d try to take such a thing seriously because she had done something so foolish.

Inside her mind she was contemplating on whether or not she gave enough of a gap to make things exciting since she could already see the tail end of the pack in front of her. But then again she convinced herself to push through.

Switching her priorities from a Sunday challenge to -Merciless Domination-.

Afterall in Valentina Fe’s mind: Fun can be anything she wants it to be.

She was driving a heavy, high powered car. By context of the race course she should be at a disadvantage due to the tight and twisting corners of the parking building and yet just before the exit of the current floor that they were in, she had already caught up with her first victim.

The building they were in had five floors for parking. The start line was at the roof deck of the structure; The Fifth floor.

They are currently transitioning from the fourth to the third, snaking their way down to ground level before taking the direct ramp up back to the finish line at the top.

And as they exit the ramp going down to the third floor. Val was already in fourth place out of five starting cars.

Once again they bob and weave around the columns of the parking lot as Val waits patiently to unleash her engines full power. She times her positioning for the next winding section as she swings her car gently on the last hairpin curve as her Spin-GLO tires settle in their grip on the asphalt, giving her the liberty to launch herself earlier than her opponent.

Current position: Third out of Five.

They wind down the ramp towards the second floor as the person in front sees Val flashing her lights to let them know she was there as they enter another twisting section around the parking columns. For the first time in a long time Val had been suddenly caught off guard as the driver in front decided to brake in an otherwise swift corner, prompting Val to react and slow down herself.

But it was too late.

Good thing they weren’t traveling that fast and she ended up only giving the car in front a good nudge as a wake up call to speed up. And it somehow worked as the driver in front began to drive around her speed.

And this is where the skill gap between them shone brightly.

As they entered a short straightaway to mark the halfway point, the crowd had already gathered from the top floor and was waiting for them to pass by at high speed. Her opponent in front was clearly watching his mirrors closely as every move Val makes to overtake is immediately blocked by the driver in front, giving the crowd a good show from the action. Then suddenly her opponent noticed Val uncannily backed off and shrink from his rear view. Prompting him to look ahead to investigate;

He panics.

Locks his tires.

And closed his eyes.

Val laughs as she watches the car in front overshoot the corner and slam its nose into the wall. Most driver’s would look back to see how much damage the car and driver had attained, but Val couldn’t care less and sets her sights on first place as they approach the ramp going down to ground level.

Current position: Second out of Five Four.

Val wastes no time to pursue the first as she unleashes the full power of her inline six cylinder engine and the full grunt of five hundred horses lay their mark on the road as the car in first place witnesses a magical scene of an R34 skyline teleporting just behind their rear bumper from a hundred meters away. At this point Val contemplated her actions once again.

Should she or should she not play with her food?

She smiles as she lifts her foot from the gas pedal while they bob and weave in the midst of the columns of the parking garage. They were about to reach the last straight section going towards the direct ramps to the top floor when she notices a set of familiar pop up headlights appear just outside of the entrance of the building.

It went by in a flash as they passed by the spot at a high rate of speed. But the slight glimpse of it made Val change her mind once more as she decided to end the race then and there by bullying her way past the first place car right at the beginning of the final straight. Powering through the last corner with precise accuracy as she propelled herself for the long climb towards the top.

And from that point on everything else was set in stone; as she crossed the line ahead of everyone else by seven seconds.

A jaw dropping result for a car starting with a ten second handicap.

Final position: First out of Four.

…

‘So?’

‘So??’

Val and Greg stare eye to eye after she had climbed out of the car to claim her prize, which was of course not promised to her, but she insisted anyway.

Greg was starting to blow steam out of his nose as Val kept her stance and failed to move an inch as he refused to present her with any prize to take home.

‘Val the prize was for the guys who can beat you. As for you…’

‘That’s just unfair…’

‘No Val.’

‘Yes Greg. You’re the one who dragged me to race here! Remember?!’

Greg paused but only for a moment as he responded: ‘No I didn’t! You revved your engine when I was introducing the rules! Clearly you were trying to get attention to yourself!’

‘Huh?’

‘What?!’

‘Why just because I revved at a certain time you “assumed” I want in?’

‘Y-Yeah?.. Yeah!’

‘Nope! Prize money Greg. Now!’

Val crisply lays her palm open towards Greg as he stares with sweat dripping down his brow while Val makes a “come hither” gesture as she waits for him to hand over her prize. And as they stand in a stalemate by the stage Vic rushes in to break the tension.

‘Greg someone’s here... He said he knows Val.’ Vic informs him as a pair of headlights appear from behind and makes a roundabout turn to face the direction it came from.

The car was menacingly painted in a matte black finish with the black being in a certain shade that makes it appear as a shadow even in a well lit place as it roars a high pitched growl from its flaming exhaust.

Immediately Val’s heart drops as there was no one else in the world that she knew who drove an 1985 Mazda RX-7.

‘A Black FB.’ Greg muttered, stunned to see another rare car roll up in the meet and as he turns towards Val to gloat at who had arrived;

She disappeared.

Then a flash of pink swept him off his feet as both him and Vic looked on as the FB screeched out of the building, tugging along Val’s R34 behind it while everyone else stared at the scene as clueless as they were.

‘The fuck was that?’ Vic said as he helped Greg get back on his feet dusting off the dust on his back while he sighs a relieved sigh that their troubles have now left, looking towards Vic as he gives his snarky reply.

‘A lover’s quarrel.’