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The ambulance stops, and the attendants direct us to the med center. We stop at the closed doors, neither ready to stop our war of words.
Boone’s expression darkens as his lips slide into a snarl. “I can’t wait until your company goes bust, surfer boy, and I get to buy up the spare parts. You’re charter, too, yours specifically. I’ll go after your entire crew and take them away, one after the other.” He points at me.
How does he know? The only person who could tell him was Sarah. As much as I want to believe she wouldn’t tell anyone, especially Boone, her love for him has been the biggest obstacle in our relationship since the beginning.
If she were forced to pick between us, I would lose.
She already did it once.
I nearly shout more insults when instinct leads me elsewhere. “You aren’t better than me, as much as you might think. Everything you have in life is because of your rich daddy, including that car you get to drive every week. If it weren’t for him, you’d be begging sponsors to fund your mediocre piece of shit dirt track career until you wash up at thirty and find yourself selling used cars for a living.” I smile at the end of that speech because it felt good.
“Your career is done. This is your last season, I promise, and it’s going to be your personal hell.”
“You are welcome to try.”
A pair of doctors emerge from the med centers to force us in. We both follow without protest.
∞∞∞
I rub the back of my neck as the reporter approaches. “Good to see you, Chris,” I say, wanting to put him in a friendly mood.
It doesn’t work. “Any comment on the incident between you and Boone Rivers?”
My comment is that he can eat shit. A heaping bowl of shit.
I rub my hair. It’s damp, and Sarah is watching. “What’s there to say? I made a split decision, knowing there was a chance. I was wrong, and like others, I’m disappointed with today’s results.” My shoulders sag, and it isn’t an act. My statement is genuine, at least about the race itself. “When you’re in that final lap, going for the win, sometimes a big move pays off, and then there are days like today. There isn’t much else for me to say.”
“How does it feel to know your wreck allowed Boone Rivers’ teammate to take the win here at Martinsville?”
I draw back because that information is new. “Julian Murphy won? I’m genuinely pleased for him,” I say. The words are easy because I mean them. “Julian is a talented driver who makes the rest of us work for it. His victory was earned.”
Chris asks about my med center visit and a couple more technical ones before the interview ends. Almost immediately, he sprints to Boone, who stands nearby, pretending I don’t exist.
The interview is far enough away that I can’t hear it, but Boone’s glances in my direction and his body language are sufficient. The man hates my guts.
It’s mutual, asshole.
Sarah appears, with Maddie by her side like always. Shestares, expressionless, but makes no move toward me. I’m not surprised.
As soon as the interview ends, Maddie throws herself at Boone. They embrace, and I turn away, feeling strangely uncomfortable.
Another reporter shows up. “Hi, Simon. How are you?” I say, starting right back in. Some interviews are a genuine blast, while others feel like a miserable chore. The ones tonight fall decidedly into the latter camp.
He starts with his questions, which are remarkably close to those in the last interview. I keep my smile bolted on, repeating my regret over how the race ended.
Through it all, Sarah tosses glances my way. Her crossed arms aren’t friendly, but she isn’t pretending I’m invisible. That’s something, right?
We’re near the end when Simon asks me another question: “This feud between you and Boone Rivers is now in its second season. Can we expect it to continue?”
Sarah’s watching, and I know she can hear me. “Not at all. We’re professionals, and whatever you see is limited to the race track.” I smile big as an idea hits me. “In fact, I’ll be his sister’s partner for an upcoming go-cart charity event. We’re both looking forward to working together.”
Boone not hearing is probably a good thing. Sarah’s hands drop as her mouth opens, confirming she listened to every word.
The interview ends, and I step towards her. The timing isn’t great, especially considering my recent exchange with her brother, but hearing her voice would make the day so much better.
Joey cuts me off before I can get to her. “How are you feeling?”
Much worse now, thanks.
