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I pull my hair back and rub my ear and neck. The familiar cold sweat under my suit sits uncomfortably on my skin.
“It took all of us together. This win isn’t mine alone. I have a great pit chief who brings the magic every week. My spotter makes me better, and I couldn’t do this without him,” I say, hoping they’re listening. “My crew is amazing. They drill and work so hard. Their commitment blows me away.”
“Sounds like today’s win was a real team effort.”
“It was,” I say, meaning it. “Drivers get the credit, but we’re only one part of it all. Without the crew, none of our skill matters. It’s them and our sponsors.” Here’s where the obligatory sponsor spank bank comes in. “I want to thank Able Insurance and Dale Foods for your continued support and trust in me. Also, Giant Energy Drinks, which reminds me. There better be one waiting because I’m incredibly thirsty.” That part always feels a little false while also being necessary and true. There’s one other person to thank. “Also, a bigshout out to our team’s owner, Bert. He’ll be at victory road, celebrating hard with the entire team. Bert gave me my start and supported me from the beginning. I wouldn’t be standing here now if it wasn’t for him.”
“You two go back a long time,” Chris says, nodding.
“Several years. My entire career has been with him.”
“That’s a rarity nowadays.” The reporter pauses, wondering if he should ask about the company shutting down. “Thanks for speaking with me. We’ll let you get to victory road and celebrate today’s win.”
My win streak continues because I’m not ready to discussBP Racing’sfuture or my own.
The team is waiting for me, and I have a trophy to collect, but I have one final task to complete in front of the camera.
Knowing Sarah is watching, I raise my index finger for her to see.
One.
30-Sarah
Rivers Motorsports Headquarters, North Carolina
“Last chance to replace Jake the Snake,” Boone says after exiting the media room.
I roll my eyes over the insult. “It’s not a big deal. This is a charity event; it’s meant to be fun and lighthearted. Let it be.” I’m begging, especially since we’re going public tonight.
It will work out. I’ve repeated the phrase for the past two days as if the thought alone could make everything work.
Never stop dreaming, kids.
“I don’t have fun, Sarah, never experienced it once in my life,” Boone says. “Don’t even recognize the word.”
“Idiot, the woman you’re engaged to is standing beside me.”
“She doesn’t count, and don’t call me that.”
“Dork.”
“Freak,” Boone says.
And he claims we never have fun? This is a blast. “Loser.”
His smile drops. “I never lose. That word is forbidden in this place.”
“I don’t care about your stupid rivalry. It’s stupid.” I spell the word.
Boone pulls himself up to his full height. “I’m kicking you out of your office.”
“I’ll move into your house.”
“You already did that,” he spits out.
It’s true. I’m either with Jake or spending the night with Maddie. “I’ll move into your bedroom.”
Boone steps back. “Okay, now you’re being weird.”
