Page 67 of Not So Fast
Xander let out a snort, then grabbed his helmet. He’d tried. That might be as much closure as he would ever get. The things he’d written in his journal that morning came to mind—real life wasn’t perfect. Nor was his relationship with Dirk, apparently.
“Like I said, Dirk, good luck.”
* * *
Mia, Freya and Oscar had scouted out the ideal spot on the paddock club viewing balcony, high above the pit lane and right over the Mega team garage with a perfect view of the starting grid.
“I’ve never watched from up here before,” Oscar said.
“We usually get to be in the garage. With headphones. Listening to the team radio,” Freya added.
Mia realized they were enduring lesser accommodations because of her. “I’m sorry if this isn’t as good of a seat.”
Oscar shook his head. “I think I like it better from up here. You can see more.”
Freya slung her arm over Mia’s shoulder. “Plus, we get to hang out with you.”
Mia smiled and returned the half hug. She truly adored Freya and Oscar. She’d only known them a short time, but they were so much fun to be around, just like their brother.
“It’s really nice to have company. I’ve had to watch the last few races by myself. This is way better.”
Off to the side, something caught Mia’s eye. She turned to see a figure just inside the club. She lowered her sunglasses and squinted. Reginald Huff was looking right at her. He raised his camera. And took a picture of her and Freya. Mia dropped her arm from Freya’s shoulder and took a step in his direction, but the balcony was already quite full. In a flash, he turned and disappeared.
“Well, fuck,” Mia said, worried.
“What’s wrong?” Freya asked.
Mia choked back a grumble. She didn’t like being so paranoid about Reginald, but something told her she needed to keep up her guard. “Nothing. Just someone I don’t like.”
Below them came the rumble of car engines readying to head out, a sound that always sent ripples of excitement through her. She’d worry about Reginald Huff later.
* * *
Xander finished the formation lap and was about to take his spot on the grid when the sky went dark. His pulse picked up and he immediately hopped on the radio.
“Is there rain in the forecast? I thought we were expecting dry conditions. Has that changed?”
He didn’t want to sound too excited, but he was thrilled at the prospect. Xander loved to race in the rain.
“There are a few cells moving through the area,” his raceengineer said. “Nothing significant. But I’ll keep you posted if it looks like anything will change.”
Xander pulled into his P6 position and looked skyward. He made a little wish to the weather gods for things to go his way. The first light went on. The second. Third. Fourth. Fifth. Then out.
Xander got away as cleanly as he possibly could.
* * *
“Does anyone else feel like it might rain?” Mia asked after the twentieth lap. Xander was up one place, which was great news, but it was an otherwise uneventful race.
Oscar shook his head. “Nah. This is just English weather.”
Freya sighed. “I wish something exciting would happen. Like a crash.”
“Freya! Careful what you wish for,” Oscar snapped. “What if it was Xander who crashed? That would be horrible. Mum was worried sick after he spun out in Monaco.”
Mia couldn’t even say anything. She was terrified she might speak something bad into existence.
“I wasn’t suggesting that.” Freya gently hit Oscar’s shoulder with the back of her hand. “But I can’t help it. I like excitement.”
