Page 216 of Rogue Riders Duet

A few seconds later, he’s back, and Rachel leans into view beside him, all bright smiles until she really looks, and her expression crumples.

“Oh my God. Finn, what the hell?”

I try to smile, but it tugs wrong and sends a lightning bolt of pain through my face. “Yeah. Looks about as bad as it feels.”

“Did you crash?” she asks, voice gone small.

“No,” I admit. “These are the consequences of my own actions. That’s a life lesson I’m going to pass on to you two.”

Kevin mutters something under his breath, but Rachel is already frowning. “You look like someone took a tire iron to your face. You need stitches or something?”

“Probably,” I say, shifting the phone a little. “But I needed to call you first.”

Rachel tilts her head. “Wait… before a hospital?”

“Yeah.” I exhale. “Because it’s fucking time I tell you this. The funding didn’t come through.”

There’s a beat of silence.

Kevin’s mouth tightens. “Shit.”

“And telling us that couldn’t wait until you weren’t actively bleeding anymore?” Rachel asks, but she looks disappointed as well.

“Listen,” I say, gripping the phone tighter. “I fucked up. I thought I could make it happen this year, and I couldn’t. I’m sorry it won’t happen next season, but I swear to you both, I’m not giving up. I’ll get you to the circuit the year after. If I have to pitch you to another team myself, I will.”

Rachel’s bottom lip wobbles. “I don’t want just any team. I want ours. Yours.”

“I know, Rach.” My throat closes a little. “Me, too, but we’ll make it happen for you guys, even if it takes another year. I can’t say how yet, or when, but I’ll figure it out. I promise.”

I mean it with my whole chest. No matter how, I will get those two on the circuit.

“So, business as usual.” Kevin nods. “We keep practicing until we’re there.”

That’s it. That’s all he says, no cussing me out.

I don’t deserve them.

But I don’t deserve a lot of things right now.

My nose burns—probably more from tears than the punch this time—and I choke a little on the emotion rising in my throat. “I’m so sorry I let you down.”

Rachel leans closer, her voice thick. “It’s not over, right? It’s just a rock garden. You’re one of the best at those.”

God. These kids.

I swallow hard. “You’re right.”

“Go get that face checked,” Rachel orders. “We’ll be here.”

“And keep us posted, yeah?” Kevin adds. “We’ll watch your next race.”

I shake my head. “There won’t be a next. I’m gonna end my career.”

They both freeze.

“What?” Rachel says.

“You’re joking, right?” Kevin echoes.