Page 152 of Crash Course

“Have you heard anything from Theo?” I ask.

She shakes her head. “I think he’s keeping his distance from the carnage.”

Everyone is eating and laughing, but Jameson’s standing by the doors staring at his phone. I slip out of the booth and cross to him. He holds out his phone.

Theo: I wanted to win but not like that. Let’s have a rematch.

“What do you think?” Jameson asks evenly.

I’ll make it up to you. To you and Jamie.

Theo’s words come back and I feel my chest light up.

“I think you should do it.”

54

Jameson

We don’t waste time scheduling the rematch. Whatever my brother’s shortcomings, postponing the inevitable isn’t one of them.

The do-over race is on the same track. A few dozen witnesses only, key ARI personnel and classmates from the academy.

No cameras. A rule we decided together.

Theo and I look at each other before we start.

“Feel different this time?” he calls to me.

I nod. “You and me.”

I don’t mean the lack of other drivers. I mean that for the first time, it’s on our terms.

The lights go off and we’re speeding down the track.

Each curve, I take from memory. I don’t fight my brother or my father or my expectations. I drive the best I know how.

The rest is faith.

When we cross the line, I’m first by less than a second. There’s no ceremony, only relief in my chest twinged with regret for my brother.

At least Shay’s there when I get out. If I hadn’t noticed her waiting near the finish line, I would’ve spotted Megan’s fuzzy pink jacket.

“You did it!” She launches herself into my arms.

“We did it,” I correct.

“Come on, I didn’t give you any strategy this time.” Her hands find my hair. If she minds that I’m sweaty, she doesn’t show it.

“You gave me exactly what I needed.” I kiss her hard.

Being with her has changed me. She’s made me better, kinder, more open.

Forced me to challenge the things I want. It’s not all about winning, though that’s still pretty fucking fantastic.

In a few months, I’ll get to test myself against a whole new field.

I love that she’ll be there with me. I just love her.