Page 19 of Crash Course

I scratch my abs and go to the coffee machine. There are scant few moments of peace and quiet, and I value these. I pull a double espresso the way my brother likes it best and slide it over. “For the birthday boy.”

“You’re hoping I forget that I won at Shotgun.” Theo grins, the same charming smile that endears every living creature to him, myself included.

“Impossible.”

“You liked it.” He takes a drink, watching me over the rim.

My arms fold across my chest. “What?”

“You were enjoying yourself. I’ve never seen you enjoy losing before.”

“Trick of the light.”

People are always coming up with ways to divide us. I suppose the narratives write themselves.

Two brothers.

One prize.

Our family legacy is the most lucrative one on the grid. Endorsements, media, it’s all part of a giant machine we’ve been entwined with since birth.

It’s like being royal, if crown princes had to pull 5Gs as part of the job description.

But at the end of the day, we’re still blood. We’ve always been able to come together despite our differences.

Until now.

Since the news about Dekker’s firing, everyone’s talking about him. But the only thing I can think of is who will be the new driver.

“Have you heard from Dekker?” Theo’s thinking of it too.

“No.” I’ve met ARI’s second driver a handful of times, but I did watch his brief media appearance, tight-lipped monosyllabic answers about his performance and whether he saw it coming.

“Don’t look so worried. It’ll be you. We both know it.”

A noise outside has my brother moving to the window. “It’s here. Let’s go.”

I follow him outside. If he’s self-conscious being in front of the delivery people in pajamas, he doesn’t let on.

They unload the car. A sporty red Lambo.

“She’s something else, huh? Happy birthday to me.”

“Luca’s favorite sons.” Parker’s voice has us turning.

“His only sons,” Theo counters.

Our father’s business manager looks impeccable as always. Parker’s a stand-in for Luca. He dresses as if wearing the most expensive suit will make us forget he’s not actually our father.

“Luca’s sorry he missed last night.” Parker crosses to Theo and gives him a pat on the shoulder. He doesn’t comment on Theo’s wardrobe.

“Have you eaten, Parker? There are Cheerios inside,” Theo offers graciously.

“I have, thank you.” To his credit, Parker doesn’t blink.

“Busy with what?” I prompt.

He hesitates. “You’ve heard that Dekker is out.”