A skeleton crew hangs around the test track. Noah stands off to the side, running through sheets of paper with James. Seeing my old boss and Noah working together again hits me differently than before. This time, it’s not about Noah’s racing or his competition. It’s about getting me in the damn car.
My eyes drop to the gray tarp with the Bandini logo. This is it.
A crew member drops a tire as my eyes land on them, and the wheel rotates in my direction.
Noah lifts his head at the noise and meets my gaze. “Look who finally showed up.”
I told him he didn’t have to come, but he said he wouldn’t miss this moment. It’s not as if I could tell him no, especially if he had a week off between races.
“I’m on time, asshole.”
James crosses his arms over his massive chest. “If you’re not early—”
“You’re late,” Noah and I reply at the same time.
“Some things never change.” James smiles at the two of us. He walks up to me and offers his hand. “I’m happy to have you back here.”
I swallow back the lump in my throat. “I know.”
James nods before looking at Chloe. “Nice to see you again. When I met you at the Monza gala, I didn’t realize how much power you had over our grumpy racer over here.” James nudges his head in my direction.
Chloe shakes her head. “Power would insinuate I have control over him.”
“Never underestimate yourself.” James smiles.
“She’s modest but she’s been a big help.” I smile down at her and wrap my arm around her waist. “And beating Noah in our hot-laps match was the real motivator.”
“I let you win,” Noah calls out with a smile.
“Spoken like a true loser.”
Chloe muffles her laugh with her palm.
James’s head snaps between the three of us. A crew member calls for him, and he turns back to me. “I’ll be on the radio helping you with whatever you need. There’s no need to rush anything about this process. You’re here to test out a car and have a good time.”
“I got it.”
“I mean it. No pressure. Let’s have some fun and burn some gas.” He walks away once I give him one last nod of understanding.
Noah tugs at the tarp covering the Bandini car. The glossy red paint glistens under the afternoon sun, hitting me with a flood of memories. I take a hesitant step forward and run my hand across the sleek hood.
I take my time walking around the entire car, enjoying how it shines. My eyes mist as I assess the steering wheel Noah helped create. It’s an exact replica of the one I’ve been practicing with at home. The car looks the same as my old one, except for the added throttle paddle bar on the steering wheel.
I take a deep breath and place a tentative hand on the wheel.
“I hope you like it. Be gentle on me these first couple of test runs. I have a different driving style than you, but I’ve studied enough of your tapes to know how you like your ride.” Noah stands beside me.
“I can’t believe you did all this.”
“You’re a brother to me.” He places his hand on my shoulder and gives it a squeeze.
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Three years of silence is long enough, don’t you think?”
“Yeah, it is,” I whisper under my breath. “Thank you.”
Noah tugs me in for a hug. “Thank me when you get on a real racetrack and compete against everyone else. Someone as talented as you shouldn’t spend their prime racing years wasting away.”
I nod my head. Crew members bring me gear to change into, and I take my time in the dressing room inside of the garage. I fumble through the motions, fighting the tremble in my hands as I zip up the fireproof suit.
What if I crash this car? Is there a spare wheel? Will James even want me back if I can’t handle a simple test run?
I lean against the counter and hang my head.
A soft knock against the door pulls me away from my thoughts.
“Just a minute.”
The doorknob rattles.
“I said to give me a minute.”
“It’s me.” Chloe’s voice is muffled by the door.
I unlock the door without thinking. If there is anyone who has seen me at my worst, it’s her. What’s the point of bringing her here if I don’t let her help me when I need it most?
I turn my back toward her as she steps into the small space. She offers me a meek smile through the mirror.
“Wow. That’s how you look when you’re all dolled up.” She bites her lip.