“Right.” Glenn claps his hands together. “Are there any questions?”
“Nope,” me and Cowan say in unison.
“Okay, boys, let’s go racing.”
Cowan and I push from the chairs and walk from the room. He begins walking to his room and I call after him. He turns, lifting his chin.
“Thanks for that.” I give him a nod.
“No problem.” His lips curl into a smile before he turns on his heel and walks away.
Getting changed, I am soon dressed in my underwear, the white silky material layered in sponsors. The high neck feels tighter than usual, but I think it’s nerves. Slipping my feet through my suit, I pull it halfway up, the sleeves hanging down by my side.
I sit, pulling my boots on and tying them. Pushing to my feet, I inhale heavily. I roll my neck from side to side, and I check my phone again to see if Athena has messaged, but of course there was nothing.
Nora knocks at my door, giving me a smile. “Ready for the drivers’ parade?”
Puffing my cheeks out, I give her a nod. I leave my phone in the room and close the door behind me as I walk beside her. The social team are filming me walking down the tunnel. I reach up and tap the bar before I wander out into the paddock.
The sun is still shining, and I push a smile onto my face trying to show that all is okay in Royce land. I catch up with Arden; he gives me a nod.
“You doing okay?” His voice is low as I hide behind my sunglasses.
“Been better,” I say the smile still plastered across my lips.
“It’ll pass. You lost your shit, and what?” He shrugs and I let out a loose laugh. “No Athena today?” He looks behind for her then gives me a confused look.
“No, not today. She had to head home,” I lie. Well, it is kind of the truth.
“That’s a shame.” He pats me in the centre of my back, and I feel an ache in my gut.
Kai walks up the other side of me, giving me a gentle nudge into the shoulder. “Sup.” He lifts his chin.
Arden gives Kai a wave as we walk towards the drivers’ parade.
“Can’t believe I am starting from the fucking pits, man.” I keep my voice down and Kai gives my shoulder a squeeze.
“You’ll fly up the grid; you’ve been on fire this season…” He trails off as we see the rest of the drivers. “Don’t let this get you down.”
I lower my head and give it a soft shake. We step into the group, and I mingle with the drivers for a moment. My head’s not in the game, which is not ideal when I have a lot riding on this race, but I can’t dwell on it. It’ll be what it’ll be.
Dragging my crash helmet on,I fasten it, my eyes fixated on the pit lane as a camera swings in front of my face. My dad walksup to me, grabbing my helmet and holding me steady so I am only looking at him.
“Head in the game, Royce.” The sound of his wedding ring hitting on the crash helmet resonates in my ears before he disappears out back.
Starting from the pits wasn’t going to be an easy task, but all I could do was try. Landon is sixty points behind me, but I should still keep a decent lead on him.
Climbing into the car, I hold onto the halo and lower myself down until I am seated. The guys secure me and check that I am comfortable. They fiddle about to make sure my water straw is connected then hand me my steering wheel.
My heart is steady but my brain is in overdrive. I should be focused on the race, yet all I can think about is her. I should never have blown up the way I did in front of her, but it’s done, I lost it and I pushed her away.
Watching the cars all pass as they make their way to the track, I wait to be called forward to go out and sit at the pit exit.
The tyre covers are off, and I am given the green light to leave the pit. Cowan slips in behind me as we make our way out of the pits and up to the exit.
“The cars are heading to the grid.” Marcel comes through on the radio.
I don’t have to respond. He was probably checking to make sure I could hear him more than telling me. I let out a heavy sigh. Still annoyed that we’re here.
