Isaac shook his brother’s hand and pulled him in for a hug. He swallowed. “I promise to give it my all.” His voice cracked. This was one of those times that Vince’s words had been not just a pleasant surprise, but a gift. “May the best Vasquez win.”
CHAPTER 25
Anna
Anna read in bed, waiting for Isaac to return to the hotel. Her eyes grew bleary, and she yawned, surprised his walk with Vince was taking so long. They’d been gone for two hours already. Tomorrow was race day, and they could sleep in a little, but still, it was late. In the morning, they also had the Hero’s Walk and autographs sessions. Whatever had brought Vince to the door must have been important. He, too, would want to be at his best tomorrow.
The MotoGP race was the final and main event of the weekend—held after the Moto3 and Moto2 races. The media circus had been more distracting than ever, with cameras following the riders at all times and extended autographs sessions with hordes of excited fans. With Vince and Isaac tied, the championship was still up for grabs. In most years it had already been decided before the last race.
She yawned again, determined to wait up, but fading despite her nerves about Isaac’s last race. She put in her bookmark and was about to flick on the TV, when Isaac opened the door.
“You’re still up,” he said with a smile. “You waited.”
“Of course,” she said. “I wanted to make sure everything was okay.”
“Vince shocked the hell out of me,” he said, shaking his head. He kicked off his shoes and sat on the end of the bed.
“What did he say?” She held her breath, hoping Vince had been decent.
Isaac shrugged. “It was almost unreal. He drove us out to the track, and we walked around the outer edge. It was completely quiet, like when we were young. We used to walk the tracks at night together. Tonight, we walked and talked, like old times. Just as we got around, near the finish, Vince told me to try to win the race.”
“Of course, you’ll try.” She sat straighter, offended that Vince would suggest that Isaac wouldn’t give it his all. “It’s not like you were going to throw the championship.” She took a better look at Isaac’s face. “Were you?” She took an incredulous breath. “You wouldn’t have done that.”
He shrugged again. “Not on purpose.” He tossed his sweater onto the chair in the corner. “I’ll be right back and then I’ll tell you the rest.” He disappeared into the bathroom for a few minutes to get ready for bed before sliding in beside her. “Get the light?”
She flicked off the reading lamp and moved into the warm circle of Isaac’s arm, resting her head on his chest and shoulder. She didn’t want to push, confident he would explain.
The darkness settled around them, and it was a couple of minutes before he spoke. “Vince said I crashed last time because I didn’t think I could win. That I lost concentration and let him win. Subconsciously, maybe I did.” His voice sounded thoughtful, but he hadn’t tensed up. This might not be news.
“Do you think it might be true?”
She felt him nod before he said, “Deep down, I might have been trying to put Vince first again. More than anything, he wants another championship.”
“Don’t you?” Her eyes adjusted to the dark, and she was able to make out Isaac’s face. She searched for any signs of distress.
Isaac’s eyes remained open, staring at the ceiling. “I never thought I’d win. I didn’t expect to even be a contender.”
“And now?” The pale seam of light that snuck in under the door reflected from his eyes. “You’re the Cinderella of the year.”
He laughed. “I hadn’t pictured myself as any sort of princess.”
“I just mean the underdog. Isn’t that how they’re billing you?”
“It is.” His arm tightened around her. “I want to win,” he whispered, like he was trying out the sound of the words, still barely able to believe it himself.
“What do you think is different this year? Why now?”
“Vince said it was the bike.” He sounded unhappy again.
“That was before, when he was being an ass. He doesn’t believe that in reality. What do you think?”
“I think I’m happier and know better what I want. It’s helped me focus.” He kissed her. “You’re a big part of that, but it’s as much because in going after you, and putting myself first, I think I also did that on the track most of the season.”
“Then that’s what you need to do tomorrow. Win for yourself. You’ve worked so hard all year, and you deserve it every bit as much as your brother, if not more. He already has twelve championships.”
“You’re biased.” Isaac kissed her. “I have a feeling you aren’t used to putting yourself first, either. You can remind me to put myself first sometimes, and I’ll remind you.”
“I’ll try,” she said in a whisper. “It’s tough to break lifelong habits, as you know.”
