Sloane nodded. “Yeah. I figured you’d have to head out fast.”
“Fuck. I hate this part.”
“It’s definitely getting zero stars from me.” Sloane sucked in air. “C’mon. Let’s get you ready.”
She helped Reese with the last few things. She folded a sweatshirt, handed over a charger, and tucked a forgotten toothbrush into a side pocket. Ordinary motions, muscle memory filling the space where words felt too big.
At the door, Reese hesitated, one hand on the handle. “You’ll be there in a few days,” she said, more statement than question.
“I arrive on Thursday,” Sloane replied. “Not too bad, right?”
“Any time away from you is rough,” Reese said, misting up. “Ah, shit.” She looked at the ceiling and shook her head, smiling at her own obvious emotion. “Turns out I’m a softy.”
“I won’t tell the other drivers.”
“I’m forever indebted.” Reese took a breath. “Will I see you at my first race?”
“Are you kidding? Front row if they’ll let me. I plan to be obnoxious.”
Reese smiled, relief flickering across her face. “Good. I want to hear you yell my name.”
“You will,” Sloane said. She meant it in every possible way.
Reese leaned in and kissed her. Slow this time, unhurried, like she was memorizing the feel of Sloane’s mouth, the shape of her sigh. Sloane slid her hands up Reese’s arms, grounding herself in the warmth of her, the simple fact of her being here now.
“Hey,” Reese murmured against her lips. “It’s going to be fine. I’ll be careful. Promise.”
Sloane swallowed. She’d learned long ago not to ask for promises no one could keep. “I know you will,” she said instead. “And you’re ready. You always have been.”
Reese searched her face, like she was looking for something, trying to decode how Sloane really felt. Sloane let herself smile, real and honest, even as something tight coiled in her midsection.
They stood there another beat, arms wrapped around each other, neither quite willing to be the first to let go.
Then Reese kissed Sloane’s temple. “I love you.”
“I love you,” Sloane said back, the words anchoring her.
Reese finally stepped onto the porch, bag slung over her shoulder, suitcase waiting at her side. She turned back once more, eyes bright and full. “I can’t believe this is actually happening.”
“It damn well is, and you should memorize every moment. Text me when you land,” Sloane said.
“Of course. And a whole lot before that. Bye.”
The door closed quietly behind her.
Sloane stood there for a moment longer, listening to Reese’s footsteps fade, the apartment settling into stillness around her. In a few days, she’d be trackside again, headset on, heart in her throat, cheering for Reese with everything she had.
She pressed her hands together once more, anchoring herself.
Excitement first, she reminded herself.
Fear could wait.
CHAPTER 26
HERE WENT EVERYTHING
Race day arrived like something holy.
