Sloane paused, realizing she just had to go there. “Was it, though? Because you also crashed out of your last F2 race, and a handful more throughout last season.” She paused and checked her notes. “A higher crash rate than most drivers, and that was in addition to the string of penalties you drew.”
Reese exhaled slowly before attempting a smile. “Okay. You know how to kick a girl when she’s down.” She added a laugh, but the tension remained.
“Not my intention,” Sloane said with a hand out to steady their interaction. “But I have to call it as I see it. You have a record of leaving points on the table. Let’s get you those points, because trust me, they will add up.”
Since she’d arrived, Reese’s hands had been in motion—fidgeting with the zipper of her suit, brushing a strand of hair from her face, or tapping lightly against her leg—and Sloane found herself noticing the rhythm of it, almost like a quiet signal of energy she couldn’t name.
Reese’s gaze flicked up, briefly meeting Sloane’s before darting away, and there was a faint scent of melon shampoo mixed with motor oil from the car. It was all so ordinary, and yet Sloane’s attention lingered longer than it should have, catching the small details that made Reese feel unexpectedly present in the room.
“So, you think I shouldn’t have made the move on Marissa. Wouldn’t you have done the same thing? Honestly?”
“Honestly.” Sloane sat back, hoping they could relax into the conversation now. “Not with those margins. You had inches. What was the rush?”
“It’s a timed race, and I felt like I had to capitalize on every opportunity.”
“And some drivers could have pulled that move off, but they’re rare.”
Reese met her gaze, her green eyes darkening almost imperceptibly. “And you don’t think I’m one of them.” She gave her head the slightest shake. “I think you’re underestimating me.”
“It’s possible.”
Reese didn’t say anything, but the corners of her mouth fell almost like a child at the zoo who’d let go of their balloon.
“What I saw today was a driver with true talent and impressive car handling skills who’s not afraid to take risks.”
She closed one eye, waiting. “But?”
“Someone who lacks maturity when it matters.”
Reese’s eyes went wide, and her hand went to her heart. “I’m mortally wounded now. I feel like you just punched me in the face.”
“I’m not finished,” Sloane said, a smile tugging. Her tone wasn’t commanding, but it was to the point. She glanced at her notes. “Would you say you’re in the best driving shape of your life?”
Reese sighed, not enjoying the question. “I would say that I have a lot on my plate.”
“So, that’s a no?”
Reese paused before answering, as if gathering the details like pieces of a deconstructed puzzle. “Here’s the thing. There are sponsorships, social media collabs, media obligations, networking, and the documentary, which is likely the reason I was even afforded this opportunity. So, no. I’m not able to hop into the simulator as much as I’d like. I could certainly increase my stamina with more gym sessions. I also don’t always get enough time before a race to practice my reaction drills. My body is strong, but it could be stronger.”
“I hear you. It’s a lot. What about your social life?”
“Doesn’t suck,” Reese said with a sly smile.
Okay, now that was the Reese she had encountered at the bar, all cocky and surefire. But there were other threads to her personality that Sloane was now glimpsing. Veronica had written her off as solely a media darling, but Sloane hadn’t. At least, not yet. “I’m sure it doesn’t. Maybe you can borrow some time there?”
Reese nodded. “Maybe.”
“So what’s the plan?” Sloane asked quietly. “To avoid a repeat of today?”
“Execute better,” Reese said, as if it would magically happen without the blood, sweat, tears, and prep.
She took a breath, trying not to get frustrated, because there were so many factors Reese was glossing over. She decided to backtrack. “Let’s look at today. You had a good position and could have held it all the way. P2 is a fantastic finish. Why not bank the smart points?”
“Because I wanted the win.” Reese frowned. “Is that what you would have done when you were driving? Bank points?” It seemed so unchampion-like.
“Yes. It’s exactly what I would have done, and would still do, over taking zero.”
Reese’s eyes went wide but only for the briefest moment. She likely hadn’t expected that answer because in her mind, greatness wasn’t associated with the conservative approach. That’s what a lot of people missed. You had to make big moves to get big results, but only when the time was right. Only when the risk was likely to pay off.
