Reese laughed. “I hope to do it, and thank you.”
Cassidy pulled back just long enough to grin at her, eyes bright and unapologetically damp. “I just saw the message, or you would have heard from me sooner.” She shook her head, smiling helplessly. “The Starting Grid thread should come with the sound of an alert for important moments.”
“Nope,” Reese said cheerfully. “This is perfect information control. I’m enjoying the staggered celebration.”
Cassidy hugged Reese again, tighter this time, rocking them both slightly like she couldn’t help it. “Did I mention that I’m exponentially proud of you? You’re going to walk in there and be brilliant and charming, the quickest on the track they’ve ever seen, and they’re going to fall over themselves trying to figure out how they ever almost missed you.”
Reese swallowed around the sudden lump in her throat. Cassidy spoke with such conviction that she was almost convinced it was true. “You really think so?”
Cassidy pulled back, hands still on Reese’s arms, utterly sincere. “Iknowso. And also—” Her voice dropped conspiratorially. “If they don’t, I will personally fight them. I’m slight, but I’m scrappy.”
Reese laughed again, this time steadier. “I believe you.”
Cassidy beamed, clearly pleased. “Good. Now go. Be amazing. Text the chat the second you’re done because I’m going to be pacing laps around the garage waiting to hear. Oh, wait. Who’s racing today for Ravensport?”
“One of the academy reserves they’re pulling in from F3. Julie will engineer. I’m going to try not to be jealous.”
“The web of drivers is a complicated math problem I’m still learning.”
“You’ll get there. Look how fast you’ve learned to drive a single-seater. One of the best defenders on the academy circuit.”
“You’re going to make me blush.” Cassidy squeezed her once more, then finally let go, backing toward the hallway. “No matter what happens,” she said, softer now, “this is huge. Don’t forget that. Enjoy your moment. Eat some chocolate. Do a cartwheel.”
Reese watched her go, heart full and humming. Cassidy was pure light, and she continued to prove it over and over again.
When the door closed, Reese stood there for a second longer, breathing in the support, the love, the fragile sense that everything was lining up just right.
Then she squared her shoulders, grabbed her keys, and headed out to meet her future.
The Laurens Racing hospitality suite was all clean lines and curated confidence, intimidating in the way it felt like grown-ups lived here. Glass, brushed metal, and the quiet hum of moneydoing what it always did best.Well, well, Dorothy. You’re not in Kansas anymore.Reese took a breath before stepping inside, rolling her shoulders once, the way she did before climbing into a car.
Ready.
Shanelle Laurens was already there, standing near the windows with a tablet tucked under her arm. She turned as Reese entered, her smile sharp and appraising in a way that felt deliberate rather than unkind. A Black woman in a sport dominated by white men would surely have her work cut out for her, but Shanelle knew the business of racing more than anyone. She was well respected, but it hadn’t always been that way.
“Reese,” Shanelle said. “Right on time.”
Reese returned the smile. “I try to be.”
“Good to see you and thanks for heading straight in.” Shanelle gestured toward the table. “We’ll get started in a minute. I want you to meet someone first.”
A man leaned back in one of the chairs, arms crossed, posture relaxed in the way of someone accustomed to taking up space. He stood when Reese approached. Tall, dark-haired, trimmed beard, immaculately put together in Laurens’ team gear. She recognized Marco Faz right away. The reserve driver she’d be replacing. He now had Tyler Lock’s seat for the rest of the season. This was just as big an opportunity for him as it was for Reese.
“Marco,” he said, offering a handshake that was firm but brief. He sat down immediately. His eyes flicked over Reese in a quick, dismissive sweep before settling back on her face. “I drive for Laurens.”
Reese blinked, caught off guard by the abrupt greeting. “Reese Maddox. The new reserve, apparently.”
Marco’s mouth twitched. “We’ll see.”
There it was. Subtle enough to deny later. Loud enough to hear clearly. Shanelle tossed a look her way, likely assessing if Reese had the thick skin she’d need in this environment. She did.
Reese smiled at Marco anyway, projecting calm. “That’s usually how these things work.”
Marco tilted his head, studying her now, curiosity edged with something sharper. “You’ve got quite the following,” he said. “The internet likes you, which I suppose, is why Laurens does.”
“All right, Marco,” Shanelle said. It was a quiet warning. Shanelle didn’t miss the implication. Neither did Reese.
“What?” he said, breaking into an oversized grin. “I’m just kidding around with the new kid in school.”
