The thought sobered her because a replay was certainly not what she intended either. She strolled to Julie and slung an arm around her shoulder. “I will get my shit together. That means doing my homework and preparing every time I pull onto the track, whether it’s practice, qualifying, or a race. New leaf time. New Reese.”
“I’m going to hold you to it because I honestly think this is our last chance.”
“You meanmylast chance,” Reese said. Julie’s eyes softened with regret. They both knew it was true. Julie’s star was on the rise in the racing world, and she’d be just fine if Reese was never offered another seat. The idea slashed at her, imagining Julie partnering with another driver, one who delivered. Which is why she couldn’t let that happen. Reese sighed. “I know I’m capableof more than I’ve shown people.” She scrunched one eye closed. “Just one fun drink? I’ll buy.”
“You’re unbelievable.”
“But also, incredibly lovable. Wouldn’t you say?” Reese asked.
“Ask me again after you win something.”
CHAPTER 2
FALSE START
Sloane preferred sitting at the bar over anywhere else in the restaurant. From there, she had the best view in the house — the chefs moving in practiced choreography, the bartender’s easy charm with customers, the front door swinging open to let in the night air and new faces. Drinks arrived faster, the food felt more casual, and she never had to crane her neck to flag someone down. Plus, people-watching was a sport on race weekend, and the bar was the front row.
She checked her watch. The academy’s kickoff reception was set to start in half an hour, but she didn’t feel the need to be there at six on the dot. Her role that evening was small, which she took comfort in, seizing the chance to ease herself into the world she’d been on the outskirts of for so long. Veronica would introduce her during her welcome speech, and Sloane would then be free to enjoy the reception and get to know the drivers and their teams with whom she’d be working. After that, she planned to slip away at the earliest possible point, having fulfilled her responsibility. Hopefully, this brief pregame would help ease her nerves.
“Hi,” a woman from three stools over said, once the space between them was vacated by two men who’d been arguing overthe quality of wine in America. She wasn’t sorry to see them go. “I don’t want to bother you at all. In fact, tell me if I am, but I have an ask.” Except it wasn’t just a woman, it was Reese Maddox. She’d seen her arrive with her engineer about twenty minutes ago. She was gorgeous and walked through the room as if she belonged there. Long dark hair, sea green eyes that could easily read blue in the right light. She understood why Veronica had recruited her to the academy despite her less-than-stellar record in F2.
“You’re okay. What can I do for you?” She tacked on a smile, knowing they’d be working together soon. Perhaps Reese wanted to introduce herself.
“I’m not from around here and was hoping to get a restaurant recommendation.”
“Oh.” Reese apparently hadn’t recognized Sloane, which was entirely okay. “I don’t know the area all that well, unfortunately.” She turned back to her martini. There would be time for small talk at the reception. After all, this was supposed to be Sloane’s quiet recharge time, and she planned to claim it. Polite and short usually did the trick. Reese picked up her drink and slid down two chairs until she was seated next to Sloane. She smelled unexpectedly of vanilla and sandalwood. Sloane would have appreciated the combination if she’d wanted any company at all.
“Are you staying at this hotel?”
“That’s kind of a personal question, don’t you think?” Sloane said. Where was that engineer to wrangle her?
“Fair enough.” Reese tapped her rocks glass with the tips of her fingers, her manicured nails clear with polish. “We don’t know each other. Why would you want to share that information? Easy fix. I’m Reese.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you, too.”
“I’m in town for the week for the Grand Prix.” She gestured with her head out the large picture window that overlooked the Miami International Autodrome. “Race weekend.”
“Ah.”
“I’m a driver.” Reese met her eyes and waited, surely expecting a more pronounced reaction. Sloane had a feeling that the line probably opened up a lot of doors when it came to picking up women. She just hadn’t expected to be one of them coming into tonight.
She decided to play along and widened her eyes. “Are you kidding? As in professionally?”
“Yes,” Reese said, looking very serious now. “It’s what I do for a living. I am a professional race car driver.”
“Wow. That’s really impressive.”
“You should come out and catch a race. The weather’s supposed to be beautiful this weekend.”
Sloane sipped her drink. “You know, I just might.”
“I’d be happy to teach you a few things about racing to, you know, give the experience context.”
“Oh yeah? What would you teach me?” This was getting good.
Reese turned sideways on her stool so she faced Sloane. “Well, first of all, the cars all line up on the grid.”
