“Security?” Kensie questioned Malcolm. “I organized this event.”
“Just go, woman.” I chuckled. “He means it. You’re not supposed to be here, even in practice. So, go before he curses you out, and I won’t be able to protect you. Then I’ll have to fight him for disrespecting you, and it’ll be a big fat mess because I would win the fight.”
Malcolm quirked a brow. “Go before you see your man knocked the fuck out.”
“On that violent note, I’m out.” Kensie quickly hugged me, flicked her tongue at Malcolm, and hurried across the track where about four hundred people had gathered to see the racer who could be the first Black man to win a NASCAR and a Formula One race.
I smiled at her retreating figure, waved at the fans, and slid into my car, ready to win. Malcolm repeated the instructions to the crew preparing for our race, then muted the mic in my helmet. I closed my eyes and centered my thoughts before pressing the button.
Only I and this car existed the minute the engine ignited. Gabriel and I drove to the start line, and we gave each other the thumbs-up. My temples pounded in anticipation of the light above turning green.
One.
Two.
My foot pressed the accelerator before his did. The air around me compressed and whistled as I sped ahead. The pressure of the speed shivered my body as I leaned into a curve with confidence and dexterity. Then everything went silent, and peace settled over me. In this realm, best times and competition were deemed irrelevant. I became the wind. Free. Boundless. Endless. Infinity. My uncluttered mind took over my heart and body, guiding me effortlessly through every arc and stretch of the ten laps.
With more than five minutes shaved off my best time, I crossed over the finish line first. The crowd thundered as I jerked the wheel, and my multimillion-dollar car spun seven times rapidly before I righted it and pulled into the pit. Malcolm and his crew swarmed the car, waiting impatiently for me to exit to celebrate.
After receiving hugs and high fives from the people surrounding me, I jogged across the track to the stands, pulled off my helmet, and hunted the crowd for my prize. Kensie hurried down the steps and ran the short distance to reach me. The fans went wild when I swung her around and dipped her for a passionate kiss.
When I righted her, she caressed my face and proclaimed, “I love you.”
The moment couldn’t have been more perfect for either of us as I replied, “I love you too.”
During the after-party, we were inseparable, moving around together. My hand remained on her lower back. Kensie’s deference to me when asked any question that both of us could answer made me want to pound my chest in pride. I’d never experienced such a high as I did today when she ran happily toward me, teeming with love for me. After the rough start this morning, when I thought Kensie didn’t love me or when I ran smack into my past, I didn’t envision such a winning ending.
The people around us were fans of Kensie and had become fans of mine since Valentine’s Day. The few who weren’t fans probably became diehards once they saw my masterful control of the track. Even Tad Gorman somehow secured an invite and congratulated me for beating my own record and the potential to set a new one in Miami.
The breeze of the Atlantic Ocean floated through the open doors and spaces of the house. Guests milled around the pool or throughout the grand room and the living area. Some danced, while others indulged in the open bar and the delicious display of food prepared by Ms. Murielle. Gabriel and the crew danced and drank in front of the DJ booth. Seeing Malcolm flirt and dance with several women made me smile. He seemed more like the fun-loving man I met years ago than he had been since his engagement ended. We’d been so focused on racing, I never questioned the abrupt change in his personality, and he never explained. Maybe all of this would remind him of how he didn’t always take life so seriously.
This was my first true celebration in nearly six years of racing, where I felt warm and accepted, all because of the woman next to me. She looked gorgeous tonight. The front of her hair had been thinly braided in cornrows, and the back was free and wild. She wore the dress from the shop I had bought in Daytona, along with strappy heels that sharply defined her calves and thighs. I couldn’t wait until we were alone, and I would take my time exploring every inch of her.
Saraj went to the DJ and borrowed his mic. “Hey, everybody.”
The guests yelled back.
“This is the party of the year. Thanks to Ms. Kensie and Mr. Canaan for allowing us to crash their own little paradise.”
Everyone cheered and directed their attention to us, and we smiled at the guests. I embraced Kensie from behind while she rested her head against my chest. Saraj had already told us he would speak on our behalf. Cameras were everywhere, capturing the event for Kensie’s social media.
“Can we say that we have the next . . . correction . . . He’ll be thefirst Black manto win the NASCAR and Formula One, and we’re all here for it!”
People cheered even louder, and I raised my fist.
“Any words?” Saraj asked, pointing the mic at me as Kensie shook her head.
I grinned as the mic passed to me through the crowd. “First, I want to give a special shout-out to the fans who know yellow is this lady’s favorite color. Doesn’t she look absolutely amazing tonight?” To the guests’ delight, Kensie twirled in her sparkly green-and-yellow strapless dress. “I want to thank Ferrari for believing in me. Gabriel Marcel . . . Wave your hand, I can’t see you.”
The crowd laughed when he waved wildly. “Thank you for challenging me and for reminding me that we are a team destined to win. Still waiting for you to teach me how to speak French.”
He yelled back, “I got you.”
“Mal, where you at?” I searched the party again.
Gabriel laughed, “Hiding behind me.” He moved, and Malcolm ducked his head, looking uncomfortable in the spotlight. A pretty woman slung her arm around his neck and kissed his cheek teasingly.
“He hates the attention, but I would be remiss not to shout out my best friend and crew chief, who knows cars and how to talk sense to me. Love you, man.”
