Page 36 of Homecoming

“What?”

“What you chased for most of your life. Stability, as elusive as it seems to be. I mean, even if you end your contract with your current team, there are others who would jump at the chance to have you.” She paused, pleading with her eyes for me to listen, to hear. “And love.”

We came to a stop and the final touches were made.

I shook my head, smiling behind the visor at the memory of the emotion that was shining in Lola’s eyes as she’d said that last bit.

I had it all.

I had my girl, and I had my spot on Formula One.

This was my time. It was my fucking time.

I looked up and focused.

One by one, the red light shone.

And then, in a blink, they shut off.

The race has started.

“Stop the car, your front right is loose. The race is over. Stop the car, please,” Kevin repeated for the twelfth time.

There was no fucking way I was leaving my car on the side of the track, so I drove it to the pit.

No fucking way was I walking back, and giving the satisfaction of watching me humiliated to Max and his dad.

How the fuck had things turned so bad since the start of the season?

Sure, there were indicators of his temper and tells of how much of a spoiled little brat he was, but this was unacceptable.

As I came into his view, Kevin said, “Sorry man, I don’t know what happened. We’ll have a meeting and talk about his behavior.”

“I think it’s pretty obvious what happened. I’m not gonna stand for this bullshit any longer.”

“But—”

“No.” I raised my hand from the wheel and pointed at Kevin who had turned in his seat, watching me navigate the pit.

He hadn’t made a single sound. But I knew he was going to say something.

I didn’t have the patience to listen. There was no coming down from this.

Crashing me into the wall on the second to last lap?

That was unforgivable.

I ripped out the wheel and handed it to the nearest mechanic, before undoing my seatbelts, and hoisting myself out of the car.

I was livid.

There was only one thing that could calm me down.

Only one person could understand me.

I beelined to her and dragged her to my room.

Ripping my helmet and facemask off, I threw them on the couch and started pacing.