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I take a breath and explain all of it. How I’ve been covering my dad’s shifts at the garage, that I kept it from him and everyone else I could.

“Keane and the guys went along with it, but it’s not their fault,” I finish. “He’ll be back to work soon, which means I just need to hold it together for a few more weeks.”

“I’m impressed,” Theo says. “How the hell you managed to work night shifts and keep up in school is beyond me. And you’re obviously doing a good job if the crew didn’t out you.”

Pride rises up, fighting with worry. “Please don’t tell anyone. Especially not your father.” He wouldn’t think fondly of it, particularly from the girl who broke into his property.

Theo cups my face, thumbs stroking my cheeks. “I can keep it from my dad,” he says at last.

Relief spreads through me.

“I like you,” he goes on. “Even if I don’t always pick up what you’re putting down. Even if you’re always two steps ahead of me.”

I like him, too. But—

“Jamie know?” he asks.

I shake my head slowly.

“You want him to?”

Do I trust Jameson? The new possibilities swirling in my head have my guard up.

“He doesn’t need to know,” I decide.

19

Shay: I have a condition.

Jameson: You don’t get conditions.

Shay: Megan joins our team.

Jameson: You’re afraid you can’t handle me alone?

Shay: No. She’s good and she deserves it.

Shay: But also, your toxic ego is a lot for one person to manage.

Jameson: Modesty looks terrible on me.

Shay: Your tires will be trash in Austin.

Jameson: Everyone’s will be. Nature of the track.

Shay: But what if you go higher tire pressure? Megan and I were reviewing the data. You’d have better straight-line speed.

Jameson: And no grip. We’d be sliding all over.

Shay: Not necessarily.

Jameson: Yes, necessarily. It’s called physics, Townie.

Shay: Why did you choose me if you weren’t going to even consider my ideas?

Jameson: Couldn’t stand to watch your sad face in class.

Shay: UGHHHH.