19. Skylar
CHAPTER 19
SKYLAR
T he race is tomorrow, and it’s our only chance to qualify. We have to place or we’re out of this year’s championship running, so the entire team is feeling the pressure. Alek is grumpier than normal, snapping at everyone as he triple-checks everything. Noah is putting out fires everywhere, the mechanics are working overtime, and Mackie and I have been practicing around the clock.
Slumping back into the leather chair before the racing simulator, I stretch out my aching hands. We’ve done speed training, resistance, and then practice and repeat. I’ve barely seen Bones these last few days, but this is important, and I hope he understands that too.
I miss him, but I want him to be proud to have me at his side. Besides, I need to win, and I want to claim my winnings from him. Rolling my shoulders as I stand, I lean into Mackie’s chair, watching his progress as he maneuvers the wheel, his eyes intent on the two screens in front of him.
Our crews are running their last checks. We’ll have team practice once more, and then we’ll head home to prepare for tomorrow.
I’m terrified but also excited, more than I have ever been. I am never nervous before races, but this is different, and everything is riding on it. This is my chance to prove myself, my chance at a new life, so everything I want hangs in the balance.
Hours later, we are all exhausted and ready to crash when Noah claps. “That’s it. We are calling it a night. All we can do now is rest. We have double and triple-checked everything, and now everyone needs sleep. I don’t want any tired eyes tomorrow. No partying or staying up all night. I want everyone to get at least a solid eight hours of rest.” He looks around at his team. “This is Starfire’s year to claim that championship title for our own, and I know we can do it. We’re stronger than we have ever been. Our team is the best, and our racers?” Everyone looks at us. “They are going to bring it home for us, but this is a team effort. Without one, we all fail, so I want to thank all of you for the overtime and effort you have put into this. I know what it takes and how draining it is, but I promise when we hold that trophy, it’ll all be worth it.” He puts his hand on mine, grinning. “Now indulge an old man.”
Everyone adds their hands, and he starts to bounce them as he looks around at us. “Starfire Racing!”
We repeat it despite it being cheesy, and my smile is wide.
Is this what it’s like to have a family?
It feels . . . good.
All I need is my boy and the title, and I’ll have everything I want.
Today is the day. Despite Noah’s warnings, I could barely sleep last night. I grabbed a few hours early in the morning, but I was showered and dressed and out the door before the sun even rose. I’m the first to arrive at the garage, and I sit on the hood of my car, looking out at the track we’re racing on today. It’s one we’ve practiced on, so I know the twists and turns. Our team’s garage stands to the left, our banner above it.
Red Check Racing’s garage is empty next to it, and Blizzard is to the right. There are ten teams competing today. Some of the smaller ones only have one racer, but Blizzard, Red Check, and Starfire are the big three with two. Everyone knows the three of us will be competing for the podium.
I plan to show them how I will snatch that title away.
The rumble of a bike makes my head turn, and Mackie climbs off, stowing his helmet as he heads my way. We bump fists, and he glances at the track. “Are you ready?”
“As I’ll ever be,” I reply. “You?”
“Ready.” He grins. “Let’s show those assholes who’s going to make them our bitch.”
Laughing, I clap his shoulder. “Head in, I’ll be there in a minute.”
I watch him go as I pull my phone out and glance at my unanswered texts to Bones, which is not unusual, but I find myself hoping for one today. I need his strength and assurance.
Skylar: You’re coming today, right?
Shit, does that sound too needy?
Skylar: I hope you are. I’ll look for you.
Shit, that’s even worse.
Skylar: I’m nervous, but I know looking at your face will make it all disappear. Please come.
I’m making it worse, so I tuck my phone away before I completely embarrass myself. I slide off my hood and head over the gravel lot to our garage, where our cars are sitting. I’m not surprised to see Noah inside, but I head over to the changing room when I notice him and Mackie bent together, whispering and looking far too close.
It’s about time that man realized what was right in front of him.
In the locker room, I hang up my jacket and keys and strip, changing into my undersuit as I slam my locker and glance in the mirror. I look just like the boy who climbed into cars in the street, but I feel completely different.
I was a cocky, stubborn asshole the first time I raced. Now, all I feel is excitement and nervousness. I wish I could see Bones for a minute. He would probably call me out on my shit, but it would make me feel better.
Hope fills me as I turn to the door of the locker room as it bangs open, but I slump when I see Alek.
“Well, shit, don’t act too happy to see me, asshole,” he snaps, but he grins and claps my shoulder. “Don’t be nervous, you’ve got this. I’ve seen you race a million times.”
“It’s a little different now,” I reply as I play with my gloves.
“Nah, just pretend it’s the streets. It’s no different, man, just you and the car. Nothing else matters.” He squeezes my shoulders. “Take a minute and then come out. Everyone is starting to arrive. Head out there and show the other racers who you are. Just like on the streets, they sense weakness, so don’t give them anything.”
“Too fucking right.” I nod, and he heads out. I look back in the mirror and force a smile. He’s right. It’s my time to show them all who the new racer is.
My reputation must precede me because I feel the others looking at me. They all know I’m a street racer, and it seems some don’t think I belong.
Too fucking bad because I’m not planning on going anywhere.
I make it obvious as I inspect my car and then watch them right back, waving and taunting them. I give them nothing to pounce on as the time passes. The stands fill up, and I can hear the crowd from here. The cameras roll in, and interviewers circle the pits, searching for their new fan favorites. Bloggers and influencers hold their phones up as they walk between teams, and when one homes in on me, I smirk.
Leaning back into my car, I grin at the girl as she points the camera at me and blows me a kiss. She squeals, turning it back around, and suddenly every eye is on me.
I know what I look like, I’m not an idiot, and it seems my appearance has a positive effect here. People crowd our pit, and Noah throws me a thumbs-up. We need fans and supporters, so I play along.
“You’re the new Starfire racer, right?” someone asks from the small crowd.
“I am. My name’s Skylar Warren.” I wink.
“There’s a rumor you’re an illegal street racer.”
“Now, if I was, would I admit that?” I tease as I stretch. I wink at a girl who gasps when my abs flash by mistake.
“You think Starfire stands a chance? They haven’t qualified in the last two years. Top teams like Blizzard and Red Check are here, so are you really in the running?” an older man asks, a mic on his jacket.
“I think you shouldn’t count us out. They didn’t have me the last two years,” I joke.
“Arrogant,” someone mutters.
“No, it’s not arrogance. It’s just the truth.” I push from the car and straighten, flashing them a beaming smile. “But see for yourself. We plan on taking first and second place today. When we do, talk to me then. Starfire Racing plans on winning it all.” Waving at the cameras, I head over to Noah, ignoring them pointing at me.
“Good job,” he mutters, draping his arm over my shoulders. “Are you ready?”
I smirk. “Ready to kick some ass.”
“Starfire Racing first and second? What a joke.” The dark voice makes us both turn, and I raise an eyebrow at the man in a suit standing in our pit, helmet in hand, with “Blizzard” scrawled across it.
“I’m not laughing.” I shrug. “Are you laughing, Noah?”
“Not even a little,” he replies.
“No, but I will be when I smoke you today,” the Blizzard racer sneers, waving at the cameras.
“Sorry, I don’t have a clue who you are,” I remark.
His mouth drops open as I step closer.
“What I do know is that you seem to be lost, little boy. You better get going. You wouldn’t want to sit out on getting your ass kicked, would you?”
“I don’t know who the fuck you think you are . . .” He stomps toward me, not stopping until we are squared up. “You’re nothing more than trash they dragged off the street. It won’t work. I’m taking that championship again, and when I’m done with you, you’ll remember my name.”
“That’s hard when I still don’t know it.” I grin, not giving into his anger. I won’t cause a scene, but I do move closer. “Standing this close to me, I might start to think you want to kiss me. Do you?” I tease, and he stumbles back as I grin. “No? You aren’t my type, sorry. Now, if you’ll excuse us, our team would like to speak. Feel free to stick around if you really want to. Maybe you’ll learn something.” I turn my back on him, dismissing him, and Noah chuckles.
“You know who that is, right?”
“Of course I do. I’m not an idiot,” I mutter. “Conall is the best. He’s won the last three years.”
“And has a mean streak, so don’t get on his bad side,” Noah mumbles.
“He got on mine. That idiot doesn’t know who he’s messing with. Don’t worry, old man.” I slap his back and step away. “We’ll get you that title.”
“Sky?” I look at him. “Look out for Mackie, will you?”
“Don’t worry, boss man. I got your boy for you.” He curses, and I head to my car as Mackie comes from the changing room. “You ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.” We crash helmets. After nodding at Noah, we step out of the pit and into the spotlight. It’s a small distance to the track where our cars wait, but we don’t look at the crowd, ignoring the screams as other racers do the same.
I don’t let myself look, not until I’m at my car, then I scan the stands. I find Noah at the side with Alek and Evan, waving a flag, but it’s the person beside them that makes my heart pound.
He came.