52. Skylar
CHAPTER 52
SKYLAR
M y boy is so embarrassed, it’s hilarious.
I whistle and cheer with everyone else, clapping and loudly shouting his name. Rows upon rows of chairs are placed on the lawn of Pine Valley College as they prepare to honor my boy.
It seems they wanted to make something good out of a bad situation, and Bones was given an outstanding person award for all his work in the college and local area—teaching self-defense, tutoring, helping catch a serial killer, and then saving his boyfriend. It’s a PR excuse for the college, but I can’t help but grin as he stands on stage, his face red and eyes wide as he listens to the dean praise him and list all the good he has done.
His father isn’t here, but I make sure Bones never feels his absence. Alek and Evan sit at my side, with Lally and Alice. Countless others are here as well, and there are camera crews everywhere, since Bones is practically a celebrity now.
“Silas Townsend, also known around campus as Bones, has become a figure many look up to. He has dedicated his spare time to teaching self-defense classes both off and on campus, fought for cleaner campus initiatives, and is also a champion of the free tutor program. We are honored to have Silas as a student. Recently, I’m sure you have seen his heroics on the local racetrack while saving his partner. This isn’t the only time Silas has stepped in during a difficult situation. This campus is still plagued with grief over the loss of one of our own, and Silas is one of the survivors of that terrible night. Everyone, including the police officers, praised his poise, strength, and love for his friends. That is why we are here today, to honor this excellent young man who is a wonderful addition to our college.” He steps up to Bones, shaking his hand and posing for pictures, but Bones isn’t smiling, and I know he’ll regret it.
“Yes, angel! Work that camera!” I yell, and laughter breaks out. I see his lips twitch as he fights to focus on the camera. “That’s it! Think Vogue !”
He finally breaks into a wide smile, and I can’t help but cheer louder. His eyes find me in the crowd, and his lips purse in a happy smile as he winks at me. I wink right back and clap. I finally sit as he heads back to his chair for the dean to continue speaking about pride and inclusiveness on campus
“Did you hear?” Alek murmurs, applauding as he leans in.
“Hear what?” I ask, clapping my hands. My left arm still aches slightly, but it’s healing every day. Bones and I have been in a bubble, our very own little world, until now.
“The championship is back on, and the investigation is closed. The final race will be in two weeks . . . . So, Skylar Warren, are you ready to be a champion and get everything you ever wanted?”
I grin at him before glancing back at my boy. “I already have it all right here, but champion has a nice ring to it.”
I roll my shoulder back, testing its strength. I’m as close to fully healed as I’m going to get in this short time. I’m worried it will affect my driving today, but it’s now or never. They pushed the race back as much as they could—I think they felt bad about what happened—but they have to hold it before the world championship starts, so today is the day.
Blizzard entered another racer, and he seems like a good guy. I don’t blame the entire team for what happened, even though some do. Red Check’s driver is back as well, and I’m glad we are all here. I don’t want the win to be handed to me—I want to do it the right way.
“Are you ready for this?” Mackie asks as we stand in the pit, holding our helmets in one hand as we stare out at the track.
“Yeah. It has to go better than last time, right?” I joke.
“Let’s bring it home.” He grins. “Sky . . . there is no one else I would want to race with. I’m glad we are partners.”
“Me too,” I admit. “I never knew I needed one, but I’m glad I have you. It wouldn’t feel right winning without you.”
“Then let’s get you that title and prove everyone wrong.” He bumps my good shoulder and steps out as the crowd goes wild. I let him have his moment as I wait.
“Excuse me, have you seen my boyfriend?” I turn, and Bones mock gasps. “Don’t tell him, but you look so hot in your suit. Can I get your number?”
Smirking, I head over and tug him in for a kiss. “I’ll let you have anything you want, angel.”
“Promises, promises,” he teases as he leans into me. “Are you nervous?”
“Nah, I belong out there.” I wink, but he arches a brow, and I sigh. “Okay, a little. I don’t want to let anyone down.”
“Skylar Warren, you are incapable of letting anybody down,” he states. “It isn’t who you are, so go out there and show them that. Make them remember your name, and then come back here and let me scream it so they know whom you belong to.”
“Dirty angel.” I press my forehead to his. “Thank you for seeing me.”
“I’ll be right here,” he vows before he kisses me. “See you at that finish line. Don’t crash this time.”
“Not a chance.” I grin, thankful he came. I know it’s hard for him to watch me head out there and race again after what happened last time, but my boy is strong, and he’s here to support me. I walk backward, and our fingers touch until the last second before I turn and head onto the track, knowing he’ll be cheering for me in the stands. It’s how it works between us—we support and celebrate the other’s achievements. He’s my support system, and I know I wouldn’t be on this track without him.
I wave and smile for the cameras, and I wink as I pass Noah and Mackie as I walk to my car. I’m just putting my helmet on when the driver from Red Check heads my way.
“I just wanted to say thank you. I have a wife and kid at home who are your biggest fans now. I’d be dead if you didn’t make that sacrifice. You’re an amazing man, Warren, and I’m honored to compete with you.”
I knock his arm. “I just did the right thing. Let’s show them what you’re capable of, yeah? No ruined cars this time.”
“My wife will appreciate that,” he jokes as he backs up and heads to his car.
I nod at both Blizzard drivers before putting my helmet on and sliding into the driver’s seat. I’m starting at the back, but that’s fine.
I’m a hunter, after all, and I’m hunting that title.
It will be mine.
I rev my engine and glance at Mackie. He gives me the okay, and then Noah’s voice comes. “Alright, boys, I’m getting déjà vu, but no accidents today, okay? I want both of your asses to cross that finish line, even if it isn’t in first place. I have a very nervous Bones and team here, so play it safe.”
“When have I ever done that?” I joke.
“Nah, we’re getting that podium,” Mackie adds.
I hear Noah curse, but he comes back. “Fine, then let’s do this. One last time, boys. Show them what Starfire is made of.”
Smirking, I stare forward as the lights flash red and then amber.
Anticipation floods me, as does a slice of fear, but I don’t let it take root.
Green.
I’m off, chasing them down. I manage to climb a few places on the straightaway, but we get jammed at the first corner. I slip past a few more, gaining on the top five cars as we speed, wanting that title.
My heart starts to race as I come upon the accident site. The track is clear, and there aren’t even any marks to indicate it happened, but I remember. My hands curl tighter on the wheel, recalling the weightless feeling and the burn from the flames.
As I hit the corner where it happened, I slow slightly and they pounce, using my weakness. Snarling, I speed after them, managing to catch them on the second lap, and this time, I don’t slow at the turn. The past is the past, and it can stay there.
As I cross the line and head into the third and final lap, Mackie levels out with me. There are two cars in front of us—one Blizzard and one Red Check—just like last time. I respect them, but that title is ours. I nod at Mackie, and he slips past me. It’s a move we haven’t used yet, which is why we saved it. I back him up, like I’m pushing him for their title, and they focus on blocking him on the first two turns. While they are focused on him, I take a turn fast and speed past them, and then I drive off. I can practically hear them cursing as they give pursuit, and Noah screams in my ear.
Mackie manages to slip past Blizzard, and then it’s between us three.
“You’ve got this, Mackie.” I believe in him. He’s one of the best racers I’ve ever met, and I have no doubt he will overtake me one day. He just has this edge to him.
“Go, go, go!” Noah cheers as we hit the final stretch. I’m ahead, and I glance back, seeing Mackie level with Toma.
Come on, come on.
I chant it as they start to catch up, their bumpers to mine. Red Check tries to move to my left and I block him, and then Mackie slips up on my right. We hit the gas and speed forward. I cross the line just seconds before him, Mackie right on my tail, then Red Check and Blizzard.
We slow our cars and stop on the next lap with everyone else.
The crowd is screaming, and the screens are already playing our finish as I climb from the car.
Ripping my helmet off, I hit Mackie’s arms and swing him around, ignoring the twinge, before we pull away. I thank the other racers as they head over, and then I run to the barrier where my boy waits.
He’s smiling, holding his arms open, and I swing him over the barrier and kiss him in front of everyone. “You did it,” he whispers.
“Did you doubt me?” I grin just as Alek, Evan, and Noah reach us. Mackie joins our group, and soon, we are all celebrating.
Noah holds up a Champagne bottle, pops it open, and covers us as we laugh, and it’s the happiest I’ve ever been.
I’m a champion, but as I look at Bones, I know with or without that title, I’d still have him, and that’s all I need.