34. Chapter 34
Chapter thirty-four
“ L et’s make a video for the fans. We should stand with the ADL and express our gratitude that they were able to get everyone help last night after the stairway accident. You can give a quick statement about your win and thank your sponsors.” I am already pulling my GoPro out of my bag when we finish unloading the trailers at the Smoke and Mirrors shop. It was a long trip and everyone is tired, but I think this is important enough to spend a few minutes on.
“Good idea, Shelby, we need to keep everyone happy,” Paul says as he sets down the last box. “Griff, you good?” He looks outside the garage doors and catches Wyatt heading toward his car. “Hey, Wyatt! Get your ass back here. You can help, too.” He chuckles as Wyatt stops mid-step and his shoulders slump.
“You fucking slave driver. I’m beat to hell and just want to crash,” he grumbles with a half smile as he turns and makes his way back to the shop .
I get the camera turned on and face the guys standing in the doorway of the shop. All three of our cars are framed in the shot, full wraps on each. A sense of pride explodes through my heart that I am a part of this team. I may not be driving, but I can support the guys who are, and be a part of this whole experience in a way that still makes a difference.
“Say cheese.” I laugh as I hit record. “Wyatt, you came in fourth at the Laguna Seca competition yesterday. How do you feel your runs went?”
“I did my best and was pretty pleased with my performance. It sucks to get knocked out of the bracket, but that’s racing. Coming up against a teammate is never fun, but I feel I lost to a worthy opponent who just happened to drive better than I did in those heats. My car has been amazing, Smoke and Mirrors keeps it running tight, and I can’t wait for Irwindale next week.” He smiles, his dimples appearing as he crosses his arms across his Slay All Tires T-shirt and shifts from foot to foot. I nod at him and turn my attention to Griffin.
God, he’s beautiful. I love looking at him. Any of my lingering embarrassment from his late night rejection is muted enough today to allow me to talk to him without feeling too stupid. He rode in the same truck with me again, but he sat up front while I was in the back, my leg propped up on the bench seat. I spent a lot of time staring at his dark hair and remembering the feel of our bodies together. It was an uncomfortable ride, at least for me, and not just because my shin was killing me. I shake myself out of my reverie.
“Can you give us your thoughts on the competition?”
“I feel like my performance speaks for itself.” I bite my lip, hoping this answer won’t devolve into a typical, Griffin cocky-as-all-hell, response. “All of the drivers did a great job. In this sport, anyone can take it on any given day. I had the right car and the right team behind me to make it my night. I feel lucky that both my teammate and I made it to the final four. We’ve got great sponsors supporting us, making sure our cars are outfitted with top of the line equipment and support when we need it. This has been a rough season for all of us. Between mechanical issues and crashes, there were many instances we didn’t think we would make it through the entire season. In these last few weeks, we seem to have finally found our stride, pushing toward the final showdown in Irwindale with a good history on the track, and despite the setbacks, we have hit the podium more often than not. It just goes to show that having the right team can make all the difference.”
Holy shit, I couldn’t have planned a better sound bite had I written it myself and given it to Griffin to deliver. He didn’t even swear! I’m so shocked I’m not sure what to prompt them with next. Wyatt saves me the trouble.
“We also want to send our love and healing thoughts to everyone who was affected by the accident in the stands last night. We appreciate the American Drift League for responding quickly and rushing to the aid of those stuck in the collapse and making sure everyone was taken care of. Freak accidents like that happen every once in a while and take us by surprise. Quick responses from the ADL and emergency services made sure nothing worse happened. We hope to see the fans out in force next weekend in Irwindale.” He gives a half wave and I end the recording, knowing we won’t have to try for a second take .
“Nice work, guys. That was perfect. I’ll just get it uploaded and send it out on our social pages.” I’m already walking back to the office to grab my bag so I can head home.
“Hey, Shelby,” Paul calls from the garage. I turn toward him expectantly. “Come over for dinner tonight. We’ll get the whole team together and do a little celebrating since we missed out yesterday.”
“That sounds really nice. I should be able to get this onto a computer and uploaded within an hour. That work for you guys?”
“Yeah, Marny has something started already, I’ll let the guys know, too.”
Dinner was a reminder of home and family. Marny made food that I couldn’t stop eating and the conversation was flowing. The good-natured hassling the guys gave each other, and me, for one reason or another was a relief. It made me realize that, despite the shit that has gone down lately, we are all still cool. I’m glad no one has harbored any hard feelings toward me for fucking up and thinking I needed to bail to get where I want to go.
I half expected Griffin to follow me to my car, or meet me by my door, and can’t help feeling disappointed when he does neither. I do want to give him time, but I don’t have to like it. I know I about broke his heart last week. Me changing my mind and sticking around isn’t enough to rebuild that trust. Even my over-the-top flirting and blatant desire to be with him won’t put a dent in his armor. I have to let time close those rifts. Meaning what I say and saying what I mean will help. I will let my actions speak louder than my words. I’m just not sure how or when I can really put all of that into play. I do know that when he is ready, I will be here waiting with open arms. Now if I could just get my patience to cooperate.