Chapter 5
FIVE
REGAN
After another win in the books, I’m running on full adrenaline. I bring the car to the victory lane to celebrate with Dad and the rest of the crew. I climb out of the car, confetti and champagne covers me with a wave of cheers behind it.
Dad comes up and gives me a big hug that lifts me up off the ground. This is my third this season, giving me an even bigger points advantage.
Cup series, here I fucking come.
Katarina Jaxson approaches me, microphone in hand and her camera crew following right behind her for a post-race interview. Her bright red hair is tied in a high ponytail that contrasts the black headphones she wears over her ears. Her smile is bright, reaching her brown eyes.
“What a race, Regan! You clenched another win for this season, that’s three. How are you feeling?” She thrusts a microphone in my face for my response.
“We had a great car. The crew was just amazing and kept me out toward the front all day. Just glad we’re able to keep our points lead to get that Cup spot next season,” I say with a big smile.
“Thanks, Regan. Congrats on the win,” she says as she turns back toward the camera to take the broadcast back to the booth commentators.
After taking all the photos needed for the sponsors and more post-race interviews, I’m finally able to head back to the infield to my RV and change out of my disgusting fire suit.
I walk into the bus-style RV and head toward the back bedroom that Dad is nice enough to let me have so that I can have some privacy, while he sleeps on the pull-out couch in the living room.
The RV starts to shake before I hear the door open then shut as I change into my pajamas after my shower.
“Regan, you in here?” Dad calls.
“Yeah, I’ll be right out,” I shout from behind the closed door. I finish changing into an oversized shirt and sweatpants, and walk out to Dad sitting on the couch. I sit next to him, and he pulls me into another hug.
“Great race today, kiddo.” He lets go and I see his face beams with pride. “One step closer to Cup. Did you see Dixon’s interview after?”
I shake my head. I try to avoid Dixon’s face as much as humanly possible, especially after races. Dad hands me his phone with a video already cued up and ready for me to hit play. I tap the screen and Evan Knight’s voice fills the room.
“How do you feel about the outcome of today’s race?” The cameraman follows them, but Dixon doesn’t turn around to answer his question. “How are you feeling on your championship chances with Brady’s win today?”
The mention of my name makes him stop dead in his tracks. I have a sinking feeling this isn’t going to be good. He shakes with rage, and he’s going to tell Evan exactly what’s on his mind.
“You want to know how I feel?” he asks with a bite to his tone.
“It sucks that we fought all day in a backup car to make it to the front, only to lose out in the end to someone who barely had to work at getting there. Brady was in the right place at the right time. Not sure she really deserved that win.”
My mouth drops open in disbelief. Didn’t deserve the win? He has to be joking, right? Unfortunately, there’s still more to this video.
“Do you think you can catch her points lead?”
“There’s still half a season left and time to take what I have actually worked hard for, and not just handed to me.” That’s when he turns and walks off, and the video cuts to the announcers back in the booth.
I hand Dad his phone, and I can feel my fists clenching into tight balls, my nails digging into my palms in anger.
“What the fuck? He’s such a prick. How the hell can he say that?” I shout, my anger taking over.
Dad puts a hand on my shoulder, and it brings me down. My anger losing it’s grip on me almost instantly.
“Relax. Your talent speaks volumes on that track. Don’t let Dixon or anyone else for that matter, get under your skin.”
I sink back into the couch. “You’re right. We’ll continue to kick ass next week.”
Dad smiles and raises a hand for a high five that I reciprocate. It’s corny, but it helps me forget how angry I just was.
“That’s right. Get some sleep. We leave early tomorrow.”