Page 24 of Racing for Redemption (Backmarker Love trilogy #1)
“Since… everything. Taking over the team last summer. Since Mom died, right after Dad.” A lump forms in my throat. “It’s like my personal life just… evaporated. Work is the only thing keeping me sane, but oddly enough, also making me go insane .”
“Have you been out with anyone? Friends, dates, random strangers at a bar? ”
I let out a humorless laugh. “When would I do that? I haven’t been to a Krav Maga class in months. My bookshelf is overflowing with romance novels I keep buying, but never read.” I sigh. “Blake’s the closest thing I have to regular human contact, and he has a family to go home to.”
Anna’s expression grows serious, concern etching lines between her brows. “Vi, you can’t live like this. It’s not sustainable. Your parents wouldn’t want this for you.”
My chest tightens at the mention of my parents. “I know. But I can’t let the team fail. That's all I have left of them.”
“The team isn’t all you have left,” she says firmly.
“You have their love, their values, their ridiculous stubbornness that was clearly passed down genetically.” That pulls a small smile from me.
“And you have me, even if I’m not your sister.
I've been around for years, so… we're practically family. I’m stupidly far away right now, but I’m here. ”
“It’s not the same as having you here,” I admit. “Remember when we could just show up at each other’s doors with ice cream and bad movies?”
“And wine. Don’t forget the obscene amounts of wine.” She grins, then grows serious again. “I know it’s not the same. But maybe… Maybe you need to make some new connections, too. Not to replace me, obviously—I’m irreplaceable—but to have people physically present in your life.”
“Most people at the track either work for me, want something from me, or actively hope I’ll fail. Not great friendship material. ”
“What about outside the paddock? Old university friends? That cute barista who always gives you extra foam?”
I shake my head. “I don’t even have time for coffee shops anymore. It’s all deliveries to the office.”
“Jesus, Vi, you’re breaking my heart here.” Anna pushes her waves back from her face. “You need people. Real, in-person people who care about you beyond what you can do for them.”
“It’s not that easy.”
“Of course it’s not easy. Nothing worthwhile ever is.” She peers at me through the screen. “But you have to try. Promise me you’ll try?”
“I…”
“Actually, wait.” She interrupts herself. “You mentioned the new driver? What was his name again? William something.”
“Foster.”
“What’s he like? Beyond ‘professional and fast,’” she adds with air quotes.
I consider the question as I exit the highway. “He’s… different than I expected. He arrived practically begging to join the team, saying we needed each other, because we’re both underdogs. Then, he charmed the entire garage in about fifteen minutes flat.”
“Go on.” Anna’s interest is clearly piqued.
“He’s been instrumental in developing the car. The feedback he gives the engineers is incredibly detailed.” I pause, remembering something. “Actually, at the team dinner last week, he asked if we could be friends. ”
“He… what ?” Anna sits up a little straighter.
“We were talking, and he just… asked. Said he’d like us to be friends outside of work.”
“And you said?”
“I said yes.” My tone is oddly defensive. “It seemed polite.”
Anna’s face breaks into a wide smile. “Vi, that’s perfect! You’ve already made a new friend!”
“I wouldn’t go that far. It was one conversation.”
“Still! It’s a start.” Her expression turns suspicious. “Wait. Is he genuine? He’s not one of those fuckboys trying to sleep his way to a better contract, is he?”
I nearly choke. “Anna! No. He… He seems sincere.” I think about William’s earnest expression when he’d asked about friendship, how he’d seemed almost vulnerable in that moment. “I think he might just be a nice guy who wants a friend in a new environment.”
“Alright, I’ll reserve judgment until I see photos and conduct a proper background check.” She winks. “But I’m glad you’re opening up to the possibility. It’s a good first step.”
I pull into the underground parking of my building. “I’m home now.”
“Good. Get some actual sleep tonight, okay? I worry about you.”
“Well, I’ll try.” I park the car, but don’t move to get out. “I’ve missed you, Annie. ”
Her expression softens. “I’ve missed you, too. And don’t think I’ve forgotten that you bailed on our Bali vacation. You owe me a proper holiday.”
I tilt my head and smile at her. "I know. I won't forget."
“Good. Now, go rest. Love you, Vi.”
“Love you, too, Annie.”
The call ends, and I sit in silence for a moment, the car’s interior suddenly too quiet, too empty. Anna’s voice always leaves a vacuum when it’s gone—a reminder of how rarely I let myself relax, how few people see behind my professional mask.
I gather my bag and exit the car, the concrete of the parking garage cold and unforgiving beneath my feet. My penthouse waits above—elegant, pristine, and completely devoid of life beyond my sporadic presence. Another space I exist in rather than live in.
But as I step into the elevator, Anna’s words echo in my mind. Maybe it is time to try. To create something beyond work. To find connections that anchor me to more than just my father’s legacy.
Maybe I should explore this budding friendship with William.