Page 33 of Wrecking Boundaries (SteelTrack Racing #2)

Talladega Superspeedway

Joey, the team rookie, and my personal nuisance, is the only one in the hauler.

“Is Bert around?” I ask. Bert is in our VIP lounge, so the question is mainly an excuse to leave.

Joey jerks and bolts to his feet. “Haven’t seen him, sorry.”

“Did I wake you?” It’s not nap time. Practice is done, and qualifying starts soon.

“Lost in thought.” Joey’s early-season bravado is long since gone. “This season is not turning out like I hoped.”

“I don’t disagree. It’s been difficult for a lot of us.”

“You’re also not a rookie.” Joey sits and spreads both palms across his thighs. “I don’t bring much with me.”

Joey’s cryptic statement might confuse some, but I understand, as would plenty of other drivers. It also explains his subdued manner. Rookies don’t have strong sponsor relationships or fan bases. They also don’t have a record to point to. They’re a risk, and for a team looking to add a new driver, someone like Joey isn’t a first pick, especially when there is a broad pool of candidates in the Xfinity series eager to prove themselves.

Pity strikes, and I take a seat opposite him. “Do you have an offer? ”

Joey shakes his head. “Do you?”

Nothing that needs to be shared with him. “There are discussions, but no final decision is made. You want some advice?”

“Please.” Joey’s response makes me think of a dog begging for a treat.

“Stop trying to win. You’re competing against several more years of experience than you; that strategy is dooming you to failure.” Joey pulls himself up to protest, so I raise my hand. “You want this or not?” He relaxes. “I’ve known your crew chief for a while, and he’s good. He’s also aggressive and will push you to take a lap when you should pit. My suggestion is to try for progress. Aim for top-ten or top-fifteen finishes instead of wins. If your starting position is further back, demonstrate your ability to move up the field. That shows promise, and you’re a driver worth investing in. Master that first, and then work on the rest.”

“Is that what you did?”

I already had a win at this point in my rookie season. “Yes, pretty much. Getting into the playoffs wasn’t the goal; it was proving I deserved to be here. Get a few decent finishes under you, then aim for more. Team owners will notice, I promise.”

“That’s good advice,” he says. I stand, wanting to exit, but Joey keeps talking. “I’ve been wanting to be here for a long time. It feels like most of my life.”

“All of us did.”

“Sometimes it feels like you’ll do anything for a spot, even when you shouldn’t.” Joey’s sour expression changes as his features soften and grow thoughtful. “There’s no point dwelling on what I did; you’re right. Thanks for listening to me, Jake. Do you want something to drink?”

He’ll pour me some of that seltzer water if I don’t make a fast exit. “I’m due elsewhere before Quals start.”

∞∞∞

I slow at the sound of my name. “There you are. I’ve been looking for you,” Derek says as he stands beside me. “Where you off to?”

“Back to my trailer for a quick lunch,” I say, substantially slowing my pace.

Derek sought me out in person rather than sending a quick text message or going directly to the RV. He knows Sarah is staying with me, so he doesn’t want her around to hear what comes next.

“Boone Rivers reached out to me again,” he says, and my heart sinks. “He upped the salary. A lot.”

A chance behind the wheel would excite Derek; that makes sense, but money? “It must be a good amount.”

“After a certain point, it’s foolish to say no.” Derek sighs with discomfort. “If you had a plan, a new ride, or something, I would stay. Jake, you would have your pick of offers. Any team would beg to take you.”

While that may be true, it’s also not the path I want to take. “I already have an investor.” It’s Sarah, but my relationship doesn’t negate the business part. I wisely don’t mention her name, either. “We’re working on another, and I expect that to be resolved soon.”

It will, even if it’s not on the original timetable. The fallout with Sarah’s family delayed some of our plans, but we’re meeting with two contacts next week to get it on track.

“Seriously?” Derek asks, clarifying that he harbored doubts I could pull it off.

“Are you taking the job offer?” I ask, giving him a question of my own.

“Keeping it honest, like I always do.”

Boone Rivers’ offer is a business decision, and he would extend it no matter what. The increasing carrots and the little extras are all obviously targeted at me. If I give up Sarah, this would go away.

This fucking sucks.

“I don’t want you to go, Derek. We’re a good team.” It’s my turn to force the words out. “I’ll also support you if that’s the final decision. You’ll enjoy being behind the wheel again.” Derek’s expression changes, and I get it. He’s testing me. “That’s not the response you expected?”

“I can’t help but think it’s related to the lady holed up in your RV. You two create a love nest, and he sweetens the deal immediately after; it stinks. Look, Jake, I want the job, and it won’t be easy to walk away. Does this big plan actually stand a chance?”

Telling Derek he’s a weapon in our feud would solve my problem. He also wants it, and who am I to refuse? Some guy who can offer half-baked plans with a happy smile? “Does it matter? We may not get along, but that has nothing to do with you. If you go for it, Derek, I’ll be the first person to congratulate you. You’ve been a great friend and a better spotter than I deserve.”

I choose to believe Boone’s decision is based solely on merit because Derek fucking deserves it. This sucks balls.

We’re at my trailer now, and I’m not bringing this problem to Sarah. She’s been hiding her misery under a bright facade, and this will make it even more difficult for her. A new spotter can be found, and Derek has earned this opportunity as much as I have.

“I’ll keep you posted,” he says.

∞∞∞

Sarah isn’t alone.

“Hey man,” Julian says, nodding to me. “I’m here to give aid and comfort to the enemy.”

“Maddie sent him to check on me. Isn’t that sweet of her?”

Julian has always seemed decent to me, despite our limited interactions. However, he also runs with Boone Rivers, so I don’t run with him.

“Very sweet,” I say because I don’t know what else to say. “What answer are we giving to your secret ally?”

She sets a plate in front of me. A turkey sandwich and grapes are my snacks before Quals starts. Sarah hands another plate over to Julian, and a spike of jealousy hits. Why is she making him food?

“That I miss her, and we need a sleepover soon.”

I don’t react, having already dealt with those before. My younger sisters did sleepovers when they were younger. Are those the same things? Picturing her in a sleeping bag on the floor where her brother and Maddie sleep is beyond bizarre.

“If it helps, Boone is his usual charming self,” Julian says, interrupting before Sarah can say more. “He yells, but there’s a note of hidden pathos when he does. His eyes are dry, but I can tell he’s been bawling hysterically. On the inside, where it counts.” He taps his chest.

“Be serious,” Sarah says as she pokes his foot with her own.

My jealousy grows, and I let it.

“Okay, you want me to be serious? He’s upset, but he’s also not telling me his secrets, either. We’re not bosom buddies, you know.”

I laugh, which earns Julian a returning smile.

“Well, give me some advice then,” Sarah demands.

Julian puts down his sandwich and stills as his expression turns serious. “I don’t have any of that. Navigating family is something I no longer do.”

His family scandal almost cost Julian Murphy a Cup career. Like many people, I followed it through sports news channels, but I was more caught up in my own career then.

Sarah’s voice lowers. “Are you talking to them yet?”

“It’s difficult to converse with people who act like you don’t exist.” Julian goes back to his sandwich. “This is amazing, the best.”

“Do you want another one?” she asks.

“Not enough time. Quals start soon,” Julian says.

He’s right. I’ll need to leave soon as well .

“One more thing for you,” Julian says as he prepares to go. “Boone is worried about you. He honestly thinks you’re being used. If this isn’t fixed soon, he’ll increase the attacks.” He looks directly at me. “You’ll lose your spotter if that hasn’t happened yet. You can expect some of your crew members to be next.”

∞∞∞

Sarah jumps at my entrance before tossing her book on the table. “I meant to start on dinner.”

“You can’t cook.” I sit beside her to slide off my shoes. “Coming back here instead of a hotel room is much better.”

“How did you do?”

“Sixth, not bad.” It’s a decent spot to start the race. I wait for her to ask about Boone or Julian, but she doesn’t. “He took the pole again, just like last year,” I say quietly.

“That’s not a surprise. Dad says some tracks were made specifically for a driver, even if it takes time to figure out which one. I guess this one belongs to Boone.”

If that theory is true, then which one is mine?

“Maybe. Do you still intend to wait until we’re home to talk to him again?”

“No, you were right about that. This isn’t the place for it.” Sarah leans on my chest, and our eyes meet. Her dark eyes shine, though no tears appear. She nuzzles against me with her chin as I pull her close. “An argument here in front of everyone would only cause more problems; plus, you two going at it again would make for the worst kind of gossip fodder, and it would earn you both fines.”

“I’ve paid a fine before.” Sarah frowns. “I meant there won’t be another fight, at least not one I started. You have my word.” Please let me keep that promise. “Waiting is the right call, even if it’s agonizing. His focus is on tomorrow. The adrenaline isn’t flowing yet, but it’s already dripping out. He took the pole, and he’ll be looking for a repeat. Us going to ask his forgiveness would only set Boone off.”

“I’m not looking for forgiveness,” she says, all in a rush. Sarah’s stiff comment softens as she explains further. “I want his support, and that’s a reasonable ask. I don’t owe him explanations about my dating life until I’m ready to share them. My only mistake was falling in love with someone he didn’t like. Unfortunately for Boone, he doesn’t like anyone very much. I’ll apologize for him finding us like he did, but not for my feelings. They’re not wrong.”

Boone will love that speech, and I mean that in the most sarcastic of terms.

“They’re not wrong,” I agree. Sarah’s path makes sense for her, but I’m less convinced of it for myself. We grew closer in secret while I amplified her brother’s rivalry. It helped my career initially, and then later, I kept it going because he’s an irritating man. My actions lit a fuse, and now the woman I love is miserable. “Your brother loves you; this won’t last forever.”

She’s put on a brave face since we left her company headquarters a couple of days ago, but that’s all it is. Sarah has hardly ventured from the trailer since we arrived. I surprised her with tiramisu last night; she merely picked at it .

“Julian said he’s coming after your pit crew next.”

“If that happens, I’ll deal with it.”

“There is some good news, I think.”

I smile. “You’re pregnant.”

Sarah falls away, so I pull her back against me. “What? Jake. No.”

“We’ll keep trying.”

“We’re not trying.”

We will be, but that conversation can wait until after marriage. “Then tell me the good news?” She’s shocked enough the melancholic expression is gone. I’ll consider that decent news.

“I know who your final investor is.”

This is interesting. “Who? We aren’t meeting with anyone until next week.”

“Your boss.”

“Bert?” A chill goes through me.

“From what you’ve shared, there are decent odds he’ll go for it. His financials work for a smaller endeavor but not anything of BP Racing’s size. Fronting you with a slower growth model, he can manage that. Plus, you two have more than a decade of history. It makes sense.”

After the rumors started, Bert clarified how unwanted any retirement would be. Some men might relish fishing at a quiet lake. Bert would spend that time longing for the roar of forty engines. This could give him another chance. I could finally repay him for what he did for me and my family all those years ago.

“Jake?” Sarah grabs my chin. “If you don’t like the idea, we can keep working.”

“No, it’s not that. It’s perfect. It makes perfect sense. I’ll talk to him next week.”

“Not like that; this isn’t a casual suggestion.” Sarah shakes her head and leans in towards me. “We’ll arrange a meeting and propose it like a business offer. From what you’ve said, Bert isn’t in a great place. He’s losing what he loves. Come to him like he’d be coming to your rescue again. Let him help you and keep some of his pride.”

“I don’t want to work for him again.”

“You won’t. I’ll be there to manage it for you. I’ll be a minority partner, which makes sense since I contribute the least. You’ll have the largest share.”

Bert’s driving days are gone, but his skill and experience are as strong as ever. “He can do spotter duty or help manage crews or handle sponsors.”

“Well, good, because we’ll be doing everything on the cheap.”

“You’re amazing,” I tell her. “A fucking genius.”

Her brother accused me of using her to further my ambitions, and if he could see the two of us right now, it would lend some weight to his accusation. Dammit, I don’t care. Sarah is the most brilliant person I’ve ever met, and she loves me.

“I’m good at solving problems,” Sarah says, like it’s nothing at all.

“You fixed up your friend and brother. Built your life like you want. You helped my sister and helped me. That’s not solving problems. You’re in serious genius territory.”

Sarah’s cheeks redden. “You can thank me by making dinner while I lay here with my feet up.”

I glance at the shirtless pirate on her book’s cover. “That’s a deal. You read, and I’ll cook.”