Racing for Freedom - By Bec Botefuhr Page 0,48
just how dangerous Michael Devaroe was now and it scared the hell out of me because I didn’t know the lengths he would go to, to ensure I lose at the big race next month.
Chapter Thirty
“Lucas!” I cry, grinning and leaping at my friend.
It’s been three weeks since that awful night at the track and I have recovered well. I’m grateful that I had time to recover for the semi-finals because I would have never been able to race with the damage done to my ribs. Lucas has finally come back after his time away, and seeing his face makes my heart swell with happiness.
“Dash! I’ve missed you!”
He swings me around and I giggle. “Me too, I’m so glad you’re back!”
He puts me down and looks over me. “I’m sorry I didn’t call, I just needed…”
I frown and put my finger up. “Don’t, you don’t have to explain anything.”
He grins and nods. “How are you feeling? Big race is next week?”
“I’m nervous,” I admit.
“You’re gonna kill it!”
I beam. “How are you feeling?”
His face twitches just a touch, but he keeps his smile. “I’m good, I have realized I’d rather my friendship with you to last, then I would to lose it over something so petty. I am moving on, I’ve accepted you’re with Slade and I will get over it. I don’t want to lose you Dash.”
I nod, biting my lip. “I don’t want to lose you either Lucas, thank you for coming back…I was so worried you wouldn’t and…”
He cuts me off with a finger to my lips. “I would never just leave you without a goodbye.”
I grin and punch his arm lightly. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Do you need a ride to the track?”
He looks over my red and white racing shirt and I smile. “That would be great.”
He leads me to his car and we begin driving to the track. Slade is working so I am going to do a few practice rounds. Dad has been onto me to get my ass into gear and get these corners perfect. I smile when thinking about dad, he’s come so far. He goes out a little more each day, usually it’s only to the track but yesterday he ventured to the grocery shop. I’m proud of him for that, because I know the effort he has to put in.
“So, what did you do when you went away?” I ask Lucas, then lean down to play with his radio.
“Just went and visited my brother in Sydney. It was good, I got my head cleared.”
“Oh, well, that’s great Lucas.”
He smirks and looks at me from the corner of his eye. “Don’t sound so convinced…”
“I am! I’m happy for you.”
He laughs and we begin singing along to the song on the radio. I’m so glad this hasn’t ruined our friendship. I was so worried he’d come back and things would be weird but they’re not. We talked a little on the phone over the past two weeks and slowly things got easier for us. Our friendship is everything to both of us.
When we arrive at the track, it’s quiet. I head over to the garage with my key and get my car out. Lucas follows, chatting to me about his brother and his wife as we walk. I laugh and joke with him a little longer before he tells me he has to get to work. With a quick hug, he’s gone and I’m alone to practice some more. I get in my car and start her up, then I begin doing some warm up laps.
I do lap after lap once the warm up is over and I’m onto my serious practice. It’s not often I can get down to the tracks to practice alone, but John gets me access a couple of times a week. I pick up my speed as I glide around the bends. I’ve learned this track, I know it in my head and slowly the corners are getting easier but they’re still so frustrating and I still can’t get them at a good speed. When I stop my car, I’m angry. I am practicing but I can’t get these corners perfect and until I do, I won’t get a good place in the race.
I get out of the car and snarl a curse, kicking the tire. Dammit, seriously, dammit. I hear a chuckle behind me and I spin to see Slade leaning against a pole grinning at me. Stupid beautiful man and his stupid beautiful grin. He saunters