Racing for Freedom - By Bec Botefuhr Page 0,7

at me. I hate him. I’ve always hated him. He never liked Slade and I getting along when we were younger, even though he never knew the extent of our friendship. A few glances and giggles on the track, was enough for him to build a hate against me and make sure I struggled to ever have a win. He’s evil, in its purest form.

“Where’s Colby? What? Doesn’t he even come to watch his own daughter race anymore? Is that how important you are to him? You could die out here but he’s too busy drinking himself into a stupor.”

I flinch and turn my eyes to the ground, don’t let him get to you Dash. Don’t let him in.

“Dad!” Slade snaps.

I hear Michael curse silently at him, and then turn back to me. I still haven’t looked up.

“Nothing to say Dasha? That’s ok, a loser knows when it’s all over. Best you walk away now.”

I snap my head up and my words seethe from my lips. “I will never give up, he might have given up and I might be on my own, but it will take more than a few cruel words to get me off this track, Mr. Devaroe. Good day.”

I take Lucas’ hand and I walk off, not looking back. God, this is going to be a long…long few months.

Chapter Four

“You should wear red Dash, it’s cute on you.” My best friend Payton says, later that night, as we prepare for her boyfriend’s party.

“Red? I don’t know.”

“Come on, you rock red with that blonde hair.”

I smile at her and she holds up a little red number, wiggling it around and giving me a grin. Payton is quite stunning herself, with dark red hair, light blue eyes and skin like satin. She presses the dress to her body and wiggles seductively and I can’t help but laugh.

“Come on, it’ll cheer you up.”

I shake my head and snatch the dress from her hands, sliding it over my head and onto my body. I’m only in my bra and panties. I adjust it and then stare down at the material clinging to my skin. Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve worn anything but jeans and tank tops or racing tops. Payton whistles and I do a twirl. The dress doesn’t move as I spin, it’s that tight. It’s a low v cut and has little tiny diamonds in a diagonal line across my stomach, making the dress shine.

Payton squeals and pulls out a red pair of shoes. Some fancy title, I wouldn’t know, I don’t own fancy shoes. She shoves me down onto the bed and slips them on my feet. “Ah, the perfect fit, for the perfect Cinderella.”

I smile and shake my head. “You’re far too romantic.”

She grins. “I can’t help it, I’m in love!”

I sigh and roll my eyes. “Uh oh!”

She’s been with her boyfriend Dean now for six months and she’s head over heels. I’m happy for her, because he really is a nice person. One of those men that adores his lady, and is proud of everything she does. He can never say enough nice things about her. She sits beside me and takes my hand smiling at me.

“I’m so happy Dash.”

I beam at her. “I’m happy for you, Pay.”

“Alright, it’s time for us to kick this party. Do I look ok?”

I nod my head enthusiastically, she would look good in a garbage bag. “You look amazing, Dean will melt and snatch you away for a quickie as soon as he sees you.”

She giggles and flushes as though that’s a possibility. Good images for my mind. We stand and both stare at ourselves in the mirror. Payton looks gorgeous in her tight black dress, her hair swept over her shoulder. I take her hand, clutch my purse and we head out the door, shouting goodbye to her dad and mum as we do.

“Have fun girls, don’t be home too late Payton.”

“Yes mum, bye!”

We head out the front door and the air is warm, but slowly beginning to cool down. I love this time of year in Brisbane, it’s always warm.

“Ready?” Payton asks as we get into her car.

“Hell yeah, I need a break.”

“I hear Slade is back in town.”

I sigh, Payton knows Slade and I don’t like one another, but she doesn’t know why. “Yeah, he’s back and causing problems, but he won’t be there tonight, so I’m just going to enjoy a night without his taunting.”

“What about Lucas?”

“Lucas isn’t my boyfriend, Pay.”

She frowns. “I