Page 34 of Refuel

“When Kamden tells me that same thing, then I will.”

“Josie,” I heard Kamden call out.

“Kamden, baby. I was looking for you,” she said sweetly, and I almost threw up in my mouth.

“Call me Kash. What are you doing here?” Kamden asked her.

“We were doing a special on today’s race for the sports channel,” Josie said.

“Then shouldn’t you be with the other reporters?” Kamden retorted.

She was hurt by his comment and looked toward me. I shrugged, taking a sip of my water. Josie mumbled under her breath and stomped off.

“You all right?” Kamden asked.

I started to walk toward the garage to get ready before it started. Kamden grasped my elbow and pulled me into his chest.

“What, Kamden?” I put my palm on his chest, keeping distance. He took the cup of water out of my hand and took a sip. My mouth dropped open in shock.

“Josie is lying, whatever she says to you. I’m not her boyfriend, husband, or plaything. It’s been over for a while,” Kamden said, passing me the cup.

“I didn’t ask for an explanation.”

“I know, but I want to make it clear. Good luck out there,” Kamden stated, kissing me on the cheek.

“What just happened?” I muttered to myself.

Thirty minutes later, I was listening to the crowd cheer and clap for me. My family held a huge banner with my name and signs of good luck. I took slow breaths, just taking in the experience and this chance of becoming a full-time driver. I tightened my gloves and double checked my safety belt. I looked over at Kamden hitting the gas, revving up the crowd, and the flag flying back and forth.

“You got this, Ari,” I said to myself.

The announcer came on and stated for everyone to leave the track, and the pit crew moved aside after doing one more check. I gave a thumb’s up and listened to my team over the mic.

“Arianna, are you ready for this?” Jackson asked.

“I’m ready, Jackson. I promise I am,” I replied.

“Make sure you leave them in the dust,” Jackson told me, encouraging me with the family lingo.

Announcer: Five… Four… Three… Two… One… Go!

I sped off, keeping my grip tight on the wheel and feet on the gas, my pace steady and clear, not overthinking anything as a car came up to take the lead. I didn’t panic and continued on getting to the finish line coming in second place as the crowd cheered Kash on. I got out, took my helmet off, and waved to the crowd before thanking everyone on the team. A reporter called my name, and I walked over a little disappointed but ready to get back to driving.

“Arianna, how do you feel you did?” the reporter questioned.

I rubbed the sweat off my forehead with the back of my palm.

“I’m happy for my first time out on the track.”

“You’re busting barriers as an African-American woman in racing.”

I nodded in agreement.

“I’m extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity and look forward to continuing on this journey.”

“Does that include you and Kash Coleman officially being an item?” the reporter asked.

I laughed. “I don’t talk about my private life.”

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