Page 93 of Well Played

We’ve avoided each other all night, needing to focus on the race. Now the cars are getting pushed off for the A Main and Eddie and Charly are wheel to wheel next to each other in the front row.

In about a half hour, we’ll find out if Eddie wins his third championship or if Charly will get her first. After the engine fires, I run for the back of the truck so I can stand in the bed and watch the race.

Eddie and Charly swap the lead on every other lap and I’m honestly not sure who I want to win. Either way, the fans are getting a great show and they’re both racing better than they have all season.

Our teams have meshed together, and we’re both cheering with each pass and slide that comes. When the white flag flies, Eddie’s in the lead coming into turn three from the backstretch, but Charly slides around him on the outside, shooting forward as they round the fourth turn.

Both cars speed up the front stretch, but Charly gets ahead by the barest margin of the front wing. My heart leaps in excitement for her and regret for Eddie’s loss. Around me, my guys are cheering for Charly just as much as they would for Eddie.

Charly pulls the car around to the scale and then steers up onto the winner’s platform, Eddie waiting in line behind her.

Flashbulbs pop as she climbs out of the car and a confetti cannon explodes, spraying paper squares everywhere. Eddie pulls the car off to the side so when it’s his turn, he can get his picture taken with the giant check.

Both of our crews jump and hug each other, shaking hands and slapping backs as we try to get ourselves organized. In the chaos, I catch Eddie congratulating Charly and then moving aside so the focus can remain on her.

I linger in the back of the stage, not wanting to intrude on her moment until she looks around, catching my eye and motioning me forward. When I step out from the crowd, she throws her arms around me and plants a kiss on my cheek. A mile wide grin lighting up her face.

The flashbulbs are blinding, and I lean close so she can hear me over the cheers. “Are you sure about this?”

“I’ve never been more sure of anything.” She smiles, keeping a hold of my hand and pulling me forward with her. “I’m keeping you, and that’s all there is to it. Let them take as many pictures as they want.”

My heart swells and I force myself not to cry. “I love you Charly Dane.”

“I love you too, Robbie.” Without hesitation she plants a big, sloppy kiss on my lips and I dip her low as we’re surrounded by the loud cheers of the crowd.

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