Page 7 of Full Throttle

“Is that lil’ Colby?”

Colby turned to see another familiar face. “Yep. It’s me, Mr. Johnston.”

“Couldn’t stay away too long from this damn place, could ya?” Ben Johnston was like a second father, and one of the head mechanics. He pulled her in for a hug too. “How long has it been?”

“C’mon, I was just home for Christmas,” she said.

“True, but it seems like you’ve been up in Washington forever.”

“It’s not like I don’t come home a couple of times a year.”

“That’s never enough for us parents. I hear you’ve been cutting up on the track up there.”

Colby glanced down at her feet. “Word really travels. It’s nothing serious. It helps me relax and stay sane in a land full of sharks.”

“I bet. It is Washington, DC, after all. Anyway, how long are you here for this time?”

Colby rocked on the heels of her feet. “Not sure yet.”

Ben had a knowing smile. “Y’all kids might leave for a bit, but eventually, you come home. Once you catch the bug, it’s like a drug. It keeps you coming back.” He stared hard into her eyes. “In your case, racing is in your blood.”

Colby nodded in agreement. “I just needed some time to find my own way.” She had been running away from her past but was tired of running. As they were talking, the rest of the gang gathered around to welcome her home.

“Understandable. At any rate, it’s good to see you, kid.” Ben tipped the lip of her ball cap.

“Good to see you too, Mr. Johnston.”

Colby spent the next five minutes being wrapped up in the warm embraces of her friends. Although she was the only woman on the team, even if unofficially, the guys treated her like she was one of them.

“How long are you here for?” Another deep voice joined the chorus of the others.

“Zander? Zander White!” Colby yelled.

“In the flesh.” His crooked smile was big and bright as they hugged.

“My goodness. You are a ghost from the past. I should be asking you that. I never see you when I’m home.”

“I’m just here for the fireworks. I’ll be working the Pit today, and whatever else they need tomorrow, then I’ll be heading back to Boston.”

Playfully, Colby punched him in the arm. “I can’t believe you left Daughtry to work for another team.”

“Didn’t I hear that you’ve been out driving with outfits not named Daughtry?”

“For fun. Nothing else.”

“Well, my heart will always be here, but like you, I needed to find my own way. You still working for that fancy-schmancy lobbyist firm in Washington?”

Colby shook her head. “No. I um . . . took a leave. My dad needs me here.”

“Things have been crazy. I know you heard that the potential buyers are coming tomorrow, right?”

She glanced down at her coveralls. “You think I’m dressed like this because it’s the latest fashion?”

Zander laughed.

“Is everything ready?” Colby asked.

“Car is as good as it can be.” Zander shrugged. “Too bad the driver is a real asshole.”

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