Page 32 of Full Throttle 2

The smell of octane. The engines purring. This was home.

Colby’s friends were all laughing and trash-talking when she and her father walked into the garage. It felt like a small slice of heaven. Lately, it was the only place Colby found peace and was free just to be.

Gonzo was the first to notice her. He grinned. “The superstar has finally arrived!”

“Superstar?” Cyrus glanced between them, wearing a serious expression. “Ain’t no superstars in here...”—then winked—“just legendary drivers,” he added before walking off toward his office.

Colby couldn’t love her daddy more. He kept her grounded while always reminding her of her greatness.

Once Cyrus was out of earshot, Gonzo continued to tease Colby. “Only superstars start their days in the afternoon. Legends are here at the crack of dawn. We were almost ready to pack it up and go to the bar.”

Playfully, Colby glanced at her watch. “Yeah, because you all are a bunch of slackers. It’s not even eleven yet.” She laughed. “You heard my dad. I’m not a superstar; I’m legendary.”

He threw a greasy rag at her. “Dude, superstar or legend, you’re late! Go to the locker room and get changed. We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

Colby couldn’t argue that. There was always a lot to get done. She moved a little closer to Gonzo so that he was the only one who could hear her, then lowered her voice. “Before I get changed, I’ve got a quick question.”

“Sure. What’s up?”

“It’s personal.”

“Figured. You’re all whispery and standing in my personal space.”

Colby took a tiny step backward, barely moving an inch. “Is this better?”

“What do you want?” Gonzo laughed.

Colby was a little fidgety. “I know I don’t spend as much time in the garage as I used to, but if something big was going on, you would tell me, right?”

Gonzo had a blank expression on his face and pressed his lips together in a firm line before answering. “Depends.”

“Depends? We’ve been friends since we were in diapers. I tell you everything.”

“No, you don’t, and honestly, that’s fine because I don’t want to hear all the mushy shit about you and Liam. Save that for Lila.”

“C’mon! Be serious.”

Gonzo folded his arms across his chest. “I am. Now, what do you want?”

Colby took a deep breath, deciding just to put it out there. “Is my dad dating?”

Gonzo’s head tilted slightly as he stared at her. “Why don’t you ask him?”

“I did, but he didn’t answer.”

“Hmm . . . maybe that means mind your own business.”

“I choose not to interpret it that way. C’mon. Is he?”

“How would you feel if he was dating someone?”

Colby lifted a shoulder. “Honestly, I think it would be great.”

“Really?” Gonzo wasn’t so sure.

“Mom’s been gone a long time, and if I’m honest, it’s one of the reasons I haven’t moved out. I don’t want him to be alone.”

Gonzo nodded in understanding. “In that case, there might be someone who’s been coming around the garage quite a bit.”

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