Page 34 of Full Throttle 2

Colby read what was on her phone. It was an email from her NASCAR handler, Bryce.

“I sent Bryce Keller an email asking why I was stopped at the door. Why didn’t someone reach out to me earlier to tell me the event had been oversold? He apologized and told me that it had been an oversight.”

“So far, that sounds reasonable.”

“BUT...then he sent his assistant an email, not realizing I was included on the thread. Read it. You’ll see I’m not lying.” Abby’s straightened arm shook the phone from side to side, offering it to Colby.

Colby snatched the phone from Abby’s hand. As she read the message, her lips moved. She was stunned and read the message aloud as if that would help the email make more sense. “‘I rescinded the invite because it’s hard enough managing Colby. I can’t imagine what my job would look like if a whole slew of them made it into our ranks. One at a time is enough.’”

The hairs on the back of Colby’s neck stood on end. She knew there were people who didn’t want her on the circuit, but shenever would have guessed Bryce was on that side. “How do I know this is real?”

“Look at all the information. How would I get their direct phone numbers and email addresses? Does the public even know who Bryce’s assistant is?”

“It’s information that is easy enough to find out.”

“I can forward it to you if you want.”

Colby had a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. “Even if all of that is true? Which I’m not saying it is. What does that have to do with me? You calledmea sellout. What the fuck? You don’t even know me?”

Abby put her hands up as if to surrender. “Okay. I was wrong for that. I was speaking out of emotion. But I’m so frustrated. Like most drivers, I just want a shot.”

“Then do what you have to do to get it.”

“You don’t think breaking and entering, trespassing, and impersonating a Lockwood employee isn’t doing that?!”

Gonzo laughed. “She kinda has a point.”

Colby cut her eyes at him then turned her attention back to Abby. “Calling me a sellout when I donate my time and money for causes that benefit Black women ain’t the way to do it.”

Gonzo turned to Abby. “Facts. Colby does a lot for the community and shouldn’t be judged for what she does with her resources.”

“We never hear about what you’re doing for our community. The media doesn’t tell us that. We only see you surrounded by people who don’t look like us. We have a lot of Black excellence in our ranks, but you’re the only one who can seem to get inside the rooms that matter. It feels like you’ve closed the door behind you. We can’t even get into one of your workshops.”

Colby had wondered why the rooms were always so homogeneous. She figured Black women just weren’t interested. “I don’t have anything to do with who gets in.”

“Well, maybe you should.”

Maybe I should. Abby was right, but Colby wasn’t about to admit that, not while she was still smarting about being called a sellout. Colby got more than her fair share of hate and was over it. Her voice was tight. “How exactly am I supposed to help you?”

“Make space for us. That’s all.”

Abby spoke the words like it was so easy. As if all Colby had to do was snap her fingers. The unrealistic expectations were just too much. “What does that even mean? Hell, I’m still trying to make space for myself.”

“We don’t expect the moon and the stars but maybe you could just mentor other drivers.”

“Like you?”

Abby straightened her back. “Yes, I’m a damn good driver.”

“My father told me just this morning that this garage wasn’t built for good drivers. It’s built for legendary ones. Good is not good enough.”

Abby’s chin lifted slightly as she held Colby’s gaze. Her voice was strong and resolute. “I’m good enough to be legendary.”

Something in her eyes told Colby she believed it. “Then prove it.” Slowly, Colby circled Abby while seemingly taking in her measure. “You’re talking all big and bold. Can you back it up?”

Abby nodded. “Given a chance on a level playing field, I could beat you.”

Colby laughed out loud. “Girl, you are trippin’.”

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