Page 36 of Full Throttle 2

Abby watched in awe as Colby expertly navigated the final turn, her car cutting through the corners with surgical precision.

Colby continued to push farther ahead as she crossed the finish line first.

After the race, Abby pulled in behind Colby, frustrated with her performance. She drove well—better than she’d ever had—but she wasn’t good enough.

Ben slapped Cyrus on the back. “Colby always has a surprise or two up her sleeve. Damn, that girl is amazing. Abby’s pretty good too.”

Cyrus stuck his chest out with pride. “Colby does seem to make the right decisions, but let’s not pretend Abby is a premier driver. However, I will admit she is talented.”

“True.” Ben agreed. “She might be that diamond in the rough we’ve been looking for. Might be worth coaching. Colby needs better blocking.”

Cyrus agreed. “We better get down there before Colby tears down what’s left of Abby’s pride.”

Colby watched Abby climb out of her car. Her shoulders slumped, and Abby’s face was a mask of frustration. Disappointment was written all over her as she walked over. Colby stood with her arms crossed, wearing a smug look and a smirk that played around the corners of her mouth. Colby shrugged with an exaggerated nonchalance. “I told you I wasn’t going to take it easy on you.”

“Yeah, well, today wasn’t my day.” Abby couldn’t make eye contact. “I took my shot and lost.” Her voice was shaky. “I-I’m sorry I called you a sellout.”

“Yeah, that was fucked up.”

Abby fought to smile through the pain of losing. “Thanks for giving me the opportunity.”

“You should be thanking me for not calling the cops on you.”

“Really?” Finally, Abby’s eyes snapped to Colby’s. “Are you really going to kick me while I’m down?”

“Yep. I surely am because if you want to be a premier driver, you’re going to get kicked, smashed, stabbed, and stomped. Each time, you’ll need to find the strength and courage to build yourself back up. Nobody will be able to do that for you. Can you do that?”

“Seems to be a way of life.”

“Good! Then, if you want to be my mentee, get the video of our race today and study it. The next time we talk, tell me how you could have improved, and then show me.”

Abby wasn’t sure if she’d heard Colby correctly. “Wait...you’re going to mentor me even though I lost?”

“Against my better judgment, I guess I am.”

Shocked, Abby’s eyebrows rose almost to her hairline. “But I lost, and I was kind of a bitch to you.”

“You weren’t kind of a bitch. You totally were, and while it’s a hard pill to swallow, you were also kind of right—not the sellout part—but I can do more than give lip service. For me, it starts right here and now. Winning isn’t always about coming in first. It’s that burning desire deep within our soul that won’t let us be satisfied with just showing up. Loss should have a way of refocusing us. Sometimes, it might even redirect the moves we make, and it certainly can give us a better understanding of the assignment. Today, you helped me refocus and gave me a better understanding of the assignment.” Colby laughed to lighten the mood. “Even though I won.”

Abby fought to overcome the tears in her eyes. Her throat was thick. “You’re bigger than me. I would kick me out, but thanks for giving me a chance.”

“Thank you for being bold enough to take it.” Colby placed her hand on Abby’s shoulder. “And Black girl...let’s make magic.”

Cyrus had overheard Colby and Abby talking. She’d given a speech he would have given. He was more than proud. “Colby James! Enough fun and games. We’ve got a race to prepare for.”

Colby smiled as she backed away. “Destiny calls.”

Chapter Seventeen

Lila had just finished taking a shower and walked out into the expansive bedroom, wearing nothing but a large towel, when she spotted Brian sitting on the edge of the bed.

He was as quiet as a church mouse, but his body language was loud. He didn’t seem to hear or see her come into the bedroom because his back was facing her. His head hung low, and his shoulders were slumped. Brian’s entire being screamedI didn’t get the deal!

Lila squared her shoulders, ready to lift him up and encourage him to keep fighting until the right deal came along because clearly, Glenmore was an idiot not to partner with them.

Barefoot, Lila walked quietly toward him and gently placed a hand on his shoulder. “Glenmore sucks, and they can kick rocks in open-toed shoes.”

Slowly, Brian half-turned. His face was emotionless, and then a slow grin spread across his face. “Now, is that any way to talk about our newest sponsor?”

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