Page 52 of Full Throttle 2

Colby was touched.

“This last year has been tough, but I promise we’re turning a corner.”

Colby wasn’t so sure. “I know you’re working hard, but we both know the Glenmore sponsorship is not enough to sustain Lockwood past this season.”

“You’re right; it’s not. And luckily, there’s only two more races. But listen, I’m working on a couple of major deals. I haven’t mentioned them because...” Brian was tempted to go into further details but decided not to give Colby false hope. Instead, he took another track. “You want me to have faith in you, and I do. But I need you to do the same. Have faith in me.”

Colby knew that Brian was working hard to secure sponsorships, but it would be a lie to say she wasn’t nervous about their future. Still, faith was something she knew all about. Faith led her to be the first Black woman ever to win a NASCAR premier league race and to remain one of its top drivers.

His eyes bore into hers, waiting for an answer. It was the same determined look she’d seen in Liam a million times. How could she not trust him?

Colby released a loud sigh. “That Lockwood determination comes only second to the determination of a James.”

Brian was relieved and cracked a small smile. “The toughness of the James women should be studied in colleges and universities.”

There was a knock on the door, and seconds later, Gonzo popped his head through the crack. “Sorry to interrupt, but we’re on a tight schedule. Last home practice before the race.”

Colby nodded. “I’ll be right there.”

“Cool. I’ll meet you downstairs.” Gonzo left and closed the door.

“You heard the man. I’ve got to get on the track.” Colby turned to leave before Brian stopped her again.

“Hold up...remember when I said you’re an athlete and not a model?”

“Yeah.”

“I should have added, Mark’s an asshole. Are you sure he’s the right fit for you?”

“He came highly recommended.” Colby wouldn’t tell him that she’d been thinking the same thing.

Brian guided Colby toward the door. “As your boss, I’ll keep my mouth shut. As your potential brother-in-law, Liam and I are going to have to talk.”

Colby rolled her eyes as they walked through the door. “See, this is what I’m talking about. Y’all can’t be talking about me like that.”

“What are you and Brian bickering over now?” Cyrus asked as they walked out of Brian’s office. “You two argue like a couple of old women.”

That comment stopped both Colby and Brian in their tracks before they turned to each other and laughed out loud.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Colby yawned as she and Gonzo walked out into the garage.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. It’s barely three o’clock in the afternoon, and you’re already yawning?” Gonzo joked. “You’re aging right before my eyes.”

“Tired?” Colby pointed to herself. “Me? Never that. This is the best part of my day. I live to drive. Is the practice squad ready?”

“Yeah. They’ve been waiting on the track for about fifteen minutes. FYI...Cyrus moved Abby up from the practice squad again. She’ll be standing in for Chris.”

Colby nodded. “I didn’t talk to him this week. Is he going to be ready?”

“He says he is. Doc said his ankle should be good to go.”

“It makes me nervous that our last practice together will be once we get to Atlanta next week.”

“We know our assignments and can do them in our sleep.”

“True.” Colby was overthinking things. They’d had a lot of defensive practice together since their last race. “I just don’t want a repeat of Charlotte. We must be smarter than them.”

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