Page 77 of Revved up & Ready

“Nope,” I answer without thinking.Shit. Shouldn’t I know his friends? Say something true. Say something true.“He’s mentioned him, but we haven’t met.”

Announcer One: I think this might be the one. Cam’s lined up perfectly for the pass on this turn.

Announcer Two: If it’s not this turn, it probably won’t happen. There’s only one lap after this, and Ludlow has maintained his lead the whole time. It’s been tight, but Hacker has yet to pull off a pass.

Letting Dandy down from her place cuddled against my chest, I lean forward.Pass him. Pass him. Pass him. Don’t crash. Don’t crash. Don’t crash.

“NowI’mnervous,” Bea—who’s also leaned toward the screen—says.

“Me too. I mean—nervous for two reasons now.”

My adrenaline spikes as Cam pulls up right next to Ludlow again—so close I’m worried they’ll both crash.When I was in a motorcycle crash,it was on a turn, and seeing them so close together—

Announcer One: And he pulls it off!

Announcer Two: That was close. Almost looks like they had a little contact there.

A little contact? What the fuck?

As Cam pulls away, he briefly lifts one hand from his handlebars. My stomach drops.Don’t let go!

Announcer Two: Definitely contact. See that wave from Hacker? He’s apologizing for getting too close.

Not going to dwell on that. He’s winning. He’s going to win.Cam’s words from our discussion about his tortoise and hare tattoo come back to me.It’s not over ‘til it’s over. Never get too cocky.

“Now he just has to keep the lead,” I breathe.

“He can do it,” Bea says.

Ludlow tries to regain his position on the next few turns, but doesn’t manage to close the distance between him and Cam in the short time left. Still, I know it’s not over ‘til it’s over, and I don’t take an easy breath until the checkered flag flies and Cam crosses the finish line first.

“He won!” I yell, startling poor Dandy. I quickly apologize and set her down, then Bea and I jump up and down, cheering for Cam.He did it. He’s safe. He’s alive. None of his bones are broken,andhe won.

Wishing I was there to celebrate with him, I send him a quick text.

Me: You did it!

“You got through it,” Bea says as we settle back onto the couch. “Did that feel any better than last time?”

“A lot better. I even enjoyed it a little bit,” I admit. I consider the reasons. “Could be because we aren’t actually there.”

“I bet. Probably helps that he won, too.”

We keep the live broadcast up, waiting for Cam’s interview. When they reach him, he’s standing next to his bike, typing on his phone.

“Sorry,” he says, still looking down. My phone buzzes as he looks up. “My girl’s celebrating at home. Didn’t want to leave her hanging.”

Bea makes aaww-that’s-the-sweetest-thing-I’ve-ever-heardface. “Check your phone!”

As I read it, my face softens into the same.

Cam: Feels amazing! Wish I could hug you.

Half an hour later, when the broadcast is over and Bea’s gone back home, another text comes through.

Cam: Thank you for watching. I know it’s hard for you. Means more than you know.

Chapter 17

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