Page 121 of Start Your Engines

“I wanted to say one last thing.”

The team stares at me with heads high and the respect I’ve earned over the season. This isn’t about my dad or Niki. This is for a group who worked hard and came on the journey with me. I moisten my lips and taste the remnants of my mango lip balm.

“As I observe each of you, my team, for the last time, I want you to believe that whatever the future brings, I’m here for you if you need to chat, deal with some shit, or show someone your new baby photos, even if you have an ugly baby no one else wants to look at.”

Everyone stares at Silas, whose ugly baby turned into a swan. He laughs with his hands in the air.

“I also want to say thank you. You all gave me a chance to lead you; I will forever be grateful. You impressed me and made me proud every day of this season. No matter what happens, remember you’re the best. You are incredible. You are family. And you’ve given me the best year of my life. No one can take away what we have done this year. Now let’s kick ass, Coulter Racing Team.”

Everyone cheers.

“A cheer for Tawny,” Macca shouts, because that’s our tradition now.

Everyone cheers with their hands in the air.

“A cheer for Dane the Pain.”

The cheer is gruffer this time, and fists are raised in a fight.

“A cheer for all of us,” Macca hollers, and the team shouts loudly and proudly.

“And finally, and let’s make this the biggest cheer this track has ever heard, and let’s make the other teams jealous, too, because, let’s face it, their bosses are shit compared to ours. A cheer for the best boss in the world, a cheer for Senna ‘Coults’ Coulter.”

The garage goes wild. Dad’s mouth drops open, and I beam. Niki and Ralf jump up and down with the rest of the group.Connor jumps so much that I press my lips together to stop shouting at him. He’d better not break his legs before the race starts.

Connor whispers in my ear as the group returns to their race preparations, “I have a confession.”

“What now?” I grumble, although it still comes with a smile.

“I’m the one that invited your family today. They want to talk to you about a plan Ralf and I devised.”

I lower my voice and pin him with my eyes. “What did you do, Dane?”

“Don’t Dane me,” he replies. He kisses my cheek. “I’ve got to go, but hopefully, they will speak to you before the end of the race.”

“Stay safe, and don’t drive stupid. At twelfth, it’s hard enough getting into the top ten, let alone anything else.” He grins at me. I’ve no influence on him today. “Love you, baby.”

“Love you more.” He kisses my cheek again and dashes away.

CHAPTER 57

Senna

We’reten laps from the end of the race, and Connor has pushed the whole way around. He and Tawny were lucky because three leading drivers had car issues and minor but safe collisions. The pit strategies have worked in our favour. Somehow, we’re now third and fourth in the race. I’ve reapplied my deodorant and touched my tattoo more times than I can remember.

“Just stay consistent, Connor,” I say on the radio.

“You need to make those tyres last, too. We can keep third if you don’t push too much,” Macca adds.

Connor’s laugh down the radio makes me shiver.

“Connor,” I warn. “If you and Tawny finish in these positions, we’ll make the top six constructors.”

“And if I come first, boss?”

“You don’t need to come first. Keep your position in the race, and we’ll be good.”

“Or I’ll give it everything I’ve got and win.” Connor has an arrogance that makes my toes curl and my fingers dance across my tattoo.

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