Page 126 of Start Your Engines

My dad sighs and kisses her on the cheek, reminding us of what I’ve realised over recent weeks. My mum was always the boss, but now she gets to act like it.

“Fine. Go, but protect your brother and ensure he doesn’t do anything stupid. He’s been acting out of sorts since he got back, and he won’t tell me what’s going on,” he says with a huff.

“Yes, Dad.” Though, Niki still won’t tell me anything. Connor and I tried to get his plans out of him or learn what happened while he was away, but he just shrugged. I kiss Dad and Mum on the cheek. “Love you both. Keep an eye on Tawny. She’s breaking hearts all over this room.”

With her auburn hair swept to the side and a green cocktail dress highlighting her slender figure and sweeping neckline, she’s the belle of the ball. Her dazzling countenance has caught everyone’s attention. With her slowly emerging sunshine personality and exceptional driving ability, she’s in demand personally and professionally. But she’s also as loyal as they come. With her and Connor driving for me next season, we’re going to cause trouble, and I can’t wait.

“She can handle herself,” my dad replies. “She reminds me a lot of you.”

“Touché,” I reply as I sneak out of the room.

At Dunsfold Aerodrome, I pull on a racing suit. It’s similar to the one I wore as a teenager. I smile at my tattoo as I zip up my white and turquoise suit. My racing history isn’t a curse around my neck anymore but another chapter in my life that makes me who I am. Connor gave me that feeling back. I make a mental note to tell him. I can imagine his swagger after he hears it.

I bump into Niki as I leave the building. In the gap in the doorway, Jacs walks a giddy Connor around the Hypercars we were gifted for the race earlier this evening.

“It’s like the old days,” Niki says, smiling at my racing suit.

I grin. “That’s why we’re here. We three haven’t raced each other since I was seventeen. It’s time I prove I was and always will be the best.”

He elbows me. “Of course you will, sis.”

“Tonight is like an honouring of the past and a celebration of the future. And we get to be reckless adults driving Hypercars instead of sitting in a boring awards ceremony,” I announce to him.

“Do you ever miss the old days?” Niki asks. His face drops, and he refuses to make eye contact. “Things were easier then.”

“I do, but I like this time now. I’ve found something and someone that gives me joy, and every morning, I wake up knowing I couldn’t get luckier.” I bite the inside of my mouth. “Have you ever found that someone?” I ask tentatively.

Niki catches my eye. “Maybe for a brief moment.”

“Do you want to talk about it?” I hold my breath.

“I might next week. I need advice about my future. Is that okay?” I’m not used to seeing my brother’s vulnerability. I dig my nails into my hands to stop from hugging him.

“Yes, always. Come over whenever you want. I’ll listen and help in any way I can.”

He turns away. “Cool, but if I don’t turn up, don’t worry.”

“Whatever works for you.” He’s recoiled from my hugs since returning so I touch his shoulder briefly. I don’t know who he is anymore. “I love you, Niki.”

“Backatcha.”

“Could you have a word with your boyfriend?” Jacs says when we get outside.

It’s so cold that my breath condenses in the air. Christmas is coming, and it will be my first with Connor. I’ve got several surprises planned for him. There is a tropical island calling our name, for a start.

“What’s he doing now?” I say, staring at my man with a grin I can’t wipe from my face.

“What?” Connor throws his hands in the air. “I just asked if the seat went far enough back for someone to sit on someone else’s lap.”

“You’re too horny for my liking,” Jacs snaps, pointing at him. “I’ve established this year that I’m never dating again. I will be happy and alone with my car engines and books. All men are arseholes, and all women are players.”

I hold my hand up.

“Except you three,” Jacs adds. “But I don’t want to date any of you.”

“I don’t want to date you, either,” Connor grumbles.

“Agreed,” Niki says. “Some of us have busy enough heads as it is.”

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