Page 108 of Fast

“Since his brother died during a race in Bridgeport?” Corey asks. “Dude, I told you this wasn’t a good idea.” He then says to Dave.

I nod, agreeing with Corey. “Yeah, this is potentially so much trouble. Not just because it’s illegal. Official races have a ton of safety measures, and you have helmets for us, but I don’t see any other protective clothing. If one of us got hurt tonight, you’d have a lot to explain at the ER.”

My words don’t have the desired effect.

“Then don’t get hurt.” Dave challenges me. “You know what I’m starting to think?”

It feels like I’m about to walk into some kind of trap, but at this point, it’s unlikely they’ll abandon this stupid idea of racing tonight. “What?”

“I’m starting to think that you’re too chicken to race without all your fancy equipment and ridiculous safety equipment. Fifty bucks says you or your friend fall off your bikes tonight. And another fifty say that neither of you will place first.”

I’m about to tell him to fuck off, but Chance is faster than me to react. “Deal. And a hundred bucks say that I’ll win that premium room with more than ten seconds over anyone but Lev.”

I groan. No, what the fuck is Chance doing?

“Ooh,” Dave chuckles. “Nepo-baby has grown a pair! Maybe you’re going to show us that you deserve to be a Gamma beyond being a legacy. That would earn you a shred of respect from brothers like me, who had to earn their pledging spot. Do you know how I got elected president after the way our past president was ousted? Because I fought hard for it. Like I’ve fought to be accepted at this school and for my spot on the hockey team without a famous daddy, or a long line of ancestors in the ranks of Gamma Delta Tau. You’re on, pledge. Anyone else want to bet?”

That opens a can of worms, and several bets are shouted.

“One hundred on Hunter winning with a ten second margin!” A brother yells.

“Fifty on Reilly winning!” Corey counters.

“Two hundred on someone falling off their bike and needing stitches.”

“One hundred on one or more of the bikes being damaged.”

Bets after bets are made, and Tucker is tasked to keep a tally of everything.

“This is fucking awesome,” Dave laughs. “Betting always makes any sport more interesting. Guys, position the lights the way I explained earlier.” He orders two sophomores who were pledges last year and are obviously on the lowest rungs of the fraternity, except for the new pledges, of course.

Cordless lights are set at regular intervals down the stretch of road that will be used as a racetrack.

Two empty metal barrels are dragged to signal the finish line.

The first five of us line up at the starting line. All we have as protection is helmets on our heads. Most of us aren’t even wearing long sleeves or pants, so if anyone falls on the coarse asphalt, it’s gonna hurt.

“Chance,” I whisper to my best friend. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

The look in his eyes scares me. It’s tough and unfocused at the same time, as if he wasn’t even seeing me.

“Yeah. My father encouraged me to pledge. If he wants me to be a Gamma, I have to do this. He can’t have his cake and eat it too. The ban is crazy anyway, and I doubt we’ll get caught, since initiations are secret. Maybe it’s time to slay some of my demons. I’m gonna win this for Atlas, too.”

I’m worried about his state of mind. I have heard him say his late brother’s name out loud, maybe once or twice since that day in Bridgeport.

As his best friend, I should insist that he doesn’t do this. But since he’s determined, winning takes a backseat to making sure Chance doesn’t get hurt.

Dave stands in the middle of the road, right by the starting line, facing us. “Ok, pledges. Turn on your engines. Ready, set, GO!”

I had forgotten how quick and exhilarating races are.

Chance rides like a man possessed, taking the lead from the start. We’re neck and neck, but even if I gave it my all, there’s no beating him tonight.

“Fuck yeah!” He yells, taking off his helmet, his fists up in the air to celebrate his victory.

I finish second. I don’t know how many seconds faster than me Chance was.

Some of the brothers are celebrating winning their bets, while the losers are groaning.

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