Page 13 of Octane

That’s when it truly hits me. He does own the place.

CHAPTER FIVE

The man I quarreled with in the elevator. The one who I called incompetent and almost hit with mycaris the same man I am interviewing with. To be a member of his racing team.

Now I know where I’ve seen him before. I didn’t recognize him because we live in the same building, and he’s not a model. I’ve seen him in magazines and online in blogs and tabloids, though. He’s always either in a tux with one of many gorgeous blonde women on his arm, or he’s in a racing jacket, sporting a backwards hat and sunglasses.

How can I be so stupid?

I feel my dream crumble into dust and float away. There is no way, after the few interactions I’ve had with him, that he’s going to give the last spot on his team to me. I grab onto the arm rests of my chair and my head falls forward.

“Oh, God,” I whisper to myself as I start to feel the tingle of panic swim through me.

“Sawyer, what’s wrong?” Vic crouches down in front of me.

I look him in the eye and apologize.

“I’m so sorry Vic.”

“What are you sorry about?”

“Remember the guy from my garage this morning? The one who I argued with? It’s him.”

Both Vic and I take a look at Jackson, who’s standing still with a goofy grin on his face and his hands in his pockets, loving every minute of watching this unfold before him.

Of watching me shatter.

“Oh,” Vic mutters.

He stands before proceeding. “Mr. Powell, thank you so much for meeting with us this morning.”

Vic offers Jackson his hand, and Jackson takes it.

“The pleasure is all mine, Vic. I’m glad you’re here. Both of you.”

My head snaps up so I can look at his face. I don’t believe him. Why would he be glad to see me? For my rude attitude toward him the two times that we’ve met prior to today, or for my poor display of driving skills that he witnessed in the garage this morning?

“I’m Jackson.” His introduction is directed toward me where I sit immobile in my chair, the ten-ton weight in my gut holding me down. “We haven’t been formally introduced yet. Though I’ve known whoyouare since the elevator incident last week.”

It takes a moment for the shock to wear off, but finally, I’m able to stand and accept his handshake.

“Mr. Powell. Nice to officially meet you. May I add that I am profusely sorry for my attitude the past couple of times we’ve crossed paths.”

“Nonsense. Not only have you tried to rescue me from being stuck in an elevator, but you also provided me with comedic relief on an otherwise stressful morning.”

My horror is quickly replaced with anger, remembering how he laughed at my driving this morning and Daniel’s voice pops into my head again.

You just don’t have what it takes to be a race car driver

“Glad that my near accident brought you some measure of joy, Mr. Powell.” I turn around and face Vic. “Vic, I’m sorry, but this isn’t going to work. I can’t drive for someone like him.”

This man, Jackson Powell, is just like Daniel. He doesn’t see me as an equal. Only as a silly little girl meant to be seen and not heard.

“Now, hold on a second.”

“Sawyer, I don’t understand.”

Jackson and Vic speak at the same time. The surprised reaction on Vic’s face crushes me. I feel like I’ve taken his support and guidance for granted. Meanwhile, Jackson looks like I slapped him, and damn if I don’t feel like actually doing it right now.

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